External Yeast Infections?

[Lynxie]

Here we go again - Lynxie's got another health concern. This time, I couldn't find a darn thing on Lit or anywhere else on the web.

Has anyone ever had an external yeast infection? I'm sure they're possible, since you can get yeast infections nearly anywhere on your body (if the condition's right). Here's the embarassing info:

I've got a blister-type thing between the outer and inner lips on the left side of my vulva. It's red and angry, and the area is yeasty looking (you who've had infections before know what I mean by that). Internally speaking, things are ok. It's just this little spot on the outside that's the trouble. It hurts like hell to the touch.

My question is how to treat it. I've actually never had to treat a yeast infection before - sure, I've had them...but I've been fortunate and had them clear up on their own after a day or two, without buying any creams or suppositories. Does anyone have an idea about which type of over-the-counter treatment might help? I doubt I need a suppository, since things seem okay inside. Any advice would be most welcome.

*crosses her fingers that this is the last thread I have to post asking for random medical advice* I really am Lit's Official Hypchondriac...

 

[Willing and Unsure]

are you sure it's a yeast infection type of thing? I had something similar at one point, in terms of the bump, and it turned out to be nothing but an ingrown hair from shaving. I popped it and got the hair out and everything was fine after that.

I've never had a yeast infection though (that I'm aware of) so I doubt I'll be much help.

 

[Lynxie]

My hubby looked at it closely, and it doesn't seem to be an ingrown hair or normal pimple of any type.

Trust me, willing, you'd know if you had a yeast infection. You're a very, very fortunate woman

 

[Stiffy Says...]

Just an FYI...

jock itch is a yeast infection on a guy. They happen on the outside too.

 

[SweetErika]

I'd get the treatment just in case, and I usually go for the 3 or 7 day suppositories. If it is a yeast infection, it could have been caused by the antibiotics they gave you in surgery. I've had them before where it only presents externally, yet you have to treat the source. If it doesn't clear up in a few days of treatment, go see your gynecologist to make sure it's not something else.

 

[Lynxie]

I'd get the treatment just in case, and I usually go for the 3 or 7 day suppositories. If it is a yeast infection, it could have been caused by the antibiotics they gave you in surgery. I've had them before where it only presents externally, yet you have to treat the source. If it doesn't clear up in a few days of treatment, go see your gynecologist to make sure it's not something else.

I was thinking of that, Erika. If it's on the outside, there's more than likely a mild one inside as well. I was planning on picking up something with which I could treat both. And I'll definitely see my gyno if things don't clear up - that's a given with me.

 

[marge_w]

Hi Lynxie

A couple of drops of tea trea oil on it should clear it up in no time.......word of warning though as its a sensitive area it might sting like hell for a few seconds.........other than that as yeast doesnt like acid conditions a couple of caps full of vinegar in your bathwater should help keep it at bay.

hope this helps

Marge

 

[Lynxie]

Hi Lynxie

A couple of drops of tea trea oil on it should clear it up in no time.......word of warning though as its a sensitive area it might sting like hell for a few seconds.........other than that as yeast doesnt like acid conditions a couple of caps full of vinegar in your bathwater should help keep it at bay.

hope this helps

Marge

Holy cow, that sounds painful! I'm going to try some over-the-counter cream, but if that doesn't help I may try the tea tree solution.

 

[Evil Kirk]

Yikes.

 

[marge_w]

Holy cow, that sounds painful! I'm going to try some over-the-counter cream, but if that doesn't help I may try the tea tree solution.

it's not painful as such but on an open sore it can sting.........if i feel i have a viginal yeast infection coming on it will clear it up with 24 hours with no pain, even using a couple of drops on a tampon to treat it directly.....but if you put it on a cut or open sore it can sting like putting antiseptic lotion on it

 

[Lynxie]

Well I do have a pretty raw-looking blister, so I'm guessing it would sting pretty badly. I just got home from the store - purchased a 3-day combo pack of suppositories and external cream. That should take care of the blister and kill anything going on up inside. Keep your fingers crossed for me!

 

[SweetErika]

it's not painful as such but on an open sore it can sting.........if i feel i have a viginal yeast infection coming on it will clear it up with 24 hours with no pain, even using a couple of drops on a tampon to treat it directly.....but if you put it on a cut or open sore it can sting like putting antiseptic lotion on it

I have a question Marge...is there any possibility the tea tree oil could kill all the good organisms in there too, or will it just get rid of the yeast?

 

[marge_w]

I have a question Marge...is there any possibility the tea tree oil could kill all the good organisms in there too, or will it just get rid of the yeast?

I'm not 100% sure but when i've used prescribed or otc remedies for thrush I seem to then get a follow on problem, like getting into a cystitis/thrush cycle.........since using tea tree oil I have never had that happen, the thrush has cleared up within 48 hours maximum (usually just 24 hours if I use it as soon as I realise I am coming down with it) and there have been no further problems. It was my GP who suggested tea tree and since then I have not needed to go see him for any yeast infections.

Reading off my bottle in the medicine cabinet it says it it antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral, boosts the immune system and is "A first aid kit in a bottle".

As with any essential oil make sure you are not allergic to it before using it.

 

[sxylegs]

Here we go again - Lynxie's got another health concern. This time, I couldn't find a darn thing on Lit or anywhere else on the web.

Has anyone ever had an external yeast infection? I'm sure they're possible, since you can get yeast infections nearly anywhere on your body (if the condition's right). Here's the embarassing info:

I've got a blister-type thing between the outer and inner lips on the left side of my vulva. It's red and angry, and the area is yeasty looking (you who've had infections before know what I mean by that). Internally speaking, things are ok. It's just this little spot on the outside that's the trouble. It hurts like hell to the touch.

