itchy and strange smell!

[quickquestion]

I've have been itchy down below for about a week now and there is quite a nasty smell when I go to the toilet. I did try using caneston cream but it burns at first then feels okay but obviously hasn't worked. Do you think I should carry on using it? DD (2) followed me to the toilet this morning and said 'ERGH, whats that smell!' I really, really don't want to go to the doctors as I seem to spend half my life there and would much rather treat it at home or buy something myself.

over half an hour and no replies

Your doctor is not going to mind you going in as often as you need, this is something real, you are not making it up. I have had to accompany every member of my family (me + 4) to the doctor this year for various reasons. He knows they have all genuinely needed his help, that is what he is there for.

Go to the doctor's, get the correct diagnosis and treatment, and put and end to this discomfort!

Have you tried the single tablet type of thrush treatment? I find it more effective than creams/ pessaries and much less messy. If that doesn't clear it, then how about seeing your practice nurse?

quickquestion i would advise agains self treatment in this case. the smell suggests it is not a simple thrush case (although without proper diagnosis you cannot tell for sure). it may also be bacterial vaginosys (have a look at the NHS Direct site & google for a description) which is quite common. It is associated with a smell and a discharge, sometimes itchy as well. This is not a sexually transmited problem but can re-occur. The treatment involves taking antibiotics on prescription so only a doctor can solve your problem. it can also be a sexualy transmitted infection (like thrichomonas which does come with a pretty bad smell).
Do not use any 'special' soaps, just water and Baby Johnson bar of soap to keep the area clean and go and see your GP. Alternatively, your local hospital might have a drop-in department specialised in such problems, where you can be seen and advised on treatment on the same day but might involve quite a long wait. Have a look in the phone book.
The problem is, if it is a bacterial infection, you will need to take antibiotics to clear it up (no amount of canesten woul help) and possible some prescribed pessaries. And if it is of this nature it should clear within a wekk. Good luck.

and they would need to take a swab (and/or urine sample)

I've heard that thrush that is hard to get rid of could be Strep B, I don't know any other symptoms, but you really should get it checked out...

Definitely the doc's - sorry.

But something that may help in the meantime is to wash your bits with Lactacyd. It's a rather manky-smelling 'soap', but really does wonders for me when I have had itchy problems such as BV or thrush. Another thing is to have showers, not baths.

If the Canesten burns, then I don't think you should go on using it. IME it starts soothing immediately.

Poor you, hope the doc clears it up quickly for you.

I would try treating it as thrush and then go to the doc if that doesn't work. I don't think thrush is usually associated with a smell though. You can get a one dose tablet (not sure what make it is) over the counter which always does the trick for me (really expensive though - about £12 IIRC!). Canesten cream only treats the itching, it doesn't get rid of the infection.

Difflucan or Canesten One are the one dose tablets, but like others have said, thrush doesn't smell so please see your doctor in case it's something else. Doctor can prescribe one dose tablets for you if he thinks you need them - it's cheaper that way!

erm - sorry if this isn't the case - but I have to admit to this one - you haven't left a tampon in there have you?

Thanks for your replies.
No, I haven't left a tampon in there. Also forgot to mention that there is a yellow/green discharge. Just had a nice relaxing bath and feeling much better and refreshed. Can't go doctors until Thursday so will wait and see how things are then.

DOCTORS!
And don't treat for thrush anymore, you may make the condition worse

Lord, don't I sound stroppy?

Lisa78, what have I got then? [worried]
will get onto the doctors in the morning then

yeah, thrush wouldn't give a yellow/green discharge. You really ought to get to the doc's asap qq!

There is a fairly unusual condition similar to candida, name of which escapes me, which produces thrush like symptoms and sometimes a discharge, but is treated quite differently. Sadly, its usually with thrush-causing antibiotics!
Trich is another common infection, though I would imagine you would find it hurts when you wee if you had that.
Vaginosis would not generally cause itchiness, but does have a characteristic, strong fishy smell.
Thrush, Trich and Vaginosis are the big three really and since the treatment for one can make another one worse, you ought to have your GP make a diagnosis.

Listen, generally with vaginal infections, the more symptoms you have, the less worrying they are. Its the symptomless ones that are serious usually.
But any unusual smell MUST be checked out quickly to prevent any infection spreading, so please don't wait. Doctor will have you sorted in no time, honest

information here

Have a look at the above quickquestion - the things I google!!! It looks like an article to give you an overview of vaginitis (the general term for vaginal infections)

I always request a female doctor for the down there stuff. I just feel better and not so nervous when a woman is examaning me. I tend to automatically shut my legs with the male docs! (which is very embarassing for me and probably them). Request a woman and you may not be so nervous when you know whats coming.