Patient's question:
I have been experiencing hot flashes on both sides of the vaginal opening for two consecutive weeks, accompanied by some itching and pain, and sometimes feeling small bumps on the surface skin. I have been using a liquid wash and changing my underwear daily, but it is still not improving. What should I do? Can I use medication on my own (such as Daktarine suppositories)? What could be the cause of this, and how should I take precautions to avoid it happening again?Doctor's answer:
Hello: This may be candidal vulvovaginitis, which can be diagnosed through a routine vaginal discharge test. The most common symptoms of candidal vulvovaginitis are external genital itching and a significant increase in vaginal discharge. The itching symptoms of the patient may vary in intensity and occur intermittently. The itching caused by candidal vulvovaginitis is generally more pronounced than that caused by trichomoniasis. Severe itching can make the patient restless and unable to sleep or eat properly. The patient may also experience a burning sensation in the vagina, especially during urination. In more severe cases, symptoms such as frequent urination, painful urination, and pain during intercourse may also occur. An increased amount of vaginal discharge is another major symptom of this condition. The discharge is usually thick and may be white or yellow, or it may be thin. The typical discharge of candidal vulvovaginitis is curd-like or like milk curds. 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 large amount of thick vaginal discharge, or the vaginal mucosa may be covered with a white membrane. If the membrane is wiped away, the exposed mucosa may appear red, swollen, and eroded, or may have superficial ulcers.