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What Causes Itching And Irritation In Vagina And Red Spots Near Vulva?

Posted on Wed, 22 Apr 2015

Question: I recently noticed after sex there was an overall feeling of minor discomfort, very mild itching, and irritation in my vagina. I would compare the feeling to a past irritation that i experienced from latex, but cannot recall the presence of the tiny red marks. Upon review I noticed a small amount of tiny red marks near the vestibule of my vulva (please see pictures). The area of the marks is not producing the itching sensation. What do these appear to be? An STI? More specifically, Herpes?

Answered by Dr. Richa Agarwal (57 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
It can be due to herpes.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

Thanks for trusting HCM for your health care.

I can certainly understand your concern.

I have worked through your pictures and these tiny red spots can be due to herpes( STD infection ), contact dermatitis and yeast infection.

Before giving my opinion about it, I want to ask a few questions from you.
-Are you suffering any type of vaginal discharge and odour in i-Are you experiencing any other associated symptoms like fever, weakness etc.?tc?
-Have you done an unprotected sex with infected partner?
-How long these tiny spots are there?
-Are they painful or itchy?

Please revert back to me with my answers.

Hope to hear from you soon.
Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Richa Agarwal (12 minutes later)

My discharge is pretty normal and there is not any noticeable odor. I do not have fever, weakness, or any additional symptoms other than the minor irritation and mild itching noted previously. I have not knowingly had unprotected sex with an infected partner. My only encounter in the past 7 months was the one noted above on Saturday (yesterday).I just noticed them on yesterday evening and they seem to be disappearing at this point. Based on my responses, what can be concluded?

Answered by Dr. Richa Agarwal (31 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Most probably an allergy to latex.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

Thanks for your quick response.

With your history and symptoms, it can be most likely due to the allergic reaction caused by latex present in condom

Only if any doubt about herpes virus infection in your mind then please contact your health care provider and get your blood test and swab test done to rule out herpes( though the chances are less because if tiny spots because of herpes they will take time to disappear).

Treatment of latex allergy depends upon symptoms and can be treated with antihistaminic and steriod.

Avoid future use of latex condom, use natural membrane condom or condom made up with polyurethane.

Keep the area clean and dry.
Use loose fitting cotton undergarments.
Do not apply soap or perfumed products.
Hope it is useful.

If you need any further clarification, I feel happy to aid you.

If you want to close the discussion kindly accept my response before closing it.

Thanks
Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Richa Agarwal (19 minutes later)

The itching was similar to that in the past with a latex condom. However, on this occassion I did use natural membrane condoms. Given that, is it likely to still be an allergy of some sort or is there reason to believe that visually this could be herpes? Would a blister/ulcer be so small in size? You mention the healing time, would inital and recurring outbreaks carry longer healing time than a day or so?

Answered by Dr. Richa Agarwal (5 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Most likely allergic reaction.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Sorry for the long delay in my response.

I can understand your concern but I think it is most likely a allergic reaction.

Latex can be present in so many products or may be you are allergic to something else.

Herpes virus blister are fluid filled, appear in cluster and usually painful and appear 5-7 days after infection and usually heal without scarring.

Usually other associated symptoms are present like pain during urination and vaginal discharge( but sometimes symptoms less and can carries for months to year.

As you said you had protected sex chances of herpes are again less.

But as I said before if any doubt than we can go for herpes testing.

If you need further clarification kindly ask me more, I feel happy to help you.

Regards.

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. Chakravarthy Mazumdar