Patient's question:
Vaginal itch? After rinsing with salt water, it became itchy and painful. When touched, the skin near the vaginal opening had small, uneven, grain-like bumps. What's going on?Doctor's answer:
Hello: You may have a fungal vaginal infection, which can be confirmed through a routine vaginal discharge test. The most common symptoms of a fungal vaginal infection are external genital itching and a significant increase in vaginal discharge. The itching symptoms of patients can vary in intensity and frequency. The itching caused by a fungal vaginal infection is generally more pronounced than that caused by trichomoniasis. Severe itching can make it difficult for patients to sit or lie down, disrupting their sleep and appetite. Patients may also experience a burning sensation in the vagina, which is particularly noticeable during urination. In more severe cases, symptoms such as frequent urination, painful urination, and pain during intercourse may occur. An increased amount of vaginal discharge is another main symptom of this condition. The discharge is usually viscous and can be white or yellow, or sometimes thin. Typical fungal vaginal discharge appears like cottage cheese or curd-like. During a gynecological examination, the following may be observed: Depending on the severity of the condition, the labia minora and vaginal mucosa may show varying degrees of congestion and edema of the labia minora. The vagina may contain a significant amount of viscous discharge, or the vaginal mucosa may be covered with a white membrane. When the membrane is removed, the exposed mucosa appears red, swollen, and eroded, or may have superficial ulcers.