Patient's question:
Doctor, hello:These past few days, I've felt a bit of redness in my external genital area, and sometimes it itches. Is it possible I have some kind of disease? What medicine should I use? Please help me.
Doctor's answer:
Hello: It may be candidiasis of the vagina, which can be diagnosed through a routine vaginal discharge test. The most common symptoms of candidiasis of the vagina are itching of the external genitalia and a significant increase in vaginal discharge. The itching symptoms of the patient may vary in intensity and frequency. The itching caused by candidiasis of the vagina is generally more pronounced than that caused by trichomoniasis of the vagina. 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, which is particularly noticeable 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 main symptom of this condition. The discharge is usually viscous and may be white or yellow, or it may be thin. The typical vaginal discharge of candidiasis 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 viscous discharge, or the vaginal mucosa may be covered with a white membrane. If the membrane is removed, the exposed mucosa may appear red, swollen, and eroded, or there may be superficial ulcers.