Undiagnosed vaginal/vulvar itching and discomfort

[kathleen84]

Hi all,

About two months ago I started experiencing vaginal and vