Vulvar Symptoms (Female Genital Symptoms)
Symptom 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
- PUBIC LICE
- URINATION PAIN, FEMALE
- If vaginal discharge is the main symptom, see VAGINAL DISCHARGE
WHEN TO CALL YOUR DOCTOR FOR VULVAR SYMPTOMS
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 9am and 4pm) 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
- Cleansing: Wash the area once thoroughly with un-scented soap and water to remove any irritants.
-
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.
- Over the Counter Treatment of Vulvar-Vaginal
Yeast Infection: There are a number of over the counter medications
for the treatment of yeast infections.
- Examples include: Femstat-3, Gyne-Lotrimin-3, Mycelex-7, Monistat.
- If you are pregnant, discuss with your doctor before using.
- Do not use yeast medication during the 24 hours prior to a physician appointment (Reason: it interferes with the pelvic examination).
- Read and follow the package instructions closely.
- Expected Course: If there is no improvement within 3 days, then you will need to be examined.
- Pregnancy Test When In Doubt: If there is any doubt about the possibility of pregnancy, then obtain and use a urine pregnancy test from the store.
- 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 or 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.