Oh, she used Gentian Violet (that's the blue dye) and Diflucan as the oral medication. Diflucan is like the Water of Lourdes for yeast infections. However, some strains of yeast need more than one pill, as they have become resistant to the "one pill" therapy. That's probably why she used the Gentian.

You can buy Gentian Violet over the counter. It is as messy as hell, and you shouldn't use it for more than one or two days, although the stain lasts longer.

We use it in lactation when doctors won't treat nipple yeast in moms and thrush (mouth yeast) in the babies. We use the 0.5 % and cut it in half with distilled water.

I hope you feel better.

Your doctor is right. Those OTC tests for vaginal infections are not very accurate. less

Diflucan is a long acting med, as is Gentian. It can take up to 3 days to take full effectiveness, so you may want to wait on an other pill. If, in 3 days, you are still uncomfortable, call your doctor.

I'm a nurse and a lactation consultant as well as a long term yeast sufferer, so I've seen most of what is used for fungal infections of the nether regions.

I hope you feel better, but you do have to give both the Gentian and the Diflucan a day or three.

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Hi all,

The past few days I've been experiencing an INSANE itch at the entrance to my vaginal opening.

To be exact, my labia minora (inner labia) and around the opening. I can't help but scratch and rub at it through my underwear when the itching gets bad, to the point where it's sore. The area is slightly swollen/inflamed, but no broken skin though. It itches whenever I touch it, and even movement (walking) can cause it to start itching. My vaginal secretions also seem to smell bad/off.

I had sex with my boyfriend 2 days ago, and experienced an itching, burning sensation throughout, even though I was sufficiently lubricated.

I haven't been trying any new lubes, toys, detergent, fabric softeners or intimate soaps (I use Lactacyd) recently, so I have no idea why this has suddenly cropped up..

Any ideas or suggestions?

I'm not too keen on seeing the gynae unless I have to, because consultations here cost a bomb- so if you girls have any over-the-counter medicines to recommend, that would be great less

Not to cause more anxiety but if you do take an antibiotic, do eat yogurt as antibiotics destroy the healthy flora which is absolutely necessary for vaginal well being.
I became aware of this when I was prescribed antibiotics for strep throat. The end result was a serious yeast infection... less

Agreeing with all of this. There's no harm that can come from taking an over the counter yeast infection treatment, and it does sound like one from what is being described. Going to the doctor is of course ideal, but not all of us have the luxury of running to see one every time we have an itch. I recommend taking the OTC yeast infection treatment and if there is no improvement after the treatment is over then I would bite the bullet and see the doctor. less