
However, pruritus vulvae means the itch is persistent and causes distress. Most women experience a slight vulval itch now and again.
Female jock itch on vulva skin#
The vulva consists of the external female sex organs, including the labia, clitoris, Bartholin's glands and the area of skin just outside the vagina. Other diseases require extensive medical therapy, and more rarely, surgical therapy may be necessary.'Pruritus vulvae' simply means itching of the vulva. Often times, simple therapies can cure vulvovaginal disease. Your physician will thoroughly discuss all treatment options after making a diagnosis. A vaginal biopsy typically takes a few minutes, and usually minimal to no bleeding is encountered. A vaginal biopsy is done in the office by anesthetizing the skin with a small amount of anesthetic, and then removing a few millimeters of superficial skin. Often times, a small vaginal biopsy may be necessary to diagnose certain dermatologic diseases such as lichen sclerosis, or premaliganant conditions. This procedure may also be done in conjunction with a vaginal biopsy, should any abnormal lesions be seen. Your physician may apply acetic acid (vinegar) solution which provides better visualization of pre-cancerous lesions. The colposcope is a microscope that is used to visualize the vulvar skin at high magnification. A detailed physical exam, often in conjunction with colposcopy (figure) can help in making a diagnosis of vulvar and vaginal problems. Your doctor will take a detailed history in order to determine the exact etiology of the problem. Those with Secondary Vestibulodynia may be affected later in life due to the hormonal changes after menopause. Women with Primary Vestibulodynia often have pain since their teenage years when they inserted their first tampon. Women with vestibular pain typically complain of severe pain, burning, rawness, or stinging. The vestibular nerve endings are extremely close to the surface, and some women may develop extreme sensitivity or even pain at this area (vestibulodynia). The vulvar vestibule is embryologically distinct from the rest of the vulva and vagina. The vulvar vestibule is the area inside of the labia minora (small lips), extending to the hymen (opening) of the vaginal canal. Colposcopy with acetic acid (vinegar) may help delineate areas of VIN and make biopsy easier. VIN may be focal or affect multiple sites on the vulva. Excess keratin production leads to a white appearance, whereas excess melanin production leads to dark lesions. Vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia is a potentially precancerous condition that can be either white, dark, or red. Patients need annual exams and biopsy of any worsening or new lesions, as progression to cancer can occur in about 3% of women with lichen sclerosis. This disorder may require a lifetime of treatment, including either high-potency steroids once or twice weekly, or over the counter steroids every night. Most experts currently use high-potency steroid creams such as clobetasol propionate 0.05% twice daily for 3 weeks, then before bed each night for a few months. The diagnosis is by biopsy, which must be done before treatment, as treatment (topical high-dose steroids) can misguide the pathologist making the diagnosis. Some patients are asymptomatic, while others report pruritus, painful intercourse, and anorgasmia from clitoral shrinkage. With lichen planus, the skin has a white, thin, shiny, “parchment paper” appearance.

If untreated, the labia may fuse together, the clitoris may shrink, and the introitus may become stenotic. Symptoms include chronic itching, burning, They cause thinning of the vulvar tissue with edema and fibrosis. Lichen sclerosus and lichen planus are benign disorders of the vulvar epithelium that can affect women of any age group.

Additionally, the lack of estrogen causes the vagina to become alkaline, which can predispose a woman to urinary tract infections. When estrogen levels are lowered in the female (due to menopause, or occasionally from oral contraceptive pills), the thickness of the layers of the vaginal and vulvar wall decreases. Proper vulvar skin care and removal of the irritating agent can cure contact dermatitis. Women with contact dermatitis can present with burning, itching, and pain with intercourse. Common Vulvovaginal Disorders Contact DermatitisĬontact dermatitis refers to irritation due to an external agent which causes inflammation of the vaginal and/or vulva.
