Vulvar Skin Disorder - An Overview

Introduction

Vulva is a word originated from the Latin word that refers to womb or covering. The sexual organs and urine opening are covered and safeguarded by the vulva, which is made up of numerous layers. Vulva is a part of the female reproductive organ which surrounds the opening of the vagina. It may contain three folded skin: mons pubis, inner labia minora, and outer labia majora. The clitoris, labia majora, and labia minora are formed of erectile tissue, or tissue that may swell with blood. The urethral and vaginal openings, as well as the bartholin's glands, which are situated on either side of the vaginal entrance and create lubricant for the vestibule, are all located in the region between the labia minora known as the vestibule. The perineum is the flesh that is between the vaginal opening and the anus, which is not a component of the vulva but frequently contributes to vulvar skin issues.

The vulva is subject to a range of skin problems, many of them inadvertently self-inflicted. Vulvar skin disorders are a group of inflammatory disorders that can affect the vulvar skin of the female genital area.

What Are the Causes of Vulvar Skin Disorder?

Vulvar skin disorders may develop in response to irritants. Usually, burning or stinging is immediately apparent. It may occur due to the following:

• Shampoo, conditioner, bath salts, bubble baths, soap, or detergent.

• Panty liners.

• Wipes.

• Nylon briefs or other clothing that has been chemically treated.

• Pee, vaginal discharge, or sweating. Deodorants, baby powder, or perfume.

• Spermicides or lubricants.

• Astringents or alcohol.

What Are Skin Disorders Associated With Vulva?

Skin disorders that affect the vulva, include:

• Folliculitis - Bacteria that enter a hair follicle create folliculitis, manifesting as tiny, red, and sometimes painful pimples in labia majora. It can be caused by friction, waxing, or even shaving. Folliculitis usually goes away on its own.

• Vulvar Dermatitis - Vulvar dermatitis is a type of skin condition that results in the delicate folds of skin around the vagina can become painful, red, and itchy.

• Bartholin Gland Cysts - Bartholin gland cyst are a type of cyst formation developed in bartholin glands, a gland seen under vaginal opening when it is obstructed and appears as a swelling bump close to the vaginal opening.

• Lichen Simplex Chronicus - A long-standing skin condition like contact dermatitis may cause lichen simplex chronicus. The vulvar skin develops plaques and thickened, scaly regions. The severe itching by these plaques may keep you up at night. The "itch-scratch" cycle must be broken for the skin to recover. Creams containing steroids are frequently used for this. Treatment for the underlying issue should also be given

• Lichen Sclerosus - A long-term, chronic skin inflammatory condition that affects the skin of the genitalia and is characterized by shiny, white patches that cause itching, pain, and irritation in the vulva. It can be affected in women of any age although those who have undergone menopause.

• Lichen Planus - Lichen planus is a skin disorder that commonly affects the mucous membranes. Lichen planus may worsen in some cases and it may also affect genital areas. It may be characterized by a white streak which can occur on vulvar areas and other parts of the body.

• Vulvar Intraepithelial Neoplasia - Vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia is a type of precancerous skin disorder that can occur due to any changes that may take place in the skin that covers the vulva. Vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia is benign, but if the changes worsen over time, there is a potential that cancer can eventually appear. For this reason, the condition is also known as a precancerous condition.

• Genital Psoriasis - Psoriasis is a skin autoimmune disorder that may affect genital areas resulting in smooth, non-scaly, or red patches.

What Are the Signs and Symptoms Associated With Vulvar Skin Disorder?

Vulvar skin disorder can be more likely to be experienced in postmenopausal women and prepubertal girls. Moisture, heat, rubbing, and the use of scented products can make the symptoms worse.

The common signs and symptoms of vulvar skin disorders include:

• Itching.

• Pain during sex.

• Irritation.

• Vaginal dryness.

• Urinary tract infection.

• Urinate frequently.

• Foul odor in vagina.

• Erythema or redness.

• Changes in skin tone.

What Are the Diagnostic Options Available for Vulvar Skin Disorders?

The common diagnostic option available for vulvar skin disorders includes:

• Physical Examination - The doctor may ask about the symptoms, drug history, and family history. Also, they may perform the physical examination by examining the symptoms in the vulvar and vaginal area including vaginal discharge.

• Patch Test - Patch test is performed by the doctor and they may expose the skin to specific allergens. This may help to identify the type of allergens that may cause skin disorders.

• Biopsy - The doctor may perform a biopsy test for some specific cases for the confirmation of diagnosis. This procedure is done by collecting the samples from the vaginal area.

What Are the Treatment of Vulvar Skin Disorders?

The treatment of vulvar skin disorder includes:

1. Medications - The doctor may prescribe medications, lotions, or ointments that can alleviate the itching to prevent scratching results in skin damage. Hydroxyzine and Doxepin are two anti-itch medicines that can promote sleep. Betamethasone Disproportionate, Desonide, Triamcinolone, Clobetasol Propionate, and Hydrocortisone are corticosteroid ointments.

2. Lifestyle Changes

• Wash the vulva with mild, unscented soap and warm water once per day.

• Use the hands and fingers rather than using a washcloth to clean the vulva.

• Use a fresh towel to pat the vulva dry.

• Try to wear loose-fitting cotton comfortable undergarments.

• Use gentle, unscented detergents to wash the garments.

• Do not use feminine hygiene items with scents or chemicals that irritate the skin.

• Take a Sitz Bath - Sit comfortably in lukewarm (not hot) or cool water containing Epsom salts or colloidal oatmeal for five to ten minutes, two to three times daily.

3. Ultraviolet Light - Ultraviolet light might, under certain conditions, be used to cure vulvar skin disorders like genital psoriasis. However, the dosage must be less than prescribed for psoriasis, which manifests symptoms in other parts of the body as the genital skin does not become damaged.

4. Nerves Block Injections - Local nerve block injections may help women with chronic pain that does not improve with conventional treatments.

5. Pelvic Floor Therapy - Many patients have tightness in the pelvic floor muscles, which support the uterus, bladder, and intestine. Doing relaxation exercises helps to ease vulvodynia pain.

Conclusion

Vulvar skin disorders are common in women nowadays. Poor hygiene and lifestyles may lead to the cause of skin disorders. Itching, irritation, and pain are the common symptoms of vulvar skin disorders. Consult a physician for any symptoms like itching or irritation in vulva areas appear and take immediate treatment accordingly. There are treatments available to reduce the discomfort. Having an examination is important because the doctor might be able to identify the reason for the vulvar disease.