skin irritation

So for the past 7 months I have been having an off and on problem. It is almost like my vagina is chafing, which sounds weird. It seems to act up most when I exercise intensely (I work out 6 days a week) and when I walk around. The area just looks a little red and irritated. It doesn't really itch or hurt, it's just a mild discomfort. Then, when I go to bed and wake up the next day, it is completely fine. I also occasionally have 1 or 2 bumps around hair follicles that I must be irritating with all of my constant exercise. I have eczema and very sensitive skin. I have been having problems with chafing between my thighs since I was a little girl, but this is the first year I've had it on my labia. I went to see a woman's health care provider twice in January and at first they thought it was a yeast infection, but when I came back in they said there really was no presence of yeast. The second time the woman just told me it was all in my head and I needed to stop worrying about it. But.. I can't help but think that this should not be happening. I am a healthy 19 year old and haven't had any sexual contact in 9 months.. so I don't really think it could be an STD or something. I just am feeling very alone and if anyone can offer any suggestions, I am getting SO frustrated I could just sit down and cry. The more time passes, the more paranoid I get that there is something really wrong with me.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
You are right in thinking that it can be due to chafing or friction rub. Chafing is a skin irritation caused by repeated rubbing.It is very common in athletes, while walking, obese and people having sensitive skin.To prevent chafing, apply a lubricant like petroleum jelly to your thighs and wear clothing that serves as a barrier between layers of skin (athletic tights or cycling shorts).Avoid coarse clothing and wear 100% cotton fabric against your skin and clothing that is free of moisture, dried sweat, chemicals, dirt and other debris.

Also apply calamine lotion on the skin that has already chafed. If the symptoms are sever then please apply a mild steroid cream on the rash after consulting a dermatologist and getting it prescribed.

It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your dermatologist. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.