Things to know about vulva and vagina skin disorders

Posted by vivek choudhary on February 29th, 2020

The external part of the female gentility is called the vulva which protects the sexual organs, urinary opening, vestibule, and vagina and is the center of a woman’s sexual response. Labia majora and labia minora are the outer and inner lips of the vulva.  The vagina is surrounded by the vestibule, or introitus, and the opening of the urethra, or urethral meatus. The area extending from beneath the vulva to the anus is called the perineum.

While the vagina is just one part of the vulva, many people say “vagina” when they actually mean the vulva.

One can experience vaginal or vulva itching as a result of yeast infection, however, it is not always the case. Hence, treating it with any fungal creams might not relieve the itch.

Other causes of vaginal itching might be:

• dry skin
• a sexually transmitted disease or
• bacterial infection
• allergic reactions to soaps, creams, and lotions

One must avoid using harsh towels or rubbing around the vulva as it can leave the skin itchy and irritated.

Several skin conditions that affect the vulva or vagina are as follows:

1. Eczema: is a skin condition which disrupts the surface of the skin, it causes red patches and thin cracks, weeping, and crust formation. Crusts are less likely to form on the vulva, but eczema may initiate a cycle of vulvar itching and scratching that leads to lichen simplex chronicus — thickened and intensely itchy skin.

Irritants (can cause redness, itch, and stinging)

• Soap, bubble baths, and salts, detergent, shampoo
• wet wipes
• Party-liners
• Nylon underwear, chemically treated clothing
• Vaginal secretions, sweat, and urine
• lubricants
• Perfumes, talcum powder, deodorants
• Alcohol and astringents

Taking care of your vulva is of utmost importance. All eczema requires gentle skincare. Some patients may use topical corticosteroid ointments twice daily for two to four weeks and then gradually reduce the frequency until the symptoms are gone.

2. Psoriasis: is a common condition in which new skin cells are produced too rapidly, leading to thickened, scaly patches of inflamed and red skin on various parts of the body. The skin on the vulva surfaces are usually too moist for dry scaling, so psoriasis is more likely to appear in the form of pink patches with defined edges. It most commonly affects the labia majora. If the skin cracks open, an infection may result.

One should visit their nearby best female gynecologist in Gurgaon if any of the mentioned or irregular symptoms are visible. Our vaginas are self-healing and can maintain the Ph balance of the skin on its own. Harsh soaps and body wash should be avoided and regular checkups should be maintained.