My question is how to treat it. I've actually never had to treat a yeast infection before - sure, I've had them...but I've been fortunate and had them clear up on their own after a day or two, without buying any creams or suppositories. Does anyone have an idea about which type of over-the-counter treatment might help? I doubt I need a suppository, since things seem okay inside. Any advice would be most welcome.

*crosses her fingers that this is the last thread I have to post asking for random medical advice* I really am Lit's Official Hypchondriac...

If you still have it.....you may want to go to the doctor for a scraping and have it checked for herpes......A friend of mine had the same thing and it turned out to be that.......You used to only be able to tell if it is herpes if you have a break out and can get a scraping.....things may have changed now....

Good luck.....

 

[Lynxie]

Re: Re: External Yeast Infections?

If you still have it.....you may want to go to the doctor for a scraping and have it checked for herpes......A friend of mine had the same thing and it turned out to be that.......You used to only be able to tell if it is herpes if you have a break out and can get a scraping.....things may have changed now....

Good luck.....

I've thought about herpes, but I've never been with a partner with the genital form of herpes (yes, I'm sure about this). I do have the cold-sore version of this, but I was away from my husband the week prior to breaking out, and once the cold sore appeared we didn't kiss (or otherwise) until about two weeks after it had disappeared...we played it very safe. Basically what I'm getting at is that there hasn't been a way for me to contract genital herpes.

Last night, just before I was going to try out my new suppository kit, the blister-type thing popped. Eewww, I know. It oozed fluid and blood for a while (then some more this morning), and feels considerably less painful now. I'm guessing it was just an infection-related blister. I'm going to wait it out for three days until I'm done with my Monistat kit. If things still aren't looking good, I'll give my doctor a call and get it checked out.

In the meantime, I've stocked up on yogurt

 

[sxylegs]

thats good.....you can have the herpes virus in your system and not break out for up to 15 years........my boyfriend has it and we are so careful, but the doctor still says that the ejaculate can have the virus in it.........you may have it and never know who gave it to you....they may have had a scab somewhere .....where you never saw it......
I am glad it is less painful.....take care...

 

[Lynxie]

thats good.....you can have the herpes virus in your system and not break out for up to 15 years........my boyfriend has it and we are so careful, but the doctor still says that the ejaculate can have the virus in it.........you may have it and never know who gave it to you....they may have had a scab somewhere .....where you never saw it......
I am glad it is less painful.....take care...

Great advice - but to be honest, I've only had one partner; my husband. I know he doesn't have it, so I should be in the clear Nonetheless, the thought of having a sore 'down there' is still a bit unnerving...normal yeast infection or no.

 

[SweetErika]

I'm not 100% sure but when i've used prescribed or otc remedies for thrush I seem to then get a follow on problem, like getting into a cystitis/thrush cycle.........since using tea tree oil I have never had that happen, the thrush has cleared up within 48 hours maximum (usually just 24 hours if I use it as soon as I realise I am coming down with it) and there have been no further problems. It was my GP who suggested tea tree and since then I have not needed to go see him for any yeast infections.

Reading off my bottle in the medicine cabinet it says it it antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral, boosts the immune system and is "A first aid kit in a bottle".

As with any essential oil make sure you are not allergic to it before using it.

Thanks for the info! I only get a yeast infection after an intensive course of antibiotics, but it sounds like tea tree oil is just a good thing to have around!

 

[eepy]

Thanks for the info! I only get a yeast infection after an intensive course of antibiotics, but it sounds like tea tree oil is just a good thing to have around!

I use it for acne. I mix it into my face lotion in the evening. It smells really strong and medicinal, but it's a lot better than using the chemically acne-fighting products -- they dry out my skin. Tea tree oil is supposed to also be good for dandruff.

 

[SweetErika]

I use it for acne. I mix it into my face lotion in the evening. It smells really strong and medicinal, but it's a lot better than using the chemically acne-fighting products -- they dry out my skin. Tea tree oil is supposed to also be good for dandruff.

Oooh...that's a great idea! I use witchhazel for astringent (works well and dirt cheap...can't beat it!). Dandruff is supposedly caused by something yeast-related, so it makes sense it'd work. Where can I get it without breaking the bank?

 

[SweetErika]

Lynxie...is the cream helping any? Some neosporin might help heal the sore more quickly.

 

[marge_w]

Oooh...that's a great idea! I use witchhazel for astringent (works well and dirt cheap...can't beat it!). Dandruff is supposedly caused by something yeast-related, so it makes sense it'd work. Where can I get it without breaking the bank?

Tea tree is used for loads of things like athletes foot, cold and flu, oral thrush, cold sores & canker sores, tooth ache & gum infections, ringworm, candida, head lice or louse, cleanser additive, gum problems, mosquito bites, bug repellent, cockroaches, deter flees, mouth ulcers, herpes, cuts, abrasions, after shave, sunburn, anorectal or vaginal yeast infections, unwanted body odors, acne, toe nail infections, to name a few.

It might be available in some drug stores (I usually get mine from Superdrug) alternatively try a health food shop or anywhere that sells aromatherapy oils (only buy the 100% oil) or its available from loads of places online and it shouldnt break the bank, I think that my last bottle cost about £3 ($6 max) however as a little goes a long way it was quite a while ago.

 

[Lynxie]

Lynxie...is the cream helping any? Some neosporin might help heal the sore more quickly.

Yep! The sore's completely gone. It surprisingly cleared up completely after it popped the other day. I finished the suppository course anyway, just to be safe. Things feel and look good down there! I'm so relieved

As for tea tree oil - it really does have a million uses. Nexxus makes a great tea tree shampoo, and I have some wonderful foot cream with tea tree in it - it's so soothing on your feet. I like that it has a sort of minty scent to it, I find it very refreshing.