Patient's question:
How can candidal vaginitis be cured? My treating doctor said that in my case (abnormal vaginal discharge before the second menstrual period, without itching), it's not a big deal and I should wait until after the period to check again. I have been paying great attention to personal hygiene. My underwear and towels are washed separately, and I even boil them. It's really annoying!Doctor's answer:
Hello: Treatment for candidal vulvovaginitis can be achieved through either purely Western medicine or a combination of Chinese and Western medicine.(1) General treatment: Actively treat other diseases that can cause candidal vulvovaginitis and eliminate predisposing factors. Maintain external genital hygiene and dryness, and avoid scratching. Abstain from sexual activity during treatment. Avoid spicy and irritating foods.
(2) Changing vaginal pH: The optimal pH for Candida growth is 5.5. Therefore, using alkaline solutions to rinse the external genitalia and vagina and altering the vaginal pH can inhibit the growth and reproduction of Candida. A 2%–4% baking soda solution can be used to rinse the vagina once or twice daily, with 2 weeks constituting one course of treatment. After rinsing, dry the external genitalia to maintain dryness and inhibit Candida growth.
(3) Vaginal medication: Using imidazole ointments for vaginal application is highly effective for candidal vulvovaginitis. Clotrimazole suppositories, one per night, are inserted into the vagina after rinsing, with 10–14 days constituting one course of treatment; or Daktarin suppositories, one per night, are applied to the vagina after rinsing, with 7 days constituting one course of treatment.
(4) Topical ointments: Applying clotrimazole ointment or Daktarin ointment externally can treat vulvitis caused by Candida infection and alleviate symptoms of external genital itching and pain. Apply externally several times daily and use for 2 weeks. Eucerin ointment, which contains econazole as the main active ingredient with a small amount of topical steroid, provides excellent anti-itch effects and is particularly suitable for those with severe itching from candidal vulvovaginitis. Apply externally twice daily.
(5) Oral medication: Since Candida infection can be transmitted through sexual