Is Silver Sulfadiazine Safe For The Outer Lips Of The Vulva?

Posted on Thu, 15 Sep 2016

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Thu, 15 Sep 2016 Answered on

Wed, 5 Oct 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : Is silver sulfadiazine safe for the outer lips of the vulva? I have an unsolved source of itching making me crazy. I have seen a gyn, and been treated for yeast and a bacterial infection (both).

Answered by Dr. Kathy Robinson (33 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
not really a good idea

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Silver sulfadiazine is really only meant for skin, not for mucous membranes or genitals. Itching is also a possible side effect of the silver suladiazine so it is best to avoid it in the genital area.
If your doctor thinks the itching is coming from atrophic vaginitis then the premarin cream should work to help with the itching, but it can take several months.
If the itching persists even after being treated for yeast and bacterial vaginosis, then it may be helpful to have another pelvic exam and testing to see if these infections have totally cleared.
Adding a probiotic to your diet may be helpful.Also make sure you are drinking plenty of water. If you are somewhat dehydrated the itching will be worse.
Regards,
Dr. Robinson

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar