Vulval and Vaginal Eczema
Eczema is a skin condition characterized by irritation and itching of the skin.
It can occur anywhere over the body, but usually affects the exposed areas of the body.
Eczema is common over the vagina and the vulva also. All age groups are equally prone to this condition.
Types
Eczema is chiefly of two types. They are:
Contact eczema
When something external irritates the skin over the groin region, localized eczematous presentation may be seen.
The irritant may be some soap, cloth, gel or perfume being used there. Some ladies may have a tendency to get irritated skin against toilet papers, sexual lubricants, excess sweat or even semen.
The condition is usually reversible. It improves as the irritant is withdrawn.
Endogenous eczema
This comes from internal tendency of the skin to express out as irritation.
Such individuals may also have asthma or hay fever in some phase of their life. This tendency may be referred to as atopy.
Eczema may be all over or localized over a portion of the skin. It usually flares up in winters, when the skin is dry and there is lack of moisture in the air.
Why this occurs is not clearly understood. It has been postulated to be due to some immune system dysfunction.
Presentation
The skin is reddish in color and looks irritated. Some swelling may be there over the affected area.
Th affected area is itchy. There is no discharge, no smell and no growth.
Other Conditions With Similar Presentation
These need to be ruled out.
In menopausal women, withdrawal of female hormones may cause thinning of the skin in the genital region. It also mays the skin out there dry and hence itchy.
The condition is alleviated by using topical estrogen creams.
Infections of the genital region also present as red, itchy skin. However, in such cases, some discharge from the vagina is often seen. Also, the condition is foul smelling.
Vulval Cancers
With the same symptoms, if you find any growth there, always go for a biopsy to rule out cancer.
General anxiety states may also give rise to a dry and itchy vagina. This may be due to transient hormonal fluctuations seen in these states.
Treatment
The management is suppressing the inflammation over the affected area.
Firstly, the cause of irritation needs to be removed. See if you have added a new cosmetic or personal hygiene product. If yes, try abstaining from it and see if there is any reduction in the eczematous reaction.
Local anti inflammatory ointments may be applied over the affected skin area. You may use 1% hydrocortisone cream, which is available over the counter easily.
Visit a doctor if you are not cured in a week or two.
General Care
- Wash the groin region with plain water only. Avoid using any gel or soap there. These would unnecessarily make the region dry, making it prone to development of eczema.
- Avoid too much of hot showers, especially in winter months.
- Practice some relaxation technique to manage stress. Do not let it take a toll over yourself.
- Keep the skin out there well moisturized.
- Drink plenty of water and sleep well. Eat plenty of vegetables and seasonal fruits in your meals. These are the best detoxifyers for the body and would keep in check the endogenous causes responsible for the occurrence of eczema.
- Avoid shaving over the affected area.
- Include adequate quantities of probiotics in your diet. Home made curd is the best.
- Bland, that is non perfumed, coconut oil is the best to be used as a lubricant down there.
Does it itch or burn?
My vulva tends to itch intensely and burns if it comes in contact with water. I’ve been to several dermatologists who have ruled it out as eczema due to allergies (dust, dairy and fish which I no longer consume) I no longer use feminine products and the itch still occurs. The itch has extended to my anus and when I sleep, I scratch unconsciously. I don’t know what to do anymore. It is becoming debilitating because it burns and itches during the day as well. The skin tends to become dry and white and small blisters tend to form and when I scratch the skin becomes raw.
May be psoriasis.
Your age? What all medications have you tried over it, any steroid creams/ anti fungal? Let us know the results.
Last month i had a Vaginal itch, after trying creams and even vaginal pills (which were scary to insert), i went to the doctor who recommended fluconazole.. It didn’t go away immediately but it finally went away. But its back again this month and im terribly sad.. I noticed the skin on my vulva looks like it has some patch or something close. The itch is on the skin of my vulva not inside my Vagina. I don’t know if i should take another dose of fluconazole. Right now, ive been applying 1% Clotrimazole cream with hopes that it will cure it. I try to keep the area dry and i go commando most of the time. I also noticed a spread of discharge in my Vagina this morning, is this normal? Please i really need help to cure and prevent recurrence. Thank you.
Can you describe your vaginal discharge, its color, smell, consistency?
Its more of an off white color /cream coloured. It isn’t deep yellow. It doesn’t have a foul smell.. I can’t really make out a smell. Its somewhat sticky
Looks normal.
You may just continue with the anti fungal cream/ ointment. Avoid taking the pills again.
Avoid cleaning with soap or gels down there. These are harsh and may alter vaginal pH, making it prone to fungal infections and dryness.
The patch on vulval skin looks suspicious. this should reduce with time .If not, you need to get examined again by a doctor. This may not be a fungal, but some skin condition this time. Or may be, just a dry patch, that’s irritated.
Its a bit off white or cream , it isnt dark yellow, it doesn’t have a foul smell, i can’t make out a precise odour. Its sticky. Thank you