Patient's question:
Lately, the external genital area has been itchy, and it's a bit painful when touched. There's a lot of discharge, and it looks a bit like residue. However, the discharge doesn't have a bad odor. I'm wondering if I might have some kind of illness and I'm very worried. Thank you.Doctor's answer:
Hello: Based on your condition, it could be considered as candidiasis (yeast infection). You should go to the hospital for a discharge test to confirm the diagnosis.Treatment for candidiasis can be done using either pure Western medicine or a combination of Chinese and Western medicine.
(1) General treatment: Actively treat other diseases that can cause candidiasis and eliminate predisposing factors. Keep the external genital area clean and dry, and avoid scratching. Abstain from sexual activity during treatment. Avoid spicy and irritating foods.
(2) Changing the vaginal pH: The optimal pH value for the growth of Candida is 5.5. Therefore, using alkaline solutions to rinse the external genital area and vagina can alter the vaginal pH, inhibiting the growth and reproduction of Candida. You can use a 2%–4% baking soda solution to rinse the vagina once or twice daily, with 2 weeks constituting one course of treatment. After rinsing, dry the external genital area to maintain dryness and inhibit the growth of Candida.
(3) Vaginal medication: Using imidazole ointments for vaginal medication is highly effective for candidiasis. Clotrimazole suppositories, one per night, are inserted into the vagina after rinsing, with 10–14 days constituting one course of treatment; or Daktar (terconazole) suppositories, one per night, are applied to the vagina after rinsing, with 7 days constituting one course of treatment.
(4) External ointments: Applying clotrimazole cream or Daktar cream externally can treat vulvitis caused by Candida infection and alleviate symptoms such as vulvar itching and pain. Apply externally several times daily for 2 weeks. Eucerin cream, which contains econazole as the main ingredient and a small amount of topical steroid treatment agent, has a good anti-itch effect and is particularly suitable for those with vulvovaginal candidiasis and severe vulvar itching and pain. Apply externally.