What to do if vulvar eczema is itchy?

One of the most obvious symptoms of vulvar eczema is itching, which causes distress to many patients. According to the current medical level, there are three methods to treat this disease: local, general, and systemic treatment. Which one is suitable for you?

1. Local treatment

(1) Acute phase: Local treatment is the main approach. Cold wet compress with normal saline is used in the acute phase. Apply zinc oxide ointment when erythema, blisters and exudation are not obvious. When there is no exudate or pustules, 1% phenol-containing glyceryl lotion can be used for external washing. When there is obvious exudation, 3% boric acid solution and 1:8000-1:5000 potassium manganate solution can be used for cold wet compress. If erosion occurs, it is advisable to use anti-inflammatory and compound copper sulfate solution for external washing to prevent corrosion and astringency. In case of secondary bacterial and fungal infection, corresponding antibacterial and antifungal ointments such as 0.5% neomycin ointment, 2% oxytetracycline and zinc oxide ointment can be used for smearing with 0.1% ethacridine (rivanol) solution for wet compress. In the scab period, in addition to wet compress, triamcinolone acetate (triamcinolone) cream, fluocinolone cream, etc. can be applied to astringe and relieve itching and keep dry.

(2) Subacute eczema: When the skin has mild infiltration, crusting, and desquamation, use pastes or creams. Various types of corticosteroid creams can also be used.

(3) Chronic stage: The treatment principle of chronic eczema is to relieve itching, inhibit epidermal cell proliferation and promote the absorption of dermal inflammation. When the skin is thickened and infiltrated, apply flufenamic acid (flufenamic acid butyl ointment bute); you can also use 5% to 10% compound pine oil ointment, 2% borneol and corticosteroid ointment. Chronic and refractory cases can be treated with cryotherapy, radionuclide (32p) application, or superficial X-ray irradiation. If necessary, topical application of corticosteroids such as triamcinolone acetonide (triamcinolone) and urea ointment can increase the efficacy.

2. General treatment

Try to find the cause of the disease, isolate allergens and various adverse stimuli, and treat systemic chronic diseases such as indigestion, intestinal parasites, diabetes, mental

Neurological abnormalities, etc. Keep the perineum clean and dry, do not use soap to clean skin lesions, and do not apply irritating antipruritic drugs. Avoid allergenic foods such as various foreign proteins. Do not drink alcohol or eat spicy foods. Avoid excessive fatigue and mental stress.

3. Systemic treatment

Treat the cause, keep the vulva clean, avoid scratching, pay attention to rest, avoid eating foods that are prone to allergies, and take oral antihistamines and other drugs.

(1) Antihistamines and other drugs: diphenhydramine, oral; chlorpheniramine (chlorpheniramine), oral. For severe itching, 5% calcium bromide can be injected intravenously; or 10% calcium gluconate can be injected intravenously.

(2) Vitamins: Large amounts of vitamin C can be given intravenously or B vitamins can be taken orally in combination with treatment.

(3) Hormones: can be used for acute and severe eczema. Prednisone, dexamethasone and other drugs can be given for treatment, which have a certain effect on eliminating inflammation, relieving itching and reducing exudate. Due to the high incidence of adverse reactions, care should be taken to control its use. It should not be used for chronic eczema in the elderly because it may relapse soon after discontinuation of the drug and cause other adverse reactions.

(4) For those with infection: add appropriate antibiotics for treatment.