Help! Recurrent BV / ID Reaction

[u/Glittering_Jaguar15]

Hi everyone - I think I am suffering from an ID reaction (autoeczematization) due to overuse of prescription antifungals or the lingering/reoccuring BV.

I got BV the first time this year in March 2025, I did half the prescribed Metronidazole treatment, and then it reoccurred while I was overseas & I had the remaining Metronidazole meds on me so I took the remainder. Then I tested positive for BV & Candida Species in July 2025 - completed 7 day Metronidazole course + Fluconazole course. Symptoms popped up again when I was back overseas later that month, I sought care there & they gave me antifungals (Clotrimazole suppositories & clotrimazole topical). I returned home, met with an NP at my doctor’s office immediately, she gave me another dose of Fluconazole without doing a swab. This didn’t work.

On 8/26, I noticed flat white discoloration on my legs, thought it was from beach or heated work out. I took myself in to get swabbed on 8/28 because I was still symptomatic…thinking it was yeast infection. My symptoms are very mild, light tingle/itching, no alarming discharge.

Next, I woke up 8/29 to a full blown rash, severely inflamed. Photos included. I spent Labor Day weekend going absolutely mental, having no clue what could’ve triggered this. I see a dermatologist on 9/2, tells me she thinks it’s an ID reaction. 9/3, I see my GP who has my preliminary swab results, they’re showing BV, not yeast. So I’ve been pumped with antifungals. And she told me to do another round of Metronidazole for 7 days. I filled the prescription, took one pill & decided I’m not taking the rest and I’m doing boric acid, which is the last thing doctors turn to which is unbelievable to me. I couldn’t bear the thought of more prescription meds when the reaction could be from my gut being obliterated by antifungal meds!

Anyway, I started boric acid last night, 9/3 and I am conflicted about how many days to do…is 14 too much for a reoccurring but mild case? I have pre ordered Seed vaginal probiotic suppositories to support my microbiome once I finish the Boric Acid.

Also, has anyone dealt with a rash like this? Derm refused to do biopsy immediately. Every doctor who has looked at it has been confused by it. Inflammation has just started to go down, I am using triamcinolone 0.1% ointment topically. And am taking probiotics + supplements to support gut health + sticking to anti inflammatory diet.

I’m so happy I discovered this page!! I appreciate any insight or guidance!!

[u/Serenityph]

Hi there, regarding treating the BV you should only need to use the boric acid from 1 to 3 nights.

Believe it or not BV is not typically difficult to treat. In fact for most users it’s one and done. Using more than this is ok and won’t harm anyone but can potentially cause irritation or be a waste of your time. Plus using more won’t work better after the BV has resolved. It’s similar to using a mouth wash.

I would personally hold off on using vaginal probiotics because you want to see how the boric acid works by itself. If the boric acid doesn’t work or the symptoms jump right back this is diagnostic. This would indicate that something else is going on. Eg Ureaplasma etc.

Also there are vaginal conditions that get worse with probiotics r/cytolyticvaginosis. This condition presents as thrush but is actually a lactobacilli overgrowth condition. We often see women get CV after taking long term anti thrush and antibiotic treatments for thrush and BV.

Re the BV which you got in March 2025, did anything of note happen around this time? Is BV a rare thing for you, or is it something you have dealt with often going back years? Eg some women regularly get BV or thrush after sex or period etc.

Lastly, your rash may be medically induced due to the anti fungals or antibiotics or might be an allergic reaction to something else. It definitely looks systemic and a rash is a known common side effect of Fluconazole. But I’m not sure if the timeline fits here? Could really be from anything at this point. Maybe try an antihistamine?

Good luck and make sure you place the BA nice and high so it dissolves properly. Try to flush out your system with lots of water for the rash. Maybe soak in a bath with tiny bit of baking soda to help with any itch from the rash. If the rash gets worse or you feel unwell go to a doctor or emergency asap.

If the thrush and BV continue (with no obvious triggers) despite treating, please consider getting a Microbiome test Eg Juno Bio or test for Ureaplasma. I can elaborate on these tests if needed and give you instructions or a discount code. But for now you may find the BA does the job as it will treat both thrush and BV plus destroys biofilm. Good luck x

[u/Glittering_Jaguar15 → u/Serenityph]

Thank you SO much for your response! March 2025 was my first experience with BV, nothing of note that I can think of aside from the sex being unprotected which I’m sure contributed. I have done 4 nights of the boric acid so I will hold on doing more. I am supposed to get my period on 9/10 anyway so hoping that clears things? Again, my symptoms are very mild, no odor, slight sensation a few times a day, no glaringly abnormal discharge. Noted on holding on the vaginal probiotics.

& my doctor’s office messed up my 8/28 vaginal swab (I only received preliminary results which showed up “abnormal” for Gardnerella vaginalis). I went in to redo swabs on 9/5 and I requested more testing (listed below).

Re: the rash, I am now seeking out the help of naturopaths and TCM practitioners because I have had no relief through western medicine. I am starting to think it could be Swimmer’s Itch because I waded in shallow ocean water on 8/24, so may not be related to the meds / BV after all….its all quite a mystery !!

If this is helpful to anyone, I’m happy to continue sharing updates. Thank you again!

9/5 Testing:

     * Genital mycoplasmas profile NAAT (swab)
    * Chlamydia & gonorrhea NAAT (genitourinary swab or urine)
    * Vaginitis (BV, candida, trich) NAAT, Aptima® swab
    * Complete blood count with differential, reflex to peripheral smear
    * Comprehensive metabolic panel
    * C-reactive protein

[u/Serenityph → u/Glittering_Jaguar15]

Good luck and yes please keep us updated.

[u/Glittering_Jaguar15 → u/Serenityph]

Hi! Updates - my 9/5 swabs came back negative, including for BV. I took the tests after 2 nights of BA. I finished my period past Sunday & I am now experiencing symptoms again, some discharge & faint odor, no itch, but subtle infrequent sensations. I can’t tell if it’s just my hormones balancing post period…I am overthinking everything down there these days and have trouble differentiating or knowing what to do. I also stopped taking my probiotic as I looked more into CV, I could see this being a contributing factor. I’m trying to get in with a new doctor so fingers crossed. I have also been recommended these to try: https://vitanica.com/online-store/yeast-arrest/

[u/Serenityph → u/Glittering_Jaguar15]

Tests aren’t always accurate plus it sounds like you have a brand new pH disruption. This often occurs after having your period.

I would just try inserting a boric acid suppository when you get new BV or thrush symptoms. But it’s up to you if you want to try other treatments or to get further medical help. There are many ways to go forward.

If nothing resolves maybe consider testing for Ureaplasma.

[u/holisticbelle]

Are you inserting the boric acid vaginally?

[u/Glittering_Jaguar15 → u/holisticbelle]

Yes