Should I Stop Using Yeast Infection Or Bacterial Vaginosis Until I Can Check With My Doctor?

Posted on Sun, 25 Dec 2022

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

Sun, 25 Dec 2022 Answered on

Tue, 27 Aug 2024 Last reviewed on

Question : I’ve recently been swabbed for what is either a yeast infection or bacterial vaginosis. My doctor put me on Clindamycin cream for seven days and diflucan for three days. After the first day of using the Clindamycin cream I began to have severe vaginal itching. Is this a normal side effect or should I stop using it until I can check with my doctor?

Answered by Dr. Vaishalee Punj (10 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Yes you can stop using both Clindamycin and Diflucan

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

Let me know when you used Diflucan and in what dose.
This itching could be a yeast infection or drug allergic reaction. It could be due to Clindamycin as it is antiseptic and suppress bacterial flora and result in overgrowth of yeast. It could also be due to relapse after use of Diflucan.
I will suggest that you stop using both until you see your doctor.
Meanwhile you may use vaseline, olive oil or diaper rash cream to control the itching. You may also need a prescription of hydrocortisone or another steroid cream for controlling itching.

Hope this helps. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Dr Vaishalee

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj

Follow up: Dr. Vaishalee Punj (4 hours later)

I was prescribed both medicines to be taken at the same time. Seven days of the Clindamycin with three doses of 150mg diflucan the first three days as well, and then three doses of 150mg diflucan when I finish the seven days of Clindamycin. So far I’ve taken three doses of 150mg diflucan and three doses of Clindamycin cream.

Answered by Dr. Vaishalee Punj (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Intense itching could be allergy

Detailed Answer:
Hi again
Thanks for reverting with details.

Intense itching could be a symptom of allergic reaction or fungal infection. As per my clinical experience, Diflucan seems to be the cause and it should not be taken again. But it would be better to stop both medicines.
Continue with non-chemical treatments as much as possible. Drink cleaner water and follow a healthy lifestyle. Anyways yeast (fungus) is not a disease but is an overgrowth of flora on skin and mucous membranes. Intense therapy is not needed in most cases as its not likely to affect inner organs in people with normal immunity.
Short term steroids like hydrocortisone maybe needed to control the itching.

Regards
Dr Vaishalee

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj