Bacterial vaginosis, or BV, can be irritating, frustrating and difficult to treat. However, left untreated, it can contribute to long-term problems. Vitamin C might offer an alternative or supplementary treatment for this uncomfortable condition. If you suspect a case of BV, see your medical doctor for a diagnosis and treatment recommendations. Bacterial vaginosis is an infection caused by an imbalance in the normally healthy bacteria of the vagina. Although BV can be asymptomatic, it is often characterized by a strong, fishy odor, white or gray watery discharge, and itching and burning sensations. It may be triggered by a new sexual partner, poor daily or sexual hygiene, antibiotic use or perfumed douches and soaps. Some cases of vaginosis are not bacterial at all, but are caused by the fungus candida, or yeast. Untreated BV can lead to more serious problems, such as pelvic inflammatory disease and an increased risk of HIV. Vitamin C supplements may help treat both BV and candida-related vaginosis.
The University of Maryland Medical Center recommends 500 to 1,000 mg twice daily for immune support and to strengthen the lining of the vagina, helping it heal from irritation. Vitamin C is essential to collagen production, which the body needs to repair damaged tissues. You can also get vitamin C from foods such as citrus fruits, strawberries, tomatoes, green peppers, leafy greens and berries. In 2011, scientists at the pharmaceutical company Polichem SA conducted a double-blind, placebo-controlled study of 277 women presenting symptoms of BV. The women were instructed to insert a silicon-coated 250 mg vitamin C tablet into the vagina for six consecutive days. About 55 percent of study participants found relief from this method, opposed to 25 percent of women taking a placebo. Although promising, these findings are not extensive enough to be conclusive. Consult your gynecologist before beginning this treatment. Proper hygiene is essential to preventing and healing from BV. Wash the area carefully with unscented soaps, dry thoroughly and wear breathable cotton underwear.
Whenever possible, such as at night, go without underwear to allow the area to breathe. Omega-3 fatty acid supplements such as fish oil may be helpful to build immunity and decrease inflammation. Grapefruit seed extract has antibacterial and antifungal properties. It can be taken internally or mixed with water for a soothing rinse. Probiotic supplements that have been developed to promote healthy vaginal bacteria may also be helpful. Drink lots of water and avoid added sugars, which promote bacterial growth. Gain 2 pounds per week Gain 1.5 pounds per week Gain 1 pound per week Gain 0.5 pound per week Maintain my current weight Lose 0.5 pound per week Lose 1 pound per week Lose 1.5 pounds per week Lose 2 pounds per week Reasons for Getting Your Period Early Vaginal Odor & Vitamin C Tablets Vitamins That Help BV Infections Foods to Eat for Chronic BV 4 Ways to Cure Bacterial Vaginosis Naturally B Complex and Vitamin C for Bacterial Vaginosis
Can Exercise Cause Breakthrough Bleeding? Vitamin C & Yeast Infection Herbs for Vaginal Odor Diet for Bacterial Vaginosis Bacterial Vaginosis Home Remedies Bacterial Vaginosis Complications If Untreated Over the Counter Treatments for Bacterial Vaginosis Acidophilus & Folic Acid for Bacterial Vaginosis What Are the Symptoms of Trichomoniasis & Bacterial Vaginosis? What Are the Treatments for Bacterial Vaginosis During Pregnancy? Cranberry Juice for Bacterial Vaginosis How to Get Rid of Vaginal Odor Without Going to the Doctor Foods That Help You Recover From CellulitisYou cut yourself badly, you get yourself a nice red angry wound, you reach for the Mederma Scar Gel and apply diligently until it slowly fades away. But is there something else you could be using to make that scar disappear faster?A Reddit user named kallybear posted photos this week of a scar she had on her ring finger, the legacy of an engagement tattoo she had removed in March 2015.
It should be noted that she asked her plastic surgeon to remove the tattoo surgically—yes, with a knife—instead of getting laser removal, because she wanted it gone immediately. (Note to everyone: ouch. Also, maybe engagement tattoos aren't always the best idea.) Here's what her finger looked like three weeks after the procedure:Her plastic surgeon suggested she use Mederma to heal her scar. But since it looked especially red and angry (also known as hyperpigmentation), she thought she should try something else. "When my acne hyperpigmentation was bad, I tried Mederma out of desperation and was not impressed," she wrote on Reddit. "However, vitamin C serum faded them almost completely, so I decided to try that on my finger instead." Here's what her scar looked like after six months of massaging just three drops of Original Pure Vitamin C20 Serum on it at night:That scar is almost completely gone. We asked Joshua Zeichner, an assistant professor in the dermatology department at Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York City, if there is anything to this.
He said a vitamin C serum will help heal the scar faster, but it shouldn't replace Mederma or another scar gel. "Vitamin C is an antioxidant that we commonly recommend to treat dark spots and sun damage because of its ability to brighten the skin. Just as it can brighten sun spots on your face, it can do the same to pigmentation around scars," said Zeichner. He also recommends layering it on top of your scar product. "Unlike traditional scar gels that improve not only pigment, redness, and texture of the scar itself, vitamin C targets primarily pigment. So you should put it on top of Mederma or Scarguard."Yet another reason why vitamin C is a wonder ingredient.How vitamins do a hangover good:Anti-AgersBuy ItReadReviewMiracle Worker Miraculous Anti-Aging Retinoid Eye RepairReadReviewLotus Youth Preserve Face CreamReadReviewAnti-Aging Omega+ Nourishing OilBuy ItReadReviewRose Stem Cell Bio-Repair Gel MaskBuy ItReadReviewForever Young Hand Cream SPF 40The New Advancements in the Old-School Face-Lift SurgeryThese Adorable Korean Beauty Syringes Are Actually Sheet MasksHoney-Infused Products to Make Your Skin Soft (and Smell Sweet)This GOP Lawmaker Just Delivered Some Questionable News About Skin CancerThe "Slush" Facial Kylie and Kendall Love Contains Two Terrifying IngredientsThe 16-Second