labia minora irritaion

I've just recently developed what I can only describe as chapped lips. My labia minora is dry and irritated to the point that skin is peeling off. The discomfort is external (it doesn't hurt to pee or whatnot) but continually rubbing against my panties is not making this easy. I haven't been to the doctor (gyno) in about 2 years but have been in a monogymus relationship for 3. What's up?

[Elaine Brown, MD]

Hi!
If you were my patient, I would definitely want you to come in for a check up!
I can't think of many conditions that could cause symptoms that are so severe, and the ones I can think of are potentially serious conditions that need attention expeditiously.
It does NOT sound like you have an STD.  More possibly like you have a reaction to some sort of external or internal irritant -- maybe you can think of something new that you did that coincides with the onset of the symptoms (?).  
I think in this case, I would really need to do an exam to make a diagnosis, and might even end up needing to do a small skin biopsy to help guide treatment.
Go see your doctor!
Good luck!
Dr B