Chronic Vulvar Irritation

Get a second opinion from another gyno perhaps? I was treated for months by my primary care for what she thought was yeast and since it would not clear up after multiple pills and cream treatments (and going out of my mind with itching and burning) I finally went to my gyno who did a pH test and immediately knew what it was (some kind of bacterial thing). The other interesting thing she said, that a lot of women react to Vagisil, and it seems so was I. If I needed a cream down there to keep the skin covered to give it a little bit of a block she recommended: plain old Crisco!! It is pure vegetable oil, has no perfumes or dyes, and is very soothing on the skin.
Finally, strep and yeast and bacteria are ALWAYS present in the vagina, so that is why I was also treated for that beta strep by the primary care but the gyno just shook her head and said that just a little strip of pH paper would tell primary care doctors what is going on in the vagina without treating for unnecessary things. I found ice packs in my crotch reduced the irritation as well. Oh, and my old peri bottle with cool water after going to the bathroom to prevent lots of rubbing with toilet paper on sensitive skin. Good luck and let us know what it was when you find out.

See the 4th entry in this blog - she had the same thing and it was Gardeneralla, highly misdiagnosed.
http://forums.bettermedicine.com/showthread.php/58065-vag...

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Ouch! Have you considered your shampoo/conditioner? I have had some reaction in the past to those products, so I had to kinda lean while I rinsed my hair. I would think your doctor should have a plan of action and if he/she doesn't then you may want to get a second opinion.

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Could you have developed an allergy to semen? Or if your husband uses condoms, maybe a latex allergy? I think maybe going to an allergist might help.

I'm so sorry. I can't imagine having this problem!

D.

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Maybe need to be longer treating the beta strept. Be sure to take a probiotic as well, especially when taking antibiotics, but I'd stay on them indefinitely.

When I had a similar problem, I noticed that I felt better when I was on vacation. The difference? On vacation, I would drink bottled water exclusively. My Dr. had already mentioned that what I was drinking could be the culprit. We had our water tested. It was remarkably pure (so much so that the testing guy said he was going to show the results to his boss). But the Ph was off (it was high, I think, I actually forget!). We adjusted the ph with a water softening system. Problem solved, and this was like a 4 YEAR PLUS problem.

Sometimes I have issues around ovulation time.

Also, when irritated, NO detergents in the area, rinse only and dry off thoroughly. Dr said use a hair dryer (don't overdo it). And get a prescription for " Nystatin and Triamcinolone Acetonide" cream for the affected area.

I hope what helped me helps you. I think the key may be to think about what you are drinking (eating) regularly.

Morning
it's not just a matter of scented detergents/soaps, what can cause major drying out is Sodium Laurel Sulfate (SLS) it's what make the soaps in a bottle, shampoos, toothpaste and a myriad of other things bubble..... you may want to switch to a soap that does not have that in them.. Additionally, Cotton underwear are a must.......... it breathes while synthetic does not...
True, it could be hormones as well.. not sure how old you are but in general, if you notice the itching more so right after ovulation and right before your period, consider that progesterone (which you are making more of in your cycle right before your period) Ever notice how that warmth comes over you and your temperature spikes right before your period ? if Progesterone can do all that, it can very well make your skin dry, which can lead to more itching.

In addition, try getting a water filter for your shower that takes the Chlorine out.. Sound crazy, huh? it's not... they put Chlorine (and Flouride) in the water supply and while "they" will say it's not much, for some people, it is ... Since getting our water filter years ago, I have seen VAST improvements in my overall skin. Prior, my skin always felt extra dry.. the filter made a HUGE difference..

Also note.. BLEACHED tampons/pads/pantyliners... << man or man.. can those cause a problem..not just because they are bleached and we are putting those chemicals next to delicate skin..... but depending upon what you may use, the items don't allow the skin to breathe... so take into account , these products may also be a culprit..

Lastly, whenever taking medication, I always drink lots and lots of water... but even if you aren't, drink up... (we also have a filter on out kitchen tap) .

