This one is for the girls ;o)

[LilacPrincess]

I have been plagued with Thrush type symptoms of late.

According to the swabs that I have had done, it is not thrush.

I am beside myself with the itch, arrrrrrrrrgh!

Is this a problem for any other 'Coeliac Chicks' out there? xx

[Penel]

Yes, LilacPrincess, I had something like this a few years ago.

After eliminating different foods etc it turned out to be caused by bread with yeast in and too much sugar. I decided to give up any food with added sugar, it was difficult but it really helped. I still eat some fruit but not much, and only a little fruit juice. I have to be careful with things like mushrooms and 'blue' cheese, too. I make a kind of soda bread if I need bread. I took probiotics, which I think may have helped too, but it's difficult to know for sure. Also ate some plain probiotic yoghurt.

I came across this site some time afterwards

everydayhealth.com/digestiv...

Hope this may be some help.

[LilacPrincess]

Thank you Penel, interesting read.

I can't do gluten (obvz!), wheat, dairy or egg . . so youghurts are out!

Had a similar problem 10 years ago when I was pregnant, was not diagnosed as Coeliac then, it was put down to hormone levels.

Defo NOT pregnant this time (phew!), may well be worth reviewing my diet . . again!!

[Hidden]

Have you been able to see a proper gynacologist/dermatologist (rather than GP)? I had this for years and they didn't even swab for yeast, so I kept being given thrush treatment. When I went to my local GUM clinic, I was finally diagnosed with vulval psoriasis (my first autoimmune diagnosis). Or you could have lichens sclerosus (also autoimmune). Both are treatable with topical steroids. I'm not a doctor, but since you know it isn't thrush, I don't see why you couldn't try a little cortisone cream just to give you some relief for the moment.

Good luck. That is a miserable experience!

Hx

[HelenJ14]

This may be something like bacterial vaginosis ( I think that's how you spell it ), There are a couple of products on the market, from chemists or even larger supermarkets. They are a gel which normalises the pH of the vagina.

Failing that it's a dose of antbiotics form the GP.

Hope this helps and you get yourself sorted!!

[NorthernSoul]

Not sure what swabs you had performed at your GP but it's definitely worth going to your local GUM clinic (you should have access to a walk-in service). It could be one of a number of things including various STDs, bacterial vaginosis and lichen sclerosis, as people have already mentioned. The tests for most of them are very simple and you'll be seen by someone who is far more experienced than your GP in that area. In fact, I've actually seen someone in clinic (I'm a med student) who was misdiagnosed by a nurse as having candida and when they returned with unresolved symptoms, were seen by the GUM doctor and diagnosed with lichen sclerosis.

[LilacPrincess]

Thank you very much for your comments.

GP did further swabs, not exactly sure what they were for. Got sent home with capsules to take last night and again 12 hours later.

She did mention Lichen Sclerosis, I couldn't remember the name of it though! She also gave me permission to use my eczema cream (steriod).

I will defo look into where the GUM clinic is though, appreciate that they know much more.

I would like to point out though that I do not have an STD . . chance would be a fine thing! Tummy generally in such a bad way that my husband knows not to even think about it!!!!!!

Oh the joys! xx

[Penel]

Thanks for posting this LilacPrincess. I'd never heard of a GUM clinic or of lichen sclerosis.

Hope you get sorted out soon.

[zoombie]

Yes unfortunately it is a symptom of DH - dermatitis herpetiformus. I was diagnosed as Coeliac this year (I am 60!! and have had CD for a very long time and something I ate set off the DH, started as I thought thrush and spread to my elbows, knees, ears and oh dear, my buttocks! The itching is indescribable and very painful blisters! Go see the doc and get a blood test done and avoid anything with gluten in. It has taken 4 months of a GF diet to be rid of the itching and I know if I eat anything with gluten in, the itching starts up immediately. Try Sannex Shower Cream and E45 body lotion both are very helpful. Hope this helps you. Good luck x

[LilacPrincess]

Thanks Zoombie,

Haven't (knowingly!) eaten Gluten, wheat, dairy or egg for almost a year now.

I have always had eczema so got all the lotions and potions!

So tired and depressed at the moment, just one thing after another!

Away to Corfu on Friday, managed to arrange a meeting with the head chef when I get there so hopefully the break will do me some good!

xx