Vulvar Symptoms
Vulvar Symptoms
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Definition
Causes of Vulvar Symptoms
Common Causes of Vulvar Itching
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When to Call Your Doctor |
Call Your Doctor Now (night or day) If |
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Call Your Doctor Within 24 Hours (between 9 am and 4 pm) If |
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Call Your Doctor During Weekday Office Hours If |
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Self Care at Home If |
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HOME CARE ADVICE |
General
Pregnancy test, when in doubt:
If there is any possibility of pregnancy, obtain and use a urine pregnancy test from the local drug store.
Follow the instructions included in the package.
Call Your Doctor If:
Pregnancy test is positive or if you have difficulties with the home pregnancy test
Rash lasts longer than 24 hours
Rash spreads or becomes worse
Fever occurs
No improvement after 3 days
You become worse
Symptoms of a Vaginal Yeast Infection
Genital Hygiene:
Keep your genital area clean. Wash daily.
Keep your genital area dry. Wear cotton underwear or underwear with a cotton crotch.
Do not douche.
Do not use feminine hygiene products.
Antifungal Medication for Yeast Infection: There are a number of over-the-counter medications for the treatment of yeast infections.
Available in the U.S.: Femstat-3, miconazole (Monistat-3), clotrimazole (Gyne-Lotrimin-3, Mycelex-7), butoconazole (Femstat-3).
Available in Canada: miconazole (Monistat-3) and clotrimazole (Canesten-3, Myclo-Gyne).
Do not use yeast medication during the 24 hours prior to a physician appointment (Reason: interferes with examination).
CAUTION: If you are pregnant, speak with your doctor before using.
Read the package instructions thoroughly on all medications that you take.
Expected Course: If there is no improvement within 3 days, then you will need to be examined.
Mild Vulvar Itching
Reassurance: Common causes of mild vaginal itching are new soaps/detergent, perfumed toilet products, hormone changes, and excessive perspiration. Sometimes itching can be caused by a yeast infection.
Genital Hygiene:
Keep your genital area clean. Wash daily.
Keep your genital area dry. Wear cotton underwear or underwear with a cotton crotch.
Do not douche.
Do not use feminine hygiene products.
Cleansing: Wash the area once thoroughly with un-scented soap and water to remove any irritants.
SITZ Bath:
Sit in some lukewarm water for 10-15 minutes once or twice a day (or apply moist washcloth). This will help soothe the irritated skin.
Gently dry the area by patting the area with a towel.
Afterwards apply a small amount (1/2 tsp) of ointment or cream to help seal in the moisture. Good choices for this are vaseline ointment or Eucerin.
Call Your Doctor If:
Any rash lasts longer than 24 hours
Fever occurs
Yellow or green vaginal discharge occurs
No improvement in "yeast infection" within 3 days
You become worse.
And remember, contact your doctor if you develop any of the "Call Your Doctor" symptoms.
Updated:  
March 22, 2017