Unnecessary treatment: vaginal itching is not always about thrush

Many women suffering from constant vaginal itching or unpleasant discharge, suggest the presence of thrush (vulvovaginal candidiasis). This condition causes a lot of anxiety, and drugs for the treatment of available without a prescription, so women often self-medicate, buying drugstore creams or pills.

But, on the other hand, it also means that some women may use treatment that is either not suitable for their condition, or does not work.

Because thrush is so widespread, many people assume that vaginal itching is only it. Antifungal treatment is very effective if the symptoms were indeed caused by thrush, but Candida albicans is not the only cause of this condition.

The symptoms of thrush despite treatment, can talk about a completely different disease, which do not apply anti-fungal creams or tablets.

According to a study conducted by the Medical College of Georgia (Medical College of Georgia), only one-third of women treated for vaginal candidiasis, was actually a yeast infection. Moreover, about 14% had no infection at all. Other women had diseases such as bacterial vaginosis, which is also characterized by unpleasant discharge from the vagina, but it is caused by bacteria, not fungus.

In addition to the above, it could be a dermatitis of the vulva or even the rare but more serious disease kraurosis, which can cause itching, but requires a completely different treatment.

Improvement within a few days after the start of antifungal therapy means, it is likely that the infection was caused by Candida albicans. But if the situation is not clear, or keeps coming back, it is necessary examination of a specialist gynaecologist.

This should be done for several reasons:

• Symptoms can be caused by yeast infection and other infection.
• There are several different types of Candida, not all of them are amenable to specific treatment.
• Improper use of antifungal drugs may cause resistance to them. This implies a need to increase doses, or even ineffective antifungal treatment.
• Treatment may require a more specific approach, for example, treatment on a regular basis during certain periods of the menstrual cycle.
• Women may be other related condition such as diabetes, which complicates the treatment of vaginal candidiasis.

Recommendations for treatment of vaginal itching is specified: do Not treat recurring or persistent symptoms of vulvovaginal candidiasis with local and oral antifungal agents without further clinical and microbiological evaluation.

So, if you suffer from vaginal itching, burning, or abnormal discharge that will not go away from treatment antifungals, be sure to seek professional help.

According to the materials of The Conversation

Valeria SEMA