Patient's question:
Detailed medical condition and consultation purpose: How to completely treat candidal vulvovaginitisDuration of this episode and current duration: About half a year
Current general condition: Gynecological examination kit
Doctor's answer:
Hello: Treatment for candidal vulvovaginitis can be managed using either pure Western medicine or a combination of Chinese and Western medicine.(1) General treatment: Actively treat other conditions 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) Adjusting vaginal pH: The optimal pH for Candida growth is 5.5. Therefore, rinsing the external genitalia and vagina with alkaline solutions to alter 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. 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; or Daktar suppositories, one per night, are applied to the vagina after rinsing, with 7 days constituting one course.
(4) External ointments: Applying clotrimazole cream or Daktar cream externally can treat vulvitis caused by Candida infection and alleviate symptoms such as itching and pain in the external genitalia. Apply externally several times daily and use for 2 weeks. Eucerin cream, 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 or vaginal candidiasis. Apply to the external genitalia once in the morning and once in the evening.
(5) Oral medication: Since Candida infection can be transmitted sexually