Constant Vulvar Irritation: What can I try?
Posted , 6 users are following.
I've had pretty regular vulva irritation for the past 6 or 7 months. Some day or multiple days in a row in will completely disappear and then other days I can barely make it through the work day. Its a feeling of rawness, mild itching but mostly discomfort and irritation. I've seen multiple doctors, but all have suggested treatment for yeast infection even though my cultures come back negative. I've tried boric acid and ph balancers, but think my problem has more to do with my vulva skin and is not an actual vaginal issue. I'm currently using lidocane and petroleum jelly every morning and night which seems to help the symptoms but not solve the actual problem. Shaving also does help (that really stunned my gyno), but the constant pain seems to always return. This issue really stresses me out and I feel like im out of ideas of things to try and can't imagine pursuing any short of relationship feeling like this. Does anyone have suggestions or a similar situation? My next thought is to try natural toilet paper. Would really appreciate any suggestions
0 likes, 8 replies
Sunflower13 samantha32329
Posted
Samanth,
Am sorry you are going through this. I used to suffer from with the same thing . Then one day my dermatologist recommended for me to change my toilet paper to Angel soft. I was using cottonelle before. She said too make sure it was unscented . After a few days of using angel soft i felt so much better and since then i have been using it . Also do you use an free and clear detergent that will help also .
samantha32329 Sunflower13
Posted
I've been using the all free and clear detergent for awhile now but haven't seen any major changes. I was using angel soft before but I trying an unbleached recycled one so hopefully it has less chemicals
amy77968 samantha32329
Posted
i have the same issue .. i actually bought an aloe plant and will apply it to the area and it really brings me a lot of relief for a few days ... shaving really does help me also !
samantha32329 amy77968
Posted
Hey Amy, thanks for the advice what exactly do you do with the aloe plant? Any ideas on whats causing your irritation? I'm trying to see a specialist but can't get in until September
amy77968 samantha32329
Posted
i was diagnosed with lichen sclerosus .. usually it affects menopausal women but Im only 28 .. pre-period my irritation is terrible .. my skin easily tears .. it sucks i feel your pain .. my gyno prescribed me a steriod cream but sometimes it doesnt help but the aloe always eases the symptoms .. with aloe .. . i cut off at least 2/3 inches of the end of the leaf ... peel the green skin and inside is like a jelly substance .. ill apply it everywhere and insert it also vaginally and lay down for ten minutes .. the relief is unbelievable .. i get so raw its horrible .. Not a doctor just sharing whats worked for me
samantha32329 amy77968
Posted
Okay I'll give that a try then. One more question... Does the skin around that area look different or irritated? The doctors I've seen always tell me nothing is wrong because they don't see any irritation. One told me it definitely was not lichen sclerosis because my skin did not appear irritated, but I've read the only way to know is through biopsy.
amy77968 samantha32329
Posted
i had to go to five different gynos .. finally i started getting the white patches (key sign of lichen s.) no biopsy ...i would demand one .. it would be red but its was because it was uncontrollably itchy .. but the area didnt look different for a long time
Guest samantha32329
Posted
Samamtha I am in the exact same boat as you!!!. I have been expierencing this for around 5 months now. I did have a yeast infection but I have completed all reccommended treatments and have tried like 5 different kinds.. I have been using boric acid for 11 days now with no improvement. My itching is on the vulva, around my clitoral area. No itching or discharge from my actual vagina 😕.. One visual symptom I have is an increase in "smegma" type substance. I wash daily but it comes back very quickly if the area is irritated. I notice its there after I ride my bike or wear tight jeans.. I am thinking my oil glands are producing more fluid as they are trying to flush out irritation? although no one has been able to give me an answer on this... I have been left to explore the cause by myself.. My boyfriend is supportive but I can tell he is getting frustrated, as we are only in our early 20's and sex has been so unappealing to me lately! I get really sweaty at my work, and I am starting to wonder if the moisture is the problem. I use vagasil a lot which sooths it and have completely switched to wearing pure cotton granny panties or going commando, which actually helps a bit!! I am also trying to explore possible irritants, such as detergent and toiletpaper. Please keep me updated on what works for you, I will try anything at this point