A WOMAN'S GUIDE
to
feminine itching, burning, irritation, redness, soreness, discomfort
and dryness
Knowing
the conditions causing vaginal itching, burning, irritation, redness,
soreness, discomfort and dryness is very important for proper
diagnosis and treatment. These symptoms may be incapacitating and are
a common reason for visiting the gynecologist. Feminine itching,
burning, irritation, redness, soreness, discomfort and dryness can
lead to frustration, embarrassment, anger, lost days from work,
marital conflict and loss of ability to enjoy a normal personal,
professional and social life.
We will discuss some common conditions responsible for these symptoms.
Please consult your doctor if you have any of the symptoms listed
below.
Yeast
infection is the most common vulvar and vaginal infection among
females of all ages. A yeast called Candida Albicans is the most
frequent cause. Predisposing risk factors for vaginal yeast infection
include diabetes, pregnancy, antibiotic use, stress, poor diet,
sugars, alcohol, menopause, use of hormones, birth control pills,
pregnancy, immunosuppression from drugs or disease. Hot weather or
non-ventilating clothing increase moisture, warmth and darkness
fostering fungal growth. Yeast infections generally are not sexually
transmitted.
Symptoms of yeast infections can include swollen, red, tender, itching
vaginal lips and surrounding skin. Often there is a whitish, clumpy
"curdy" vaginal discharge (resembling lumps of cottage
cheese). The odor may be unpleasant. For women with recurrent yeast
infections, the symptoms tend to flare at the same time during each
menstrual cycle. Sometimes women have burning with urination.
Intercourse may be painful. Some women complain of vaginal dryness. To
diagnose yeast infection, the discharge on the skin of the vulva or in
the vagina may be taken and examined under a microscope. A culture may
be sent to the laboratory. If a yeast infection is present, antifungal
drugs are the usual treatment.
top
Irritant
dermatitis is an under-recognized condition in women's health. Vulvar
(vaginal lips) skin is far more sensitive than hands and feet and is
very susceptible to temperature, humidity and irritants contained in
commonly used products like lubricants, spermicides, sanitary
products, bath oils, sprays, powders, douches, soaps, detergents,
fabric softeners, shampoos, creams, suppositories, fragrances, scented
toilet paper and even certain clothing items. The most crucial part of
therapy for this condition includes recognizing and eliminating the
culprit.
top
Vulvar
dermatoses include conditions like psoriasis and lichen sclerosus.
Many dermatoses can be difficult to diagnose and may require a biopsy
for a definitive diagnosis. Lichen sclerosus usually occurs in women
over the age of 40. In this condition the vulvar skin becomes thin,
white and fragile causing itching and burning. Other symptoms may
include painful intercourse, splitting of the skin and bleeding.
top
Genital
surgery disturbs normal tissue and nerves. Women may develop soreness,
itching, burning, pain and discomfort after vaginal surgeries, which
is not uncommon until the healing process is completed.
top
Giving
birth is a painful process. Women may develop tears, vaginal pain,
discharge and swelling around the vagina because of the birth trauma
and stitches in the vagina from an episiotomy ( cutting the tissue to
facilitate the delivery of the baby ). Infection and pain are few of
the reported side effects of episiotomy. Women may be very
uncomfortable during this painful healing process. Hemorrhoids are
veins around the anus that are dilated or swollen and can get worse
during the pregnancy. They are caused by pressure in the rectal area
or anal veins. Repeated straining during bowel movements may also
result in increased pressure and worsening of hemorrhoids.
Symptoms of hemorrhoids include rectal bleeding, tenderness, itching,
uncomfortable and painful bowel movements and a lump that can be felt
in the anus especially with straining.
Maintaining good hygiene is the most important part of relieving the
bleeding, pain and itching associated with hemorrhoids.
top
Some
women present with distinct tenderness and at times redness in the
vestibule (vaginal entrance). Intercourse is painful and, in some
cases, impossible due to the severe pain. Typically, women with vulvar
vestibulitis present with a varying duration of symptoms from weeks to
several years. Symptoms often begin after experiencing some type of
infection or trauma followed by difficulty with intercourse. Burning,
stinging, irritation or roughness at the vaginal entrance with
intercourse are the most common complaints. This same sensation is
also experienced when placing tampons or touching in the area of the
vestibule. Women with severe symptoms may also feel this same
sensation when riding a bicycle, horseback riding or jogging. There
are several treatment options available.
top
Atrophic
vaginitis is caused by the thinning of the vaginal tissue as a result
of decreased estrogen production by the ovaries after menopause.
Atrophic vaginitis is also seen in women after surgical removal of the
ovaries. Symptoms include dryness, inflammation, irritation,
discharge, pain and discomfort. Atrophic vaginitis is often
complicated by secondary infection. Treatment includes estrogen
replacement.
