Vaginal Rash: What’s Causing Irritation Down There?
The labia or vulva may be irritated, not the vagina itself
Medically reviewed by Soma Mandal, MD
A vaginal rash typically refers to a rash involving the vulva. It may affect the inside or outside of the labia folds. These rashes can be itchy, bumpy, and red. Causes vary from simple skin irritation and bacterial infections to sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
This article will discuss the different causes of vaginal rashes. It will also cover when to see a healthcare provider and treatment options.
Female Anatomy Definitions
Having a full understanding of medical terms when talking about genital anatomy is important.
Here is a description of the female anatomy that will be discussed in this article:
Vulva: The term used to describe all outer female genitalia.
Labia: The skin folds (also called the lips) that surround the vaginal opening.
Vagina: The tube, also called the birth canal, that connects the cervix of the uterus to the external vaginal opening.
How a Vaginal Rash Feels and Looks
A rash in and around the vulva will look and feel different based on its cause. Vaginitis is a common term for the swelling and infection of the vulva and vagina. Vaginitis has several underlying causes.
Some of the symptoms that may be felt or seen in a vaginal rash include:
Redness
Itching
Pain
Soreness
Bumps
Discharge
Often, the rash symptoms are only experienced in the vulva area. However, some rashes can cause symptoms to be felt throughout the body in the form of fever and chills. Contact a healthcare provider if you have a rash and these symptoms.
Possible Causes of Vaginal Rash Without Itching
There are several reasons someone could have a vaginal rash without itching. Below is a list of possible causes.
Folliculitis
Folliculitis is a skin rash that develops when hair follicles get blocked or damaged. The hair follicle becomes infected with bacteria, typically staph, and forms a small bump on the skin. This resembles a pimple and is red and tender.
Folliculitis can form around the vulva and tends to occur when public hair is shaved or cut closely to the skin.
Genital warts
Genital warts are a type of sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). They appear in groups as small bumps in the vagina and around the vulva. The bumps are flat or bumpy and have a cauliflower-like appearance. The color is typically flesh-colored but may be slightly darker than the surrounding skin.
The warts are typically not painful or itchy. They spread through sex with an infected partner.
Genital Herpes
Herpes is a viral STI that forms a rash around the vulva and anus. It tends to start with flu-like symptoms and then progresses to a tingling sensation around the genitals. The rash develops as a red, swollen area that can also feature small blisters. When the blisters break open, they develop into painful sores.
The sores will scab over and heal within two to six weeks. There is no cure for herpes, but outbreaks tend to lessen over time.
Possible Causes of Vaginal Rash With Itching
One common symptom of vaginal rashes is itching. Below covers which rashes cause itching and other symptoms that are difficult to predict.
Contact Dermatitis
One common vaginal rash is contact dermatitis. It is caused when the skin comes in contact with something that causes an allergic reaction or irritation. Common irritants include soap, shampoo, lotions, and perfumes. The rash can be very itchy and bothersome but is typically not serious.
Lichen Planus
Lichen planus is a type of rash found on several areas of the body, including the vulva. It typically affects women in their 50s and 60s. Lichen planus is not infectious and causes white streaks on the vulva. Other symptoms include soreness, burning, and itching.
The rash tends to clear up after six to nine months and rarely lasts more than 18 months.
Scabies
The scabies rash is caused by a tiny mite that burrows under the skin to lay its eggs. The mites spread through direct skin contact and can infect any area of the body. They are commonly seen in the knees, genitals, around the waist, hands, and feet.
The symptoms of scabies include:
Intense itching, especially at night
Silver or red lines on the skin (burrow marks) that are 1 centimeter (or shorter) in length
Red spots/bumps
Pubic Lice
Pubic lice, also called crabs, are tiny bugs that feed on the blood of humans and attach to the coarse hair around the genitals. The lice bite causes intense itching and a rash of red spots. The lice spread through close bodily contact.
Yeast Infection
Yeast infections in the vagina are a common type of rash. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 75% of women will have a yeast infection at some point in their life. The infection is caused by an overgrowth of the fungus called Candida. The symptoms include:
Itching
Burning
White or yellow vaginal discharge
Redness around the external opening of the vagina
Psoriasis
Psoriasis can occur on and around the vulva. Generally, someone who has genital psoriasis also has psoriasis on other areas of the body. It is rare to only have genital psoriasis.
Two types of psoriasis can occur on the genitals. Inverse psoriasis causes red, tight, and smooth skin. It can feel painful and itchy, and the skin may split.
Plaque psoriasis is another type that can be found around the vulva. This type causes white, scaly skin patches.
Home Treatment for Minor Vaginal Rash Symptoms
A vaginal rash can be irritating and itchy, making it difficult to focus on work or other activities. Home treatment for a minor vaginal rash can help alleviate the symptoms but may not cure the cause. Home treatments can include:
Cleaning the area with warm, soapy water
Pat dry the area thoroughly
Allow the area to be exposed to air as much as possible
Avoid using lotions or scented products
Each type of rash will have a different treatment, therefore, seeing a healthcare provider for proper treatment is important.
Learn More: Douching? Don't! The Vagina Does a Good Job of Cleaning Itself
Vaginal Rash vs. Sore
A vaginal rash describes an area of the skin that may be discolored (i.e., reddened) and has raised bumps or patches. Sores are open areas of the skin and are commonly caused by more serious issues like STIs.
Seeing a Provider to Learn Vaginal Rash Cause
Several different causes can cause vaginal rashes. A healthcare provider will evaluate the rash and determine if testing is necessary. When the diagnosis has been determined, the treatment plan will be provided.
Some rashes can get better on their own, while others need treatment. Seek treatment if you have a vaginal rash. A provider can guide you to the correct treatment and get you better faster.
Vaginal Rash During Pregnancy
Two types of rashes that can affect a pregnant person are bacterial vaginosis and yeast infections. Bacterial vaginosis causes redness, pain, itching, a fishy odor, and white or gray discharge. Yeast infections cause redness, itching, and a thick white discharge.
It's important to contact a healthcare provider when a vaginal rash develops during pregnancy. Treatment may be different during pregnancy than it would be for those who are not pregnant.
Prescribed Medications for Vaginal Rash
Medications prescribed by healthcare providers will vary based on the cause of the vaginal rash.
Some may include:
Folliculitis: Warm compress, topical antibiotic, or antifungal cream
Genital warts: Topical cream or frozen off using cryotherapy
Genital herpes: No known cure, but oral antiviral medications can lessen outbreaks
Lichen planus: Topical corticosteroid cream
Scabies: Topical medicated cream, a common one is called permethrin
Pubic lice: Medicated soaps or shampoos
Yeast infection: Antifungal cream or an oral pill called fluconazole
Psoriasis: Topical steroids and oral biologic medications
Managing Chronic Vaginal Rash
Certain types of rashes, like herpes, have an underlying cause that cannot be cured. In these cases, the person may have to manage a chronic vaginal rash.
To help manage these symptoms, a person should take any prescribed medications for the rash. They can also take over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen. Other tactics to relieve rash symptoms include:
Apply a cool compress to the rash to relieve pain and itching.
If sores are present, gently wash them with water and soap and pat them dry.
Do not pick at sores.
Only use creams or ointments if prescribed by a healthcare provider.
Wear loose-fitting underwear and pants.
Summary
A vaginal rash can be painful, itchy, and red. There are several possible underlying causes, such as contact dermatitis, yeast infection, or an STI. Though home treatment may be possible for some rashes, other types need treatment with prescription medications. Therefore, reaching out to a healthcare provider for an evaluation and determination of proper treatment is best.
Read the original article on Verywell Health.
