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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Pain And Itching In The Vulva?

I have a very irritated, itchy, painful vulva. My doctor thinks I may have genital herpes and has sent a swab to the lab. Meanwhile, as well as prescribing an oral anti-viral, to ease the intense irritation she prescribed Advantan (methylprednisilone) ointment - but the instructions say not to use if one has a virus (such as shingles or chickenpox). So I m unsure if she s made a mistake. Should I use the ointment, or wait for the lab test results (not sure how long they will take).
posted on Tue, 21 Feb 2017
Twitter Tue, 27 Nov 2018 Answered on
Twitter Wed, 28 Nov 2018 Last reviewed on
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hello,

It is true that Advantan being a steroid is contraindicated in viral infections like shingles or chickenpox and in herpes as a similar virus due to the risk of worsening of infection.

On the other hand, because you are already taking a drug that fights the herpes infection by mouth taking the steroid locally will not worsen the infection because the antiviral is fighting the infection and the steroid will help alleviate the local inflammation and help you feel better.

So to conclude it is safe to take the local Advantan cream as long as you use as instructed the oral antiviral otherwise it may worsen the infection.

Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Take care

Regards,
Dr Antoneta Zotaj, General & Family Physician
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What Causes Pain And Itching In The Vulva?

Hello, It is true that Advantan being a steroid is contraindicated in viral infections like shingles or chickenpox and in herpes as a similar virus due to the risk of worsening of infection. On the other hand, because you are already taking a drug that fights the herpes infection by mouth taking the steroid locally will not worsen the infection because the antiviral is fighting the infection and the steroid will help alleviate the local inflammation and help you feel better. So to conclude it is safe to take the local Advantan cream as long as you use as instructed the oral antiviral otherwise it may worsen the infection. Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further. Take care Regards, Dr Antoneta Zotaj, General & Family Physician