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Dermatology (Expert Forum)
sunburn-type irritation of genitals-what is it?
Answered by
Alan Rockoff, MD - dermatology, Child Skin Problems
The Rockoff Dermatology Center
Brookline - MA
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sunburn-type irritation of genitals-what is it?
by waiting for an answer, Sep 13, 2004 12:00AM
For about a month now I have been experiencing a dryness and burning sensation in my genital area. Sometimes the area peels and feels raw. It's almost like a sunburn type feeling. I have been using an over the counter cream called VagiGaurd to relieve the symptoms, but only temporarily does it do so. Also, intercourse has been uncomfortable and afterwards I experience a strong burning sensation that is very painful and it burns to urinate during this time. I went to the gynocologist and told her about the discomfort and pain associated with intercourse, and also about the dryness. My urine sample suggested an infection, so she took a culture of my cervix and gave me antibiotics for a bladder infection. I have not heard back from the cultures but it was last week when she took them and she said if they were not normal I would be notified within a couple of days. I am still taking the antibiotics but I continue to have problems (I had initially assumed that these symptoms and the bladder infection were related). As for the dryness, she never addressed the issue so I am stuck wondering. I have refrained from intercourse for several weeks now because I cannot bear the pain that follows, and I had hoped that this (whatever it is) would go away, but it has not. Another reason why I decided to refrain from intercourse is that a year ago I was tested positive for genital herpes and I am not sure if the symptoms I am experiencing now are some type of outbreak. I have not had any blisters of any type since my first outbreak and I do not have them now. One more thing, my lips have been chapped for about a month now too- could this somehow be related to the symptoms I described above? Please help! I am so confused! I have never experienced a problem like this before.
Doctor's Answer
by Alan Rockoff, MD, Sep 14, 2004 12:00AM
, Sep 14, 2004 12:00AM
It sounds as though you have dryness and irritation, or perhaps eczema, but not herpes. The urine infection is another matter. I suggest that you try over-the-counter 1% hydrocortisone and a moisturizer like Vaseline and make an appointment with a dermatologist. How well you respond to the measures I've suggested will help the dermatologist assess what you have and treat it properly.
Take care.
Dr. Rockoff
Take care.
Dr. Rockoff
