What Causes Severe Itching In Vulval Area And Thick Skin On Labia?
Posted on Mon, 30 Dec 2013
85249
Question: Ok, I'm 49 years old and for the past 11 years I've been experiencing severe itching in vulval area. It only seems to be on the right hand side. I've been to the docs many, many times, but nothing has helped. I can scratch myself so much, that it bleeds. I've noticed that recently my labia has thickened slightly on the affected area. And also I have noticed that unless I clean the area thoroughly I get a fishy smell. Oh and I am in a wheelchair as I suffer with FA (friedreichs Ataxia) and get frequent water infections.
Brief Answer:
PLease, has it been biopsied?
Detailed Answer:
Hi and thank you so much for this query.
I am so sorry to hear about this vulvar itches that you have had for so long. Long standing vulvar itches must be investigated fro the possibility of cancers. The best way to tell whether this is one of the possible causes is to get a biopsy done and the specimen examined in a pathology lab. If nothing concerning is identified, then managing these symptoms would be the next best step.
I really don't want to think this is an infection that your doctors have failed to correctly diagnose and manage over the years. However, you being wheel chair bound may be contributing by always keeping this area moist and humid and this favoring infections. The most common would be a fungal infection that can generally be treated with antifungal creams.
If a cancer and infections are ruled out as possible causes, then managing these symptoms would at least offer relief and prevent further scratching than can lead to wounds and thickening of the area. Steroid creams would be the best drugs to try. Please, talk with your doctors on this.
I hope you find this helpful. Thank you so much for using our services and please do feel free to ask for clarifications if need be. I wish you the best of health.
Dr. Ditah, MD.
Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation
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What Causes Severe Itching In Vulval Area And Thick Skin On Labia?
Brief Answer:
PLease, has it been biopsied?
Detailed Answer:
Hi and thank you so much for this query.
I am so sorry to hear about this vulvar itches that you have had for so long. Long standing vulvar itches must be investigated fro the possibility of cancers. The best way to tell whether this is one of the possible causes is to get a biopsy done and the specimen examined in a pathology lab. If nothing concerning is identified, then managing these symptoms would be the next best step.
I really don't want to think this is an infection that your doctors have failed to correctly diagnose and manage over the years. However, you being wheel chair bound may be contributing by always keeping this area moist and humid and this favoring infections. The most common would be a fungal infection that can generally be treated with antifungal creams.
If a cancer and infections are ruled out as possible causes, then managing these symptoms would at least offer relief and prevent further scratching than can lead to wounds and thickening of the area. Steroid creams would be the best drugs to try. Please, talk with your doctors on this.
I hope you find this helpful. Thank you so much for using our services and please do feel free to ask for clarifications if need be. I wish you the best of health.
Dr. Ditah, MD.