Bladder
control problems are common among women of all ages. Women with
bladder control problems may develop a rash and irritation from urine,
which can be very distressing. Due to prolonged exposure to urine skin
becomes itchy, excoriated, macerated and raw and is at risk for
breakdown, ulceration, and infection. Fortunately bladder control
problems can always be treated.
top
Bartholin
gland is a very tiny organ, one on each side near the opening of the
vagina. This gland produces fluid to lubricate the vaginal lips. If
the opening to one of the glands is blocked, the fluid backs up. This
causes swelling of the gland and is called Bartholin gland cyst.
Bartholin gland cysts vary in size but usually are less than the size
of a golf ball.
Cysts can get infected by the bacteria and become very tender. In some
cases, walking, sitting and urination may be painful. Treatment varies
depending upon the size of the gland and symptoms.
top
Bacterial
vaginosis (BV) is the most common cause of vaginitis symptoms among
women of childbearing age. BV is associated with sexual activity. BV
reflects a change in the vaginal bacterial environment. Change in
sexual partners may increase the risk of acquiring bacterial vaginosis.
The primary symptom of BV is an abnormal, odorous vaginal discharge.
The fish-like odor is noticeable especially after intercourse. Nearly
half of the women with clinical signs of BV, however, report no
symptoms. They can be treated with antibiotics. Generally, male sex
partners are not treated.
top
Trichomoniasis,
sometimes referred to as "trich," is a common STD (sexually
transmitted disease) that affects 2 to 3 million Americans yearly. It
is caused by a single-celled parasite called Trichomonas Vaginalis.
Trichomoniasis is primarily an infection of the urogenital tract. The
symptoms in women include a heavy, yellow-green or gray vaginal
discharge, discomfort during intercourse, vaginal odor, and painful
urination. Irritation and itching of the female genital area, and on
rare occasions, lower abdominal pain also can be present. Because men
can transmit the disease to their sex partners even when symptoms are
not present, it is preferable to treat both partners to eliminate the
parasite.
top
This
infection is now the most common of all bacterial sexually transmitted
diseases, with an estimated 4 to 8 million new cases occurring each
year. In both men and women, chlamydial infection may cause an
abnormal genital discharge and burning with urination. In women,
untreated chlamydial infection may lead to pelvic inflammatory
disease, one of the most common causes of ectopic pregnancy and
infertility in women. Many people with chlamydial infection, however,
have few or no symptoms of infection. Once diagnosed with chlamydial
infection, a person can be treated with antibiotics.
top
The most
common symptoms of gonorrhea are a discharge from the vagina and
painful or difficult urination. The most common and serious
complications occur in women and, as with chlamydial infection, these
complications include pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), ectopic
pregnancy, and infertility. Antibiotics are used to treat this
infection.
top
The
first symptoms of syphilis may go undetected because they are very
mild and disappear spontaneously. The initial symptom is usually a
painless open sore that usually appears around or in the vagina. It
can also occur near the mouth, anus, or on the hands. If untreated,
syphilis may go on to more advanced stages, including a transient rash
and, eventually, serious involvement of the heart and central nervous
system. The full course of the disease can take years. Syphilis is
treated with antibiotics.
top
Herpes
infections are caused by herpes simplex virus (HSV). The major
symptoms of herpes infection are painful blisters or open sores in the
genital area. These may be preceded by a tingling or burning sensation
in the legs, buttocks, or genital region. The herpes sores usually
disappear within two to three weeks, but the virus remains in the body
for life and the sores may recur from time to time. Severe or
frequently recurrent genital herpes is treated with one of several
antiviral drugs that are available by prescription. Women who acquire
genital herpes during pregnancy can transmit the virus to their
babies. Untreated HSV infection in newborns can result in mental
retardation and death.
top
Genital
warts (also called venereal warts or condyloma acuminata) are caused
by a virus related to the virus that causes common skin warts. Genital
warts usually first appear as small, painless bumps in the vaginal
area or around the anus. If untreated, they may grow and develop a
fleshy, cauliflower-like appearance. Genital warts are treated with a
topical drug (applied to the skin), by freezing, or if they recur,
with injections of a drug called Interferon. If the warts are very
large, they can be removed by surgery.
top
Pubic
lice are very tiny insects that infest the pubic hair and survive by
feeding on human blood. These parasites are most often spread by
sexual contact. In some cases, they may be picked up through contact
with infested bedding or clothing. The primary symptom of infestation
is itching in the pubic area. Scratching may spread the lice to other
parts of the body; thus, every effort should be made to avoid touching
the infected area, although this may be difficult. Creams or lotions
containing antilice agents are frequently prescribed for the treatment
of pubic lice.
top
Scabies
is a skin infestation with a tiny mite. It is highly contagious and is
spread primarily through sexual contact, although it also is commonly
transmitted by contact with skin, infested sheets, towels, or even
furniture. Scabies causes intense itching, which often becomes worse
at night. Small red bumps or lines appear on the body at sites where
the female scabies mite has burrowed into the skin to lay her eggs.
There are effective treatments for scabies.
top
