WOMENS-HEALTH Messages for August, 1998: Re: 3rd REQUEST~DR. HILL~Vaginal Yeast Infections

Re: 3rd REQUEST~DR. HILL~Vaginal Yeast Infections

From: D. Ashley Hill, M.D. (anonymous@obgyn.net)
Wed, 12 Aug 1998 21:09:41 -0500 (CDT)

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In reply to: Robin: "3rd REQUEST~DR. HILL~Vaginal Yeast Infections"

At Wed, 12 Aug 1998, Robin wrote:

>I have had a vaginal yeast infection (lab confirmed)for several months. The itching seems
>to be external, not internal.

Robin- Let's look at these individually. First, there are a few "brands" of yeast. We are finding that one particular type, called candida glabrata, is more difficult to treat than the most common type (called candida albicans). When I'm confronted with someone with your symptoms, I will of course take a thorough history (looking for diabetes, use of sprays, douches, tight clothing like swim wear and jeans, and use of non-cotton underwear. All of these can lead to yeast infections. I also take a careful look at the entire external genitals. Often there are other things causing the itching, and even good doctors can get "faked out" by a yeast infection. The most worrisome of these is vulvar dysplasia, which, rarely, can lead to vulvar cancer. Thus, if someone does not respond to a course of antifungal medications, I often perform vulvar colposcopy, a painless procedure that allows for a magnified look at the vulva. If an abnormal area is seen, novocaine is used and a tiny piece is biopsied for confirmation. Other possible causes of persistent itching include squamous hyperplasia and lichen sclerosus. Both require long-term treatment, that, thankfully, is usually successful.

A bump on the labia can be many things, 99% of which are non-cancerous. These include inclusion cysts, ingrown hairs, and Bartholin gland cysts. Any gynecologist should be able to diagnose these conditions by doing a careful exam.

I'm not sure when Dr. Marchbein is moving to Atlanta (!) but I just returned from there. My wife and I went up to see my mom and help her paint her kitchen. I'm sporting a big cut in my hand from her attic. Sure makes scrubbing for surgery a unique experience!

I hope everything works out well for you. Let us know what you and your doctor find out.

-- Ashley Hill David Ashley Hill, M.D. Associate Director Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Florida Hospital Family Practice Residency Orlando, FL http://home.mpinet.net/dahmd

The above is intended for general medical education, and is not for specific medical advice. I apologize, but I am unable to answer personal e-mail due to time constraints.

Next message: Suzanne: "Re: Vaginal Boil"
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In reply to: Robin: "3rd REQUEST~DR. HILL~Vaginal Yeast Infections"

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