From what you describe above, I have experienced your symptoms before.. doing all of the above have helped dramatically.. Doctors just don't delve into a whole lot... if they can't prescribe a pill or haven't seen the problem before , they don't know what to do..... it's too bad.. since we pay them a lot of money..

mark my words.. the above has helped me throughout the years. I think it could help you too.. even in general, they are good practices to keep for you and your family's health..

let us know how you do..

good luck!!

K.:

OUCH!! This must be uncomfortable!!!

I am thinking a yeast build up of some sort. Your GYN isn't doing more for you?!

Have you tried going without underwear during the day and sleeping naked at night so your body can breathe?

Are you taking any other medications? If so - talk with your doctor to see if it too might be the culprit.

Other than going "commando" and getting into your GYNs face...I'm not sure what else to do!!! GOOD LUCK!! I hope it's resolved soon!

KY Jelly? May help?

Have you recently started a new birth control? I had an aweful time with that type of symptoms with a birth control pill I tried. I had to quit taking it. Just a thought.

I have always had issues down there with itching, too. I am currently on a quest to "cure" myself. I have been doing a yearlong treatment to cure myself of a systemic yeast infection, using a homeopathic vaginitis med, taking Cat's Claw, eating goat yogurt every day, taking Primal Defense Ultra probiotic 2x/day, taking Maca Root 4 caps/day. I'm also one month into a three month treatment program using WILD Oil of Oregano. I take 2 caps/day of liquid Oil of Oregano inside of a soft gel w/water, an hour before breakfast and an hour before bed. I also use WILD Oil of Oregano tincture that I rub on my spine from the top of my neck/spine to the end of my tailbone/spine when I get up from sleep and before I crawl into bed at night. WILD Oil of Oregano is an extremely potent anti-bacterial, anti-yeast, and anti-fungal. So far, I have been having great success; I have another two months to go with this protocol (at least; I might do it longer if it's successful, just to make absolute sure I've knocked everything out).

In the meantime, if I have itching problems, I use a cream I found on the Internet. It's called femmesil by a company called Aidance Skincare. It is an all-natural feminine relief cream that restores natural vaginal balance and relieves multiple symptoms. What a relief when I discovered this product!! Femmesil is formulated with a blend of Activated Minerals, natural moisturizers and essential oils to help soothe and support vaginal health. Backed by solid science, femmesil contains no steroids, parabens, or artificial ingredients. It is good for anti-yeast, anti-bacterial, and anti-fungal.

Now. Having said all that, I did want to also mention that, even though following my yeast and WILD Oil of Oregano protocols have helped to stop the yeast infections and the herpes-1 outbreaks I'd been experiencing (and it is my fervent hope that the Oregano will wipe out everything else, too), I still on occasion will have itchy vulva lips (and sometimes around the anus as well). I have taken to conclude that that means I have had TOO MUCH to eat of the foods that are forbidden to me: gluten, cow dairy, soy. Yes, food allergies and/or intolerances will and can show up as itching down there. I have been inadvertently using the femmesil cream on that itching and have discovered that it helps the itching from food allergy/intolerance go away as well. HOWEVER, the best preventive is to not eat those foods in the first place (yes, yes, I know. Am working on it!).

I do not know if my issues have to do with my period; I suspect yes, but since I've had a NovaSure Abalation and no longer get a period, I cannot know for sure. I also know that Perimenopause and Menopause also affect women down there. Itching because of low hormones is one of the issues.

IF you have not seen a Naturopathic doctor to get tested for food allergies and intolerances, I would urge you to do so. Gluten issues have a way of making a person have vulva and anal itching, as well as what is called cheilitis stomatitis, where the lips swell, get red or purple, red and dry patches appear at the corners of the mouth, and sometimes, the corners of the mouth crack and ulcers form. Yes, it's not pretty. A Naturopathic doctor can help you get to the bottom of your problems/issues, and he'll help you use all natural products to do so (no pharma drugs).

If you want to talk to me more, please contact me.

When I eat pineapple, orange, lemon or lime, I get blisters in my mouth. Bad enough... BUT the next day, I get a blister when this citrus leaves my body. AGONY! You might want to avoid citrus for a while and see if it helps.

I know you said it's not the laundry soap, but did you switch it up anyway? There are so many chemicals in there, you never know which one is the bad one. Try going commando for few weeks and see if that's it.