Itching, burning and a cheesy white vaginal discharge are some of the symptoms women recognize as a yeast infection. But another sign that can occur especially after a menstrual period are sores on your vagina from yeast infection.

The pain or discomfort can be quite severe depending on the size and location of the sore. What causes the sore? Each of those little cheesy like chunks of white discharge was originally on the wall of your vagina. When you use a tampon the wall is scraped and the white covering is stripped away leaving the sore behind.

What is left is a raw open spot which hurts when bumped or scrapped by the tampon or tampon applicator. The good news is these sores if caused by yeast can be easily treated. Whether you choose to visit a medical clinic, an alternative health care provider or use a combination of treatments you can quickly start to heal the sores on your vagina from yeast infection.

Why bother talking with your healthcare provider?

The challenge is symptoms of genital herpes with its sores are very similar to those of vulvovaginal candidiasis. The treatments for herpes are very different from yeast.

While you're waiting to hear from your healthcare provider, there are some steps you can take:

Use a sanitary pad instead of a tampon to avoid scraping those sores on your vagina because of yeast infection.

Start eating yogurt with live cultures of acidophilus. The acidophilus can start decreasing the growth of the fungus Candida causing the infection.

Stop wearing tight fitting clothes. Tight fitting clothes like jeans trap moisture and heat which encourage the growth of Candida.

Use an anti itch cream on the skin outside your vagina. This will increase your comfort level.

Decrease the sugary foods you're eating. Many women crave sugar during their menstrual periods. Sugary foods elevate your blood sugar encouraging the Candida growth.

Stop sexual intercourse until you know whether you have a Candida infection or genital herpes.

Use these simple tips to decrease the pain of vaginal sores. You'll find it easier to get relief from the sores of vaginal yeast infection.