Summary-line: 3-May wilcox@cis.ohio-state.edu # *** EOOH *** Return-Path: Date: Fri, 3 May 91 11:22:20 -0400 From: Patricia P Wilcox To: immune@weber.ucsd.edu PLEASE POST TO IMMUNE MAILING LIST ---------------------------------- >From HXKPY@SLACVM.BITNET Fri May 3 08:57:56 1991 From: "Diana Gregory" To: wilcox@cis.ohio-state.edu Subject: Re: female genital pain Status: R In-Reply-To: wilcox@cis.ohio-state.edu -- 05/02/91 19:04 Hi - I don't think this will get posted - it seems to be going directly to you, so if you think it is worthwhile, ship it on to the list... One way to take care of the irritation/yeast infection flare-ups/allergic reactions in the genital area, aside from avoiding perfumed sanitary products, is to rinse all of the garments that touch the area with vinegar before wearing them. The vinegar will remove any excess soap film - which in itself can be a source of irritation - as well as removing the perfumes and other additives. Also - don't use fabric softeners on undergarments - use the vinegar instead. I have a real problem with yeast infections. Once a month, whether I need them or not, no matter how careful I am. I have found that immediate use of a Betadine (or other iodine based) douche solution will usually keep things calm enough until the hormones back off. ESPECIALLY important after intercourse. Whether you do or do NOT use condoms. DO NOT do this if you are attempting to become pregnant. On the other hand - since she describes an 'ache', not irritation, it may be that she has poor circulation - she already has had a lump of clotted blood removed. If she is not allergic to aspirin, maybe the one-per-day that helps prevent clot-caused heart attacks may help her. Also - maybe gentle daily or twice daily massaging of the area - even in the shower or bath when the area is soapy - could help. Be sure to rinse the soap out thoroughly with vinegar again... Diana --------------- Be aware that there are three well-known types of people with "intrinsic allergies" -- the aspirin-intolerant group, the iodide-intolerant group, and the BHA-BHT-Polysorbate 80-intolerant group. People should watch carefully for hypersensitivity reactions to aspirin or iodine based medications as well as to the perfumes and other chemicals that cause obvious trouble. I think a whole lot of us on this mailing list will turn out to be in the BHA-intolerant category, but on the other hand, we seem to have several subsets of people with different sets of problems, so be careful. --Pat Wilcox