Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
What Causes An Itchy Lesion On The Vaginal Opening?
Question: I have recently found thin skin colored long lesion on my vestibule and have caused some itchiness. im very scared i may have HIV but i got the gardisil shot a few years ago. i've just become sexually active and went to the obgyn a few weeks ago and was given medicine for BV and yeast infection. pls help!!
Brief Answer:
This is most likely part of the hymenal ring with an underlying yeast prob
Detailed Answer:
Thank you for the question and I am happy to help.
The way that you are describing this as a "thin skin colored long lesion" does not sound like HIV - did you mean HPV?
Things that most people worry about with symptoms are as follows:
1. HPV - can cause genital warts. These warts are most often NOT skin colored but rather greyish white with a subtle cauliflower texture to their surface
2. HSV - or herpes. This is associated with isolated PAINFUL blisters
3. HIV - if you just became sexually active and this was actually a concern, it would not even present for months, often as a flu-like illness - not an isolated vaginal skin finding
What this sounds like is related the hymenal ring. This is a thin rim of skin at the opening of the vagina that can get torn with the onset of sexual activity. It would appear as a thin skin colored lesion, so to speak.
If you are comfortable, you can consider attaching a picture of the lesion and I will tell you what I think. If you do this, please make sure the the picture I in focus.
Dr. Tim
This is most likely part of the hymenal ring with an underlying yeast prob
Detailed Answer:
Thank you for the question and I am happy to help.
The way that you are describing this as a "thin skin colored long lesion" does not sound like HIV - did you mean HPV?
Things that most people worry about with symptoms are as follows:
1. HPV - can cause genital warts. These warts are most often NOT skin colored but rather greyish white with a subtle cauliflower texture to their surface
2. HSV - or herpes. This is associated with isolated PAINFUL blisters
3. HIV - if you just became sexually active and this was actually a concern, it would not even present for months, often as a flu-like illness - not an isolated vaginal skin finding
What this sounds like is related the hymenal ring. This is a thin rim of skin at the opening of the vagina that can get torn with the onset of sexual activity. It would appear as a thin skin colored lesion, so to speak.
If you are comfortable, you can consider attaching a picture of the lesion and I will tell you what I think. If you do this, please make sure the the picture I in focus.
Dr. Tim
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Arnab Banerjee
I meant multiple lesions im sorry. They almost resemble skin tags. i've looked up images that look similar to what i see on myself and the results say vestibular papollomitosis. Sorry for not being specific. And they became itchy about a day ago and have subsided when i don't wear underwear that aren't made out of cotton. Also i've just started birth control.
Brief Answer:
That is probably the correct diagnosis
Detailed Answer:
I have actually fielded that exact question on this site with pictures. The description of multiple raised areas that resemble skin tags is exactly what vestibular papillomatosis
Here is a great summary from a reputable source:
Vestibular papillomatosis — Vulvar papillae are a normal variant of the vulvar anatomy. These are benign, asymptomatic, monomorphous, closely set tubular projections 1 to 2 mm that are symmetrical, soft, and located in the vulvar vestibule.
They are generally the same color as the surrounding mucosal surfaces, but occasionally redder than the surrounding tissue. They are commonly mistaken for warts (condyloma accuminata), which are firm, often with a cauliflower-type appearance (multiple projections off a single base) and are distributed in a less symmetrical fashion.
Does this help?
Dr. Tim
That is probably the correct diagnosis
Detailed Answer:
I have actually fielded that exact question on this site with pictures. The description of multiple raised areas that resemble skin tags is exactly what vestibular papillomatosis
Here is a great summary from a reputable source:
Vestibular papillomatosis — Vulvar papillae are a normal variant of the vulvar anatomy. These are benign, asymptomatic, monomorphous, closely set tubular projections 1 to 2 mm that are symmetrical, soft, and located in the vulvar vestibule.
They are generally the same color as the surrounding mucosal surfaces, but occasionally redder than the surrounding tissue. They are commonly mistaken for warts (condyloma accuminata), which are firm, often with a cauliflower-type appearance (multiple projections off a single base) and are distributed in a less symmetrical fashion.
Does this help?
Dr. Tim
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Arnab Banerjee
yes thank you. so it's not herpes or anything very serious ?
Brief Answer:
This does not sound like herpes
Detailed Answer:
If you just started sexual activity, a primary or initial herpes outbreak would present as a flu-like illness culminating in PAINFUL blisters in the vaginal / vulvar area. The blisters would eventually drain and leave behind PAINFUL ulcers.
This certainly does NOT sounds like herpes.
Dr. Tim
This does not sound like herpes
Detailed Answer:
If you just started sexual activity, a primary or initial herpes outbreak would present as a flu-like illness culminating in PAINFUL blisters in the vaginal / vulvar area. The blisters would eventually drain and leave behind PAINFUL ulcers.
This certainly does NOT sounds like herpes.
Dr. Tim
Note: Revert back with your gynae reports to get a clear medical analysis by our expert Gynecologic Oncologist. Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Arnab Banerjee
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
