Could Vagisil Cream Is Irritating The Skin While Experiencing Redness, Strong Itching, And Soreness From A Vaginal Infection?

Posted on Fri, 1 Mar 2024

Question: Hello. I am inquiring about a vaginal infection. About a week ago I noticed vaginal itching and obtained a refill on Fluconazole, which my gynecologist had prescribed a year before. At that time, he had found that I did not have a severe yeast infection but a bacterial infection, so he also prescribed Metronidazole. I recovered quickly with that treatment a year ago. This time I took the Fluconazole (1 pill prescription) but did not notice any improvement after a couple of days. I called the gynecologist's office and requested a refill on the Metronidazole and made an appointment to see him on the 31st as I was not able to travel there this week (I live in a rural area). I am not half way through the antibiotic with no change. As the itch and now tenderness is very bothersome, I went to urgent care yesterday, and they prescribed Terconazole Vaginal cream, which I applied last night per instructions. Today I do not seem to be any better. I am applying Vagisil anti-itch cream which gives relief for about an hour or two at a time. There seems to be no discharge and there is no odor--only redness, strong itch, and soreness. The Urgent Care clinic took a swab and sent it off, but I will not have the results till some time next week. I am wondering if there is anything I can do---either medication or some natural remedy--to give relief to the symptoms! I have been sexually active for a year with the same man, my husband, and do not have any history of STD's. I do not know if the Vagisil cream is irritating the skin, but it is the only thing that gives temporary relief--the skin is sore and it hurts for anything to touch it. Thank you for your time.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Rakhi Tayal (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Can be vulvovaginitis.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for posting your query.

As per your description, it seems like vulvovaginitis to me which is inflammation or infection of the vulva and vagina. It may be caused by chafing or friction rub or the second possibility is of an infection can be caused by bacteria or yeast.

Please apply some cold compresses and wear cotton undergarments. Oral anti-inflammatories like Ibuprofen/Acetaminophen are also helpful. Antibiotics like Azithromycin can also help but they should be taken after a prescription from your doctor.

Meanwhile, follow these simple lifestyle measures:

1) Avoid rough intercourse/ masturbation and use a water-based lubricant during intercourse.
2) Wear cotton underwear and avoid douching or using feminine products.
3) Avoid using perfumed soaps and sanitary napkins, bubble baths, and toiletries.
4) Change the undergarment daily, wash it in hot water and double rinse (to remove any irritating detergent) and take adequate nutrition and sleep.

I hope this answers your query.

In case you have additional questions or doubts, you can forward them to me, and I shall be glad to help you out.

Wishing you good health.
Regards.
Dr. Rakhi Tayal.
For future query, you can directly approach me through my profile URL http://bit.ly/Dr-Rakhi-Tayal

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee