Vulvar Symptoms

DEFINITION

  • Itching or dryness of external female genital area (vulva)
  • Rashes of external female genital area including: sores, redness, blisters, lumps

General Information

Common Causes of Vulvar Itching
  • Contact Dermatitis - Soaps/detergents, douches, and perfumed toilet products can cause local irritation. The treatment for this is to avoid these products and maintain good genital hygiene.
  • Menopause - At menopause the ovaries stop functioning, and as a result the body produces less estrogen. Without estrogen, the skin in the genital area can become thin and women notice increased dryness. There are estrogen-based vaginal crèmes or lubricants that your physician can prescribe to reduce this itching and dryness.
  • Yeast Infection: Sometimes itching can be caused by a yeast infection (Candida). Often there is a new or increased vaginal discharge (thick, white, cottage cheese-like, non-odorous discharge). There are a number of over the counter medications for the treatment of vaginal yeast infections.
Other Causes of Vulvar Symptoms
  • Any preexisting skin disorders/rashes can also occur on the vulva (e.g., psoriasis, eczema, drug rashes)
  • Bartholin's cyst
  • Irritation after sexual intercourse (e.g., inadequate lubrication causing friction abrasion, latex-condom allergy)
  • Skin cancer and skin dermatoses (e.g., lichen sclerosis, squamous hyperplasia)
  • Sexually Transmitted Diseases (e.g., STD's like Herpes simplex, Syphilis, pubic lice, genital warts)

See More Appropriate Topic (instead of this one) If

WHEN TO CALL YOUR DOCTOR

Call Your Doctor Now (night or day) If
  • You feel weak or very sick
  • Severe pain
  • Fever and genital area looks infected (e.g., draining sore, ulcer, rash is painful to touch)

Call Your Doctor Within 24 Hours (between 9 am and 4 pm) If
  • You think you need to be seen
  • Itching that is moderate-severe (i.e., it interferes with school, work, or sleep)
  • Genital area looks infected (e.g., draining sore, ulcer, rash is painful to touch)
  • Rash with painful tiny water blisters

Call Your Doctor During Weekday Office Hours If
  • You have other questions or concerns
  • You are worried you might have a sexually transmitted disease
  • Antibiotic treatment for 3 or more days for a Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD) and you are not improving
  • Home treatment for 3 or more days for a "yeast infection" and you are not improving
  • All other vulvar symptoms (EXCEPTION: feels like prior yeast infection, or painless rash present less than 24 hours)

Self Care at Home If
  • Symptoms of a yeast infection (i.e., itchy, white discharge, not bad smelling), which feels like prior vaginal yeast infections, and you don't think you need to be seen
  • Painless rash (e.g., redness, tiny bumps, sore) of genital area present less than 24 hours, and you don't think you need to be seen
  • Mild itchiness, and you don't think you need to be seen

HOME CARE ADVICE FOR VULVAR SYMPTOMS

  1. Cleansing: Wash the area once thoroughly with un-scented soap and water to remove any irritants.
  2. Genital Hygiene:
    • Keep your genital area clean. Wash daily.
    • Keep your genital area dry. Wear cotton underwear or underwear with a cotton crotch.
    • Do not douche.
    • Do not use feminine hygiene products.

  3. Antifungal Medication for Yeast Infection: There are a number of over-the-counter medications for the treatment of yeast infections.

    • Available in the U.S.: Femstat-3, miconazole (Monistat-3), clotrimazole (Gyne-Lotrimin-3, Mycelex-7), butoconazole (Femstat-3).
    • Available in Canada: miconazole (Monistat-3) and clotrimazole (Canesten-3,
      Myclo-Gyne).
    • If you are pregnant, speak with your doctor before using.
    • Do not use yeast medication during the 24 hours prior to a physician appointment (Reason: interferes with examination).
    • Read and follow the package instructions closely.
  4. Expected Course: If there is no improvement within 3 days, then you will need to be examined.
  5. Pregnancy test, when in doubt:
    • If there is any possibility of pregnancy, obtain and use a urine pregnancy test from the local drug store.
    • Follow the instructions included in the package.
  6. Call Your Doctor If:
    • Pregnancy test is positive or if you have difficulties with the home pregnancy test
    • Rash lasts longer than 24 hours
    • Rash spreads or becomes worse
    • Fever occurs
    • No improvement after 3 days
    • You become worse

And remember, contact your doctor if you develop any of the "Call Your Doctor" symptoms.

Disclaimer: This information is not intended be a substitute for professional medical advice. It is provided for educational purposes only. You assume full responsibility for how you choose to use this information.

Author and Senior Reviewer: David A. Thompson, M.D.

Last Reviewed: 9/21/2007

Last Revised: 9/21/2007

Content Set: Adult HouseCalls Online

Portions Copyright 2000-2007 Self Care Decisions LLC; Copyright LMS, Inc.
 
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