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How To Apply, Clean And Reapply Estrace On Vulvar Area ?
Question: I have white flaking on my vulva and a fissure on the exterior of my labia minora. I have pudendal neuralgia and pelvic floor muscle dysfunction. I take morphine pills, extended relief and immediate relief. One week ago I had my third treatment of injections of botox into the musscles of the pelvic floor to help the muscles from contracting so fiercely. It is an extremely painful disease, with unrelenting, irretractable pain. The morphine barely takes the edge off. I cannot take Lyrica. I recently was on a course of antibiotics for a vaginitis. I am 67. I cannot reach my gynecologist as it is Friday. I am wondering if I have a yeast infection, a burst of atropic vaginitis, or irritation from products used to clean my vulvar area before the injections. I was under general anesthesia. I tried a sample of Estrace cream and it helps, but I don't know how to clean it off. I would like to clean my vulvar area and reapply the Estrace. This whole business is complicated by the fact that in 2-3 weeks I will be having surgery to remove a seesile polyp near my cecum. Reaaly need help. Thanks, Carrie
I do not know how or where to find answers to my question. It is urgrnt that I have an answer as all doctors I see are off on Friday. I am having surgery in a few weeks and need to know what to do.
Hello XXXXXXX
Thanks for the query.
First let me say that the most typical symptoms of yeast infection are curdy white vaginal discharge,severe itching etc.Just white flakes on the vulva may or may not be due to yeast infection.In fact in your case,after reading your description of the symptoms,I would also like to rule out the possibility of a skin infection like lichen sclerosis etc.
If you have itching then it may cause the erosions on the labia/vulva due to scratching/trauma . Atrophic vaginitis is common in post menopausal women and doesn't cause any symptoms. Yes,Estrace cream can be used for that but it might cause irritation on the broken skin.However,I would suggest that you not use any products on that area.Just keep it clean and you may apply canisten cream for the itching.You can use the estrace cream but just apply at bed time lightly inside the vaginal mucosa.Don't apply directly on the sores.Use a mild antiseptic soap to clean the area before application of cream.Usually there is no need to clean it off,since most of it gets absorbed.Don't put too much.
If you dont have the thick,cottage cheese like discharge then its probably not yeast.Anyways,you will need antifungal meds for that.
At present I suggest that just use the estrace/canisten cream after cleaning the area with mild soap.Do not scratch the sores.Do not use any other product to clean the area as you may have a reaction with the broken skin.
If you have follow up questions,please write back.
Regards,
Dr Rhea Chanda
Consultant Gynecologist.
Thanks for the query.
First let me say that the most typical symptoms of yeast infection are curdy white vaginal discharge,severe itching etc.Just white flakes on the vulva may or may not be due to yeast infection.In fact in your case,after reading your description of the symptoms,I would also like to rule out the possibility of a skin infection like lichen sclerosis etc.
If you have itching then it may cause the erosions on the labia/vulva due to scratching/trauma . Atrophic vaginitis is common in post menopausal women and doesn't cause any symptoms. Yes,Estrace cream can be used for that but it might cause irritation on the broken skin.However,I would suggest that you not use any products on that area.Just keep it clean and you may apply canisten cream for the itching.You can use the estrace cream but just apply at bed time lightly inside the vaginal mucosa.Don't apply directly on the sores.Use a mild antiseptic soap to clean the area before application of cream.Usually there is no need to clean it off,since most of it gets absorbed.Don't put too much.
If you dont have the thick,cottage cheese like discharge then its probably not yeast.Anyways,you will need antifungal meds for that.
At present I suggest that just use the estrace/canisten cream after cleaning the area with mild soap.Do not scratch the sores.Do not use any other product to clean the area as you may have a reaction with the broken skin.
If you have follow up questions,please write back.
Regards,
Dr Rhea Chanda
Consultant Gynecologist.
Note: Revert back with your gynae reports to get a clear medical analysis by our expert Gynecologic Oncologist. Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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