Five Typical Issues Associated with the Lower Regions - and Whether They Can Be Transmitted to Others
When the itch, irritation, and pain hit your sensitive areas, it's easy to jump to conclusions about a yeast infection. But there are other common conditions that could be causing your discomfort. Let's dive into the five most common vulvar ailments and what you can do about them.
First up, we have Candida, the fungus that causes around 75% of women to experience a yeast infection at some point. Symptoms often include vulvar swelling and redness, severe vaginal itching, burning, painful peeing and sex, and an odorless white discharge. Thankfully, these infections are rarely contagious, but about 15% of male partners can catch it on their penis.1 Over-the-counter creams or prescription medication can usually shake it.
Moving on to Contact Dermatitis, irritants like laundry detergents, body soaps, and feminine products can trigger redness, itching, and skin thickening. Infections don't typically occur, but you might feel dampness due to vulvar irritation.2 A soak in a lukewarm baking soda bath can help relieve the itch, and your doctor might prescribe steroid treatment for severe cases.
Next is Herpes, a pretty common sexually transmitted disease. Signs include painful ulcers or blisters on the vulva, vagina, and cervix. Some people don't have symptoms, but if they do, they'll likely appear as small, itchy blisters that resemble pimples. Although there's no cure, antiviral medications can shorten the duration and intensity of outbreaks and help reduce frequency of recurring genital herpes.3
Moving on to an uncommon condition, we have Lichen Sclerosus. This skin issue causes shiny, smooth spots on the vulva that can tear easily. As it progresses, scars can form, making sex painful or even impossible. Symptoms may also include itching, discomfort, bleeding, and blisters. Treatment typically involves strong corticone creams or ointments.4
Last but not least, there's Trichomoniasis, a sexually transmitted infection caused by the Trichomonas vaginalis parasite. If you contract this, you'll experience vulvar swelling, redness, itching, painful urination, and a foamy, greenish discharge. The good news is a single dose of antibiotics can treat both you and your partner, preventing reinfection.5
To prevent and manage vulvar conditions, remember to switch out of wet clothes promptly, keep the vulvar/vaginal area dry, and maintain good hygiene. If you have persistent symptoms, steer clear of scratching (as it irritates the skin further) and consult a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis.6
Footnotes:
- https://www.healthline.com/health/womens-health/vulvovaginal-itch
- https://www.healthline.com/health/sexual-health/vulvar-irritation#Vulvar-Irritation-Causes-2
- https://www.healthline.com/health/womens-health/vaginal-itch-rash#Treatment-6
- https://www.healthline.com/health/womens-health/vulvar-conditions#treatment
- https://www.healthline.com/health/std/trichomoniasis#symptoms
- https://www.healthline.com/health/womens-health/vulvar-conditions#can-treat-often-painful-sex
- It's crucial to maintain a good balance in skin care and women's health, particularly when addressing sensitive areas prone to conditions like Candida or Lichen Sclerosus.
- In the realm of health-and-wellness, understanding the differences between health conditions like Contact Dermatitis and sexually transmitted diseases, such as Herpes, is essential for proper self-care.
- Embracing various aspects of culture, from personal hygiene to sexual health, encourages conversations about common issues like Trichomoniasis and its treatment options.
- Integrating CBD into skincare routines orotions might offer potential benefits for managing vulvar conditions, although further scientific research is needed to support these claims.
