What is the best ointment or cream option?

[Angeles]

I want to hear what works best for vulvodynia based on your experince.
I'm currently using A&D cream, on and off, but not sure if it helps.

I've tried Vitamin E oil from the capsule: It is ok, similar to A&D oint.
Cortizone ointment: used for 7 days only b/c I don't think it is good to use it for longer. It helped with itchiness.

I'd like to know what is your experince with Calendula ointment, compunded creams, Aloe, Crisco, etc. I haven't tried any of those....

[catlover2]

If you are looking for something to numb everything down there try EMLA cream, Lidocaine 5% ointment, or Lidocaine 4% solution. All of those are available by Rx only. The EMLA cream is also known as Lidocaine 2.5/Prilocaine 2.5% cream. My favorite is the Lidocaine solution, but if you have problems with vaginal atrophy try the Lidocaine ointment because the Lidocaine solution will cause dryness.

[sami4]

Creams

I have used A & D, Elavil cream which is compounded, also used the Lidocaine but didnt feel it helped much.
Sammi

[SrMaggie]

One thing I was cautioned about was using any cream that was not water soluble - like vaseline. I remember using A&D when I was a kid, so I don't know whether that is water soluble or not.
I've used vagisil or another similar cream - I think it might have some lidocaine in it.
Has it been difficult for you to find compounding pharmacies, Sammi? There are very few in my city.
Maggie

[sami4]

Compounded

It is easy for me to find a compounding pharmacy here in Arizona. We are also the home of Womens International Pharmacy. Most all cities have compounding pharmacies and often they are located around medical complexes.
I also have used and like estrogen creams.
Sammi

[sami4]

womens international pharmacy

I should have added that WIP will compound and mail any RX anywhere in the USA and Canada. They also have on line counselors to answer questions or refer you to physicians who use their services.
Sammi

[Angeles]

How about Calendula ointment? Any success with that?
I was prescribed a cream that I have to pick up from teh phramacy on Monday, I thinkk it has some steroids on it....( I don't like steroids..) it is probbably for a few days only.
I've used Elavil cream too, but unfortunately I was very inconsistent and didn't use it as directed. Now the cream is expired (lasted 2 months only). It costed me $70 and not covered by the insurance! I may try it again but I wonder if it cheaper somewhere else!

[Kara29]

I use a 5% buffered, compounded lidocane waterproof cream. Regular lidocane burns on me

[Angeles]

Clobetasol ( a new one for me)

My doctor prescribed this for me to use it daily for 2 weeks. It is supposed to help with the irritation and swelling, AND itiching....I din't try it yet. I have it here. I get too scared lately to try new things...Specially on the weekends. I rather try things during the week, even though I have to be at work, because I knwo that if something goes wrong I can reach my doctor faster or I can go to his office. I have to change this "very chicken" attitude. I just don't trust doctors blindly like before...
Has anyone used CLOBETASOL OINTMENT for vulvodinya?

[pingpong]

I've used Clobetasol for my vulvodynia. I started by using it for two weeks to get the pain under control, and then the Elavil I had started taking about the same time kicked in and my pain is much milder. My uro told me to use the Clobetasol only if the pain gets really bad, since long-term use could cause thinning of the skin. I haven't needed it so far, but I'm glad to have the stuff on hand just in case.

[Angeles]

I use a 5% buffered, compounded lidocane waterproof cream. Regular lidocane burns on me

Kara,
Is it a cream or an ointment? do you know the ingredients?
Thanks and I hope you are doing well.

[icbop]

Kara,
Is it a cream or an ointment? do you know the ingredients?
Thanks and I hope you are doing well.

It's a steroid and seems like vaseline to me. I could not tolerate it, but I got a different steroid which does not irritate me. It has not worked though, either.

THe NP told me that the different steroid bases affect differenet people in different ways.
Hope this is helpful!

[JanL]

Hi everyone! I went to my new uro last week and he told me I have vulvadynia. He told me to use the lidocaine gel on a cotton ball. He said to leave it in overnight and to also do it during the day if I could. He seemed to think that this would greatly diminish the irritation and pain. Has anyone else tried this??? Is it possible to really get rid of this? Thanks for your input.

Janice

[Angeles]

Jan,
I guess you have to try it. I have lidocaine gel at home and used once and burned me a little it is supposed to burn first and then slow down. I haven't used it anymore. I use clobetasol sometimes and my vulvar speacialist doctor said I can used OTC cortizone cream regularly. I asked if it would damage the skin if I use it often and he said no. Still, I am not a fan of steroids.

Try and see, and if it doesn work, try lidocaine ointment as mentiond in the thread. I will ask my dr about it too. I've read the ointment is best for V V than the gel b/c gel may cause some dryness.

I like sitting on a cold pack! That's my number one source of relief. Yesterday I brought one with me while I was running errands and driving. Summer is coming and getting very hot here.
I'm thinking to have a few cold paks available in the refrigerator and a mini cooler in the car for long drives (I get mini coolers when I order refrigerated medication and is shipped to me so I have a few coolers at home).
Vulvodynia can get better and many people get a great deal of symptoms relief. I think it is a combination of treatment that would work best for you. You will have to try and see. Hope you get better.

[JanL]

Thanks for the tip. I will get some ice packs and try them. So far the lidocaine is really keeping me numb and that is a good thing. I sure hope this helps. I am so careful now about where I sit, the type of pants that I wear, etc. This stuff is the pits. Oh well, guess it could be worse.

Janice