One of the most important but least typically discussed female body parts is the vagina. It can be a woman’s greatest source of pleasure or serious pain, especially when something seems off with it. By nature it’s a sensitive area, so it can be normal to experience symptoms like rashes on the external area, called the vulva. However, rashes not caused by the typical razor burn or irritation can also be cause for concern, especially if they are long-lasting and appear suddenly. Here are five types of serious rashes on the vagina that every woman should know.
Vaginitis
This is a common condition that is easily treatable but can cause great discomfort, including red, irritation on the vulva. There are several different types of vaginitis, including yeast infection, bacterial vaginosis, or trichomoniasis. Each of these comes with a different set of symptoms, so it’s important to check in with your doctor to ensure the rash stems from these conditions rather than something more dangerous.
Psoriasis
A less harmful cause of a rash on the vagina could be psoriasis, but this warrants attention due to its ability to spread and cause further discomfort. This is characterized by red or white spots covered by silvery or scaly skin. This is more commonly found on the knees, elbows, scalp, tailbone, and back but it can also develop anywhere on the body.
STDs
More serious causes of rashes on your vagina can also include sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). A number of STDs manifest as rashes or painless sores on this sensitive area, including genital herpes, genital warts, and pubic lice. Gonorrhea and syphilis can also develop with the beginning sign of a rash on the vagina.
Contact dermatitis
A treatable source of a rash on the vagina can also be contact dermatitis, which is when you come into contact with products that irritate your skin. This could be anything from soaps, laundry detergents, sanitary products, lotions, or perfumes. A rash may also be accompanied by itching and swelling and grow into severe discomfort unless treated.
Molluscum contagiosum
This is a type of virus that causes a skin infection, which leads to patches of small, red, and shiny bumps that can occur on many parts of the body, including the vagina. The bumps don’t hurt or itch, but they can become infected or swollen. The virus is spread through skin-to-skin contact or by touching an infected object, like a towel.
Since many of these conditions can be easily confused with one another, it’s important to have a doctor check out new developments in this sensitive region. They can test you for any suspected illnesses or disorders that have the potential to become more threatening. While it can be scary to see a discoloration or growth on this part of your body, it spurs a beneficial inquiry into your current state of health that should not go ignored.
Sources:
https://myhealth.alberta.ca/Health/pages/conditions.aspx?hwid=tm7035
https://www.webmd.com/sexual-conditions/rash-near-vagina#1
