Vulval problems

Patient picks for Vaginal and vulval problems

Women's health

What your vaginal discharge could be trying to tell you

Many women are embarrassed about vaginal discharge, but we really shouldn't be. Sometimes we get brown discharge, other times yellow, sometimes lumpy and sometimes white. Each can mean different things, and whilst nobody tends to talk about it, vaginal discharge is something all pre-menopausal women experience. But what if the colour, texture or smell of your discharge changes? We look at what's normal and what's not.

by Gillian Harvey

Women's health

Vulval intraepithelial neoplasia

Vulval intraepithelial neoplasia (VIN) is a skin condition of the vulva. It is not a cancer, but it can turn into cancer if not treated.

by Dr Colin Tidy, MRCGP

How are vulval problems diagnosed?

• There are various conditions that can affect your vulva. Some are more serious than others. If you notice a new lump or swelling on your vulva or have any bleeding from around your vulva then you must see a doctor promptly.

• Most conditions that affect your vulva can be diagnosed by examining you. However, it is sometimes necessary for other tests to be undertaken - eg, swabs or a biopsy.

• The symptoms will depend on the underlying condition. Symptoms may range from pain, itching (pruritus vulvae), and finding a lump to noticing a change in appearance of your vulva. See the separate leaflet called Vulvitis.

Playlist: Vulvar Itch

2 videos

Autoplay videos

What is vulvar itch?

Dr Sarah Jarvis MBE, FRCGP

00:55

What is vulvar itch?

Dr. Sarah Jarvis MBE, FRCGP

01:19

How do you stop vulvar itch?

Dr. Sarah Jarvis MBE, FRCGP

What causes vulval problems?

Infections

• Thrush (yeast infection).

• Genital herpes infection.

• Genital warts.

• Chickenpox.

• Other infections: these include scabies and pubic lice.

Skin conditions

• In babies and toddlers wearing nappies, nappy rash can occur and be very irritating and distressing. Nappy rash can lead to the skin of the vulva and the area round the back passage (anus) becoming bright red and very sore.

• Any skin condition can affect the vulval area too - eg, eczema, psoriasis, lichen planus and lichen sclerosus.

• Vulval intraepithelial neoplasia (VIN). This is not vulval cancer but it is a pre-cancerous condition, as VIN (after several years) may develop into vulval cancer in some women.

Lumps in the vulva

• Some infections such as genital herpes and syphilis can cause lumps.

• Bartholin's cyst or abscess.

• Cancer of the vulva.

How are vulval problems treated?

Infections

• Thrush is usually treated with clotrimazole cream from the pharmacy, or sometimes a fluconazole oral tablet. Usually only a short course is required but occasionally longer courses are needed.

• Genital herpes is treated with aciclovir tablets. You can also soothe the symptoms by bathing in salt water, taking over-the-counter painkillers and drinking more water to dilute your urine. Petroleum jelly or local anesthetic ointments can also be helpful.

• Genital warts are usually treated at sexual health clinics, often with a self-applied topical treatment such as podophyllotoxin, imiquimod or sinecatechins. However in 30% of people they will disappear with no treatment. People with suppressed immune systems and pregnant women may require different treatments.

• Chickenpox affecting the genital area can be itchy or sore and this can be alleviated by paracetamol, calamine lotion or antihistamines such as chlorphenamine.

• Scabies and pubic lice are treated with permethrin cream or malathion lotion. The itching from scabies can continue for up to four weeks after treatment.

Skin conditions

• Nappy rash is mostly treated by measures such as frequent nappy changes, cleaning with water or non-fragranced wipes, patting rather than rubbing dry, and avoiding irritants such as talcum powder and bubble bath/soap. Barrier creams such as white soft paraffin, Metanium® and Bepanthen® help protect the skin. Occasionally, antifungal and steroid creams are needed if the rash is severe and simple measures are not helping.

• Eczema, psoriasis and lichen planus of the vulva are treated very similarly to other parts of the body, with emollients (moisturising creams/ointments) and steroid creams, as well as other more specialised creams in some cases.

• Lichen sclerosus is treated with emollients and stronger steroid creams/ointments

• Vulval intraepithelial neoplasia (VIN) is usually treated with a small operation to remove the affected area.

Lumps

• Bartholin's cyst/abscess often requires antibiotics and sometimes surgical removal.

• Cancer of the vulva requires treatment by specialist gynaecologists/oncologists and can involve surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

How to take care of your vulva

Vulval skin is very sensitive so it is important to avoid anything that may irritate it. Soap can dry the skin so soap substitutes are preferred - for example, Doublebase® or E45 wash®. Only clean the vulval area once per day as too much washing can make symptoms worse. Showering is preferred to baths but if you do bath, avoid adding bubble bath. Avoid using flannels. Pat gently dry afterwards.

Sanitary towels/panty liners and coloured toilet paper can cause irritation. Avoid tight-fitting underwear/clothing and synthetic materials - cotton is best. Fabric conditioners and biological washing powders can also irritate.

Using an emollient/moisturiser can help protect the skin, especially if it is dry. Various types are available over the counter.