vulva issues

unknownclock58 @unknownclock58

Definitely you need to get this checked out, either your PCP or a gynecologist. They may do a biopsy of area to diagnosis. The fact it flares up when your clothes rubs your vagina , indicates when skin is irritated either by clothes that is rubbing it or your skin may have a condition that flares up when irritated.

When my lichen sclerosis flares up, it is similar symptoms, a ulcer like sore and itches. If lichen sclerosis is left untreated, it can develop into cancer. If lichen sclerosis, you may also see white spots in vaginal area. For more info: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/lichen-sclerosus/symptoms-causes/syc-20374448

Other less serious causes may be your detergent, underwear or toilet paper. I can only wear 100% cotton underwear and use detergent for sensitive skin with no dyes or perfumes. Also, no fabric softener.

Laurie

@unknownclock58. I agree with Laurie @roch I recommend that you make an appointment with your gynecologist to get the ulcer evaluated.

Several years ago I developed a pimple-like thing on my vulva and I went to my gynecologist's office to get it evaluated. Now that I think about it I believe I was due for my yearly pelvic and pap smear at the time. The pimple was red and irritated although not itchy. My gynecologist said it was nothing to worry about. It did go away and did not return. Now that I've read what others have shared here on Mayo Clinic Connect I've learned that sometimes these things are not watched carefully enough. Fortunately, my vulvar pimple resolved and never returned.

When do you think you will call for an appointment with your gynecologist?

Hi there- I agree with the others…it’s best to get it checked out first. I’m prone to getting cysts or pimples in this area as well, so it’s not uncommon, and unfortunately they tend to return, but it’s best to be certain. I once had a stubborn and very painful bump I got checked out and I was able to use a topical medication, warm compress, and the doctor recommended Hibaclens, a gentle antiseptic soap that’s usually used before medical procedures. Using it regularly drastically reduced the frequency if the bumps.

Hopefully, there will be a straightforward solution for you, and you can get it checked out soon. Wishing you all the best.

I'm so glad I saw your post. This is the first reference I've seen on this site about bumps or cysts. I didn't have these at the beginning of the diagnosis of lichen last February but they have developed over time and are quite painful. Simply sitting down is unpleasant so I stand a lot. A recent dermatologist called them cysts that are under the skin in the labia . I have decided it may have been caused by all the steriods (side effects) and so stopped using . I also have hard little bumps in the groin area that are equally painful that another dermatologist said was caused by friction that seem to be getting worse. So far, I haven't found anything for pain. Have read some are using lidocaine compounds. None of my bumps have gone away , however. Can you wash with the Hibaclens inside the vulva area?
I have an appointment , unfortunately not until June, with yet another gynecologist who supposedly specializes in vulval pain problems, etc. . Have seen three gynecologists and two dermatologists so far. The constant stress that is very wearing on me. I am not convinced this is lichen sclerosus and have been reading about all the different kinds of "lichens" . I now have a large file on this topic. I'd appreciate anything you have to say about the cysts or bumps you are experiencing.

Well, I'm pretty sure I know what's going on. I am almost 99% sure it's herpes. I get cold sores and my guess maybe I even gave it to myself by not washing my hands after applying meds to my lips. I guess someone could have given it to me as well but I have not had sex in a while ): Ok I said it!
Anyhow, I can see the blister and what compounds the problem is I have vaginal/vulva atrophy which of course itches and then itching and stress of all of this causes the outbreak. So I have gone back to using my antihistamines which is Loratadine and using vaginal estrogen. The itching now is gone and things feels much better!
In any event I'm going on vacation next week I will get the HSV test done when I get back. I'm actually relived to finally hopefully know what this is.

Hi! I'm glad it helped, at least with reassurance. Again, not a doctor here >_

I would grab some antiviral in the drug store for fever blisters. It won’t hurt anything if it’s not viral. But there are challenges to doing that. You need a prescription.

The insurance companies - at least Medicare - have ruled You can only get a script for the antiviral Acyclovir pills in the US. And they help in a 5-6 days. The good stuff - the 5% acyclovir cream that dries it up in 1-2 days if you catch it early is hundreds of dollars here and not covered by insurance - at least not by Medicare. it only takes a smidge every few hours for a couple of days so one tube lasts a long time. And be sure to price it at GoodRx you’re interested. I would never get caught without it although my body seems to have tired of giving me fever blisters.

There is Abreva that is OTC - but doesn’t do more than keep it moist in my opinion.

Good luck!

Hi, Thank you for being open about this, it's helpful, and I don't have contact with doctors who want to help. What is the Loratadine? and what is it used for? It seems like youre saying it's an antihistamine. I take oral estrogen and have for 20 years, but don't know about a vaginal estrogen. is it a prescription, and what is it called?
I contracted herpes in the late 70's and haven't had many outbreaks. I can guess when my stress level is high enough to bring it on, like a move across country. But being familiar with the dease doesn't make me sure that's what this first commentor has.
The first time I was told I had vaginal atrophy I told the doc he was sexist, lol. Now I have more information but it is a terrible name. Having atrophy doesn't necessarily mean there is a itching symptom. When I have had itching, or irritation, I have been tested for a infection (not sexually transmitted) and treated with antibiotics. It is hard to get rid of completely and many older women live with a bacterial infection without being treated. That is sad to me, it doesn't have to be tolerated if we can find doctors who will keep looking for answers too.

Estrace. I use it once. My doctor prescribed for my lichen sclerosis..it works. Ask your doctor..

See the doctor