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Genital or Urinary Symptoms
Vulvar Symptoms (Female)

Does this describe your symptom?

 
  • 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).

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Reviewed/Modified: Jan. 2008 by Intermountain Healthcare, Inc.


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