Daily Column

November 29th, 2008

DEAR DR. GOTT:
I am 97-year-old lady and have a pacemaker. I had two or three seizures but have not had anymore since the pacemaker was put in. I am now doing fine except that I have an irritated vagina and inner thighs.

While in the hospital, a nurse spilled urine all down my back and I was not given a bath for two days before leaving. I now have to urinate every two hours during the night and have a very odd dark red, half circle on my both of my inner thighs. It does not itch and fades during the night. What should I do?

DEAR READER:
First, I don’t believe that your symptoms have anything to do with the nurse who spilt the urine or the fact that you were not allowed to bathe afterward. I can say that I am truly appalled by the situation and disappointed in the staff for not immediately helping you wash up. That must have been difficult to deal with and I urge you to write a letter to the hospital administrator expressing your dissatisfaction in that situation. There is no excuse for a patient to have to lie is bed covered in urine for two days.

Now to your symptoms. I believe there are two things going on here: first a urinary tract infection or vaginal inflammation and second, skin irritation.

Your symptoms of frequent urination and vaginal irritation suggest to me that you have an infection. Whether it is vaginal or urinary isn’t clear. I suggest you return to your physician and request testing. I recommend a culture and sensitivity to check for urinary infection. If that is negative he or she can either test for vaginal infection or refer you to a gynecologist for testing. Treatment is often easy and involves a course or two of antibiotics. It is always important to have repeat testing after treatment to ensure the infection has cleared.

In the meantime you can try drinking cranberry juice several times a day. Many women have experienced relief from symptoms using this simple remedy. If you do not like cranberry juice, try cranberry extract pills which can be purchased at most pharmacies.

Your inner thigh irritation may be related to your vaginal problems but based on your description that is fades during the night, leads me to believe that it is simply irritation. This could be the result of your clothing but is more likely due to your thighs rubbing together. You do not say if you are overweight or if your thighs touch. When walking or moving, as the skin from both legs comes in contact, its rubs together causing friction that can create a rash. For some this can become raised, red, itchy, or painful. In some cases, it may simply be red. The irritation often disappears or reduces during the night when there is little or no movement.

If this is the cause, losing weight or wearing pants, shorts or stockings on a regular basis may help. Creams or lotions may help. If it is due to your vaginal irritation, relief should be found when the infection is cured.

To give you related information, I am sending you copies of my Health Reports “Vaginal Infections and Disorders” and “Bladder and Urinary Tract Infections”. Other readers who would like copies should send a self-addressed, stamped number 10 envelope and $2 per report to Newsletter, PO Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092. Be sure to mention the title(s).