Rash on vulva/anus that has been irritated for 2 months
Posted , 6 users are following.
For the past two years I have gotten an annoying rash on my vulva (which eventually spreads up to my anus) every September. The rash lasts until about February/March then goes away for the summer. I have gone to so many doctors and no one can provide me a straight forward answer. Right now my butt is more irritated than my vulva. Any help would be greatly appreciated!
0 likes, 10 replies
L2341 ten99089
Edited
Hi, I've been having the same problem since june.
Is it burning or itching?
Have you considered being allergic to toilet paper (it contains bleach and formaldehyde)?
ten99089 L2341
Posted
I'm so sorry to hear you are experiencing similar symptoms.
It only burns when I am working out or running, but it does itch if it gets too dry.
I have not considered being allergic to toilet paper- is that a common allergy?
L2341 ten99089
Edited
Hi, it's more common than you think. Toilet paper can contain perfumes and also chemicals as bleach and formaldehyde. The same chemicals are in pads and Tampons. I suggest you have a look at the brand to use. You can become allergic very randomly at any time.
In my case, I have stopped using toilet paper completely. It's been a week now so I need to be patient to see results. It burns like hell. I think the Covid vaccines triggered this allergy. I have the same irritation with my antiperspirant that I've been using for many years.
In your case, it definitely feels like a contact dermatitis caused by an irritant . Like Mariah said, you have to question everything... tissue of your panties, the soap, shampoo, moisturiser, and shaving product. Avoid everything with perfume and fragrance. Only anti-allergic product. The genitals skin is more sensitive than the rest of your body. You can experience reactions there that you wouldn't have on your hands with the same product. Contact dermatitis can take 4 weeks to heal so you have to be patient when you investigate.
ten99089 L2341
Edited
thank you! i will definitely try removing all fragrance products. i also finally took the time to look at my vulva and now im scared the rash may be herpes or HPV or something! do you ever get little "bumps"?
L2341 ten99089
Edited
Hi, we look so similar! At the beginning, I used to have small red spots/pimple but they would disappear within 1-2 days. I believe they are part of the dermatitis symptoms when there's too much friction. Avoid wearing panties if you can and wear loose clothing. Make sure your toilet paper in unscented. Same for pads. They are full of chemicals. Stop shaving until you are feeling better.
Contact dermatitis are the worst because you have to find the irritant but the skin takes so much time to heal (1-4 weeks), you won't notice any improvement right away. Personally, I avoid soap completely. Avoid shampoo pouring in this area when you rinse yourself. You can use a topical steroid (not too strong) and moisturiser to help with inflammation.
L2341 ten99089
Edited
Here's the most helpful article I have found. I'm being followed by a dermatologist too.
https://www.mydr.com.au/vulval-problems-a-self-help-guide/
ten99089 L2341
Posted
Thank you so so much for your reply. I am so sorry you are also experiencing the same symptoms ( I wouldn't wish this on anyone) but it is also comforting to hear I am not alone.
Mariah.Erixon ten99089
Edited
Some kind of irritation as already mentioned for sure. Also why the winter period? Figure if there is anything different from summer like detergent, material in undies, soap and even foods (if stool has changed)
Mariah
ten99089 Mariah.Erixon
Posted
Thank you! I am trying to think- and I can't really pick out one irritant that changes with the seasons. I read online that even a pollen allergy could cause something like this. I may try switching to fragrance free everything (including detergent) and keeping track of what I eat.
crystal79709 ten99089
Posted
it's almost looks like diaper rash a baby would get try from sudo cream on it and see if it helps any.