Patient's question:
Is it itchy! Red and swollen, what is candidiasis vaginitis?Doctor's answer:
Hello: The most common symptoms of candidal vulvovaginitis are external genital itching and a significant increase in vaginal discharge. The itching in patients can vary in intensity, occurring intermittently. The itching caused by candidal vulvovaginitis is generally more pronounced than that caused by trichomoniasis. Severe itching can make it difficult for patients to sit or lie down, causing restlessness and disturbed 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 dyspareunia may occur. An increased amount of vaginal discharge is another major symptom of this condition. The discharge is usually viscous, white or yellow in color, or may be thin. Typical candidal vulvovaginitis discharge is curd-like or creamy in consistency.Candidal vulvovaginitis is a vaginal infection caused by the fungus Candida albicans.
Treatment for candidal vulvovaginitis can be managed with either pure Western medicine or a combination of Western and traditional Chinese medicine.
(1) General treatment: Actively treat other conditions that may cause candidal vulvovaginitis and eliminate predisposing factors. Maintain cleanliness and dryness of the external genitalia, avoiding scratching. Abstain from sexual activity during treatment. Avoid spicy and irritating foods.
(2) Adjusting vaginal pH: The optimal pH value for Candida growth is 5.5. Therefore, using alkaline solutions to rinse the external genitalia and vagina and adjusting 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 a 2-week course. After rinsing, dry the external genitalia to maintain dryness, which helps suppress Candida growth.
(3) Vaginal medication: Using imidazole-containing suppositories for vaginal medication is highly effective for candidal vulvovaginitis. Clotrimazole suppositories, for example, should be used one suppository per night.