Can povidone-iodine treat female genital itching?
Feb 07, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Lv Aiming
Introduction
If women experience itching of the vulva, they can appropriately use iodophor to alleviate the symptoms. Iodophor has broad-spectrum antibacterial properties and can be used for disinfection of skin and mucous membranes, as well as for treating burns and conditions such as trichomonal vaginitis, fungal vaginitis, and cutaneous fungal infections. Patients using iodophor may experience relief from itching and achieve certain therapeutic effects.
Povidone-iodine can help treat female genital itching; however, there are many possible causes of vulvar itching, so patients are advised to seek timely medical evaluation and treatment at a hospital.
Povidone-iodine is an indefinite complex of elemental iodine with polyvinylpyrrolidone. It appears as a light brown substance and has broad-spectrum antimicrobial properties, capable of killing bacterial vegetative cells, fungi, protozoa, and certain viruses. In clinical practice, it is commonly used as a disinfectant and antiseptic. Generally, women experiencing vulvar itching may use povidone-iodine appropriately to alleviate symptoms. Due to its broad antimicrobial activity, povidone-iodine can be used to disinfect skin and mucous membranes, manage burns, and treat conditions such as trichomoniasis, fungal vaginitis, and cutaneous fungal infections. Its use may relieve itching and provide some therapeutic benefit. However, vulvar itching may also result from various factors including poor hygiene habits, trichomoniasis, fungal vaginitis, vulvar eczema, common warts, or herpes infections. Therefore, women should undergo further medical examination at a hospital to determine the underlying cause and receive targeted treatment.
Women should maintain good genital hygiene by bathing regularly and frequently changing and washing underwear. They should follow a light, healthy diet and ensure adequate rest, avoiding strenuous physical activity.
