Acceptability, tolerability, and effects on symptoms and signs of vulvovaginitis of a non-soap, herbal-based intimate hygiene solution (Zelesse®)

Abstract

Objective To evaluate the acceptability, tolerability, and effects on vulvovaginitis symptoms and signs of a non-soap, herbal-based intimate solution (Zelesse®). Methods We conducted a prospective, observational, multicenter study including adult women with symptoms and signs of vulvovaginitis with various etiologies, including candidiasis, trichomoniasis, bacterial vaginosis, and atrophic and irritative vaginitis. The presence and intensity of signs (edema, erythema, vaginal discharge) and symptoms (pruritus) of vulvovaginitis were evaluated before and after 5–15 days of daily use of Zelesse® alone or as a coadjuvant in antimicrobial therapy. Variables following a normal distribution and categorical variables were analyzed using the Student t-test and chi-square or Fisher’s exact test, respectively. Results A total 137 women were enrolled in the study; 87 (63.5%) women received concomitant antimicrobials and 50 (36.5%) used Zelesse® only. Global symptom scores and frequency of patients with vulvovaginitis signs and symptoms, and their mean intensity, decreased after treatment in both patient groups. Vaginal pH and (in the Zelesse®-only group) vaginal flora remained unaltered. The product was safe, well tolerated, and highly accepted by patients. Conclusions Zelesse®, the non-soap herbal-based solution in this study, may represent a safe and effective option for symptomatic relief of vulvovaginitis.

Real-world effectiveness and tolerability of Zelesse cream® for treating vulvovaginitis in adult women: an observational, prospective study

“…In line with previous studies conducted with Zelesse, 12,13 in our study, the score and prevalence of signs and symptoms were significantly decreased after treatment compared with baseline in women with noninfectious VV who had Zelesse only and in women with infectious VV who had adjuvant treatment to antimicrobial therapy.…”

“…In line with previous studies conducted with Zelesse, 12 , 13 in our study, the score and prevalence of signs and symptoms were significantly decreased after treatment compared with baseline in women with non-infectious VV who had Zelesse only and in women with infectious VV who had adjuvant treatment to antimicrobial therapy. The scarcity of clinical trials, case mix of extract combinations, and heterogeneity of assessment of effectiveness of natural products for treating VV preclude indirect comparison of effectiveness based on the literature.…”

“…The use of a washing solution based on the same composition showed the ability to effectively improve the signs and symptoms of VV in adults while showing good tolerability. 11 , 12 Furthermore, these results were confirmed in female children aged 2 to 8 years with non-infectious VV. 13 In this observational study, we aimed to assess the efficacy, tolerability, and acceptability of Zelesse cream in adult women with signs and symptoms of VV when using this cream as either monotherapy or adjuvant to antibiotic/antifungal treatment.…”

Single-pathogen and Mixed Vulvovaginal Infections Among Women of Reproductive Age Consulting Gynecologists: A Cross-Sectional Study

“…It has demonstrated to be effective, alone or as an adjuvant along with antimicrobial therapy, for improving the signs and symptoms of acute vulvovaginitis, especially pruritus. It could be an alternative to relieve symptoms when an infectious etiology is not suspected, or when the prescription of the specific treatment must be delayed until the microbiological diagnosis is made [34]. Dietary changes such as a low-sugar diet -recommended to some women in our study -might also be helpful.…”