Treatment issues for vulvovaginal candidiasis?
Hello, doctor.
I am the patient who previously consulted you regarding external genital itching without sexual experience.
I later took the time to see an obstetrician-gynecologist, who diagnosed me with candidal vaginitis and sebaceous gland ectopia on the labia majora.
However, since I am studying away from home, I couldn't ask that doctor questions about my treatment in real-time after using the medication.
I have a few questions I would like to ask you:
1.
Regarding the inflammation, the doctor prescribed me clotrimazole cream and antibiotics.
After using them for a week, the itching, redness, and pain have improved, but I still occasionally notice a small amount of yellowish-white, cottage cheese-like discharge, which does not have a strong odor, though it has a slight smell when I sweat during exercise.
Is this normal?
2.
For the sebaceous gland ectopia, the doctor prescribed B-GENCIN CREAM (I apologize for not understanding this; it is the name on my prescription) to apply to the affected area.
After using it for five days, the small bumps that were previously not painful or itchy now have a slight tenderness when touched and have shrunk a bit, but the difference from before seems minimal.
Is this rate of recovery normal, or is it a bit slow?
3.
Since I have no sexual experience, my doctor did not perform an internal examination and only assessed the external appearance.
Although my condition has improved significantly with the medication, I still have discharge.
Could this be a misdiagnosis?
4.
The doctor mentioned that I should return for a follow-up visit when my next menstrual period arrives.
Today, I have finished the oral medication, but I am still applying the cream.
I am worried that stopping the oral medication might lead to incomplete treatment and a recurrence, especially since I still have discharge.
Should I return for a follow-up visit?
Thank you very much for taking the time to answer my questions.
I appreciate your help.
Xi, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2019/10/05
Dr. Huang Jianzhong reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
I experienced vulvar itching without any sexual activity.
Later, I took the opportunity to see a gynecologist, who diagnosed me with candidiasis and sebaceous gland ectopia on the labia.
However, since I am studying away from home, I couldn't ask the doctor questions about my condition after starting treatment.
I have a few questions I would like to consult you about:
1.
Regarding the inflammation, the doctor prescribed a topical cream containing clotrimazole and antibiotics.
After using it for a week, the itching, redness, and pain have improved, but I still occasionally notice a small amount of yellowish-white, cottage cheese-like discharge, which does not have a strong odor, though it has a slight smell when I sweat during exercise.
Is this normal?
Answer: Yes, this is normal.
2.
For the sebaceous gland ectopia, the doctor prescribed B-GENCIN CREAM (I apologize for not understanding this; it's the name on my prescription) to apply to the affected area.
After using it for five days, the small bumps that were previously painless and itch-free now have a slight tenderness when touched and have shrunk a bit, but the difference from before seems minimal.
Is this recovery speed normal or a bit slow?
Answer: It is a bit slow.
3.
Since I have no sexual experience, my doctor did not perform an internal examination, only an external inspection.
Although my condition has improved significantly with treatment, I still have some discharge.
Could this be a misdiagnosis?
Answer: No, it would not be a misdiagnosis.
4.
The doctor advised me to return for a follow-up after my next menstrual period.
Today, I have finished the oral medication, but I am still applying the cream.
I am worried that stopping the oral medication might lead to incomplete treatment and a recurrence, especially since I still have discharge.
Should I return for a follow-up?
Answer: Continue to observe.
Reply Date: 2019/10/05
More Info
Understanding and managing yeast infections, particularly vulvovaginal candidiasis, can be a complex process, especially when accompanied by other dermatological conditions like sebaceous gland ectopia. Based on your description, it seems you have been diagnosed with a yeast infection and are experiencing some ongoing symptoms. Let’s address your concerns one by one.
1. Ongoing Symptoms After Treatment: It’s not uncommon to have some residual discharge after treatment for a yeast infection. The "cottage cheese-like" discharge you mentioned can sometimes persist even after the infection is treated, especially if the inflammation is still resolving. The absence of a strong odor is a good sign, as foul-smelling discharge often indicates a secondary infection or other issues. However, if the discharge continues or worsens, or if you experience new symptoms, it’s advisable to follow up with your healthcare provider.
2. Response to Treatment for Sebaceous Gland Ectopia: The use of B-GENCIN CREAM (which may contain gentamicin, a topical antibiotic) for your skin condition is intended to reduce inflammation and prevent infection. The fact that the small bumps have become slightly smaller but are now tender could indicate a normal response to treatment, as inflammation can sometimes cause discomfort. However, if the pain increases or if you notice any signs of infection (such as increased redness, warmth, or pus), you should consult your doctor. Recovery times can vary based on individual skin types and the severity of the condition.
3. Concerns About Misdiagnosis: Given that your doctor did not perform an internal examination, it’s understandable to worry about the accuracy of the diagnosis. However, yeast infections can often be diagnosed based on symptoms and external examination alone. If your symptoms have improved significantly with treatment, it suggests that the diagnosis was likely correct. If you have concerns about the diagnosis, especially with ongoing symptoms, it may be worth seeking a second opinion or requesting a more thorough examination.
4. Follow-Up and Continuing Treatment: It’s crucial to communicate with your healthcare provider about your concerns regarding the potential for recurrence of the infection. If you feel that the discharge is not resolving or if you have any new symptoms, it would be prudent to return for a follow-up appointment. Your doctor may want to reassess your condition and possibly perform additional tests to ensure that the infection has been fully treated and to rule out any other underlying issues.
In summary, while some residual symptoms can be normal after treatment for a yeast infection, it’s essential to monitor your condition closely. If you have any doubts or if your symptoms persist, do not hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider for further evaluation. Maintaining open communication with your doctor is key to effectively managing your health concerns. Additionally, practicing good hygiene, wearing breathable clothing, and avoiding irritants can help prevent future infections. Always prioritize your health and seek medical advice when in doubt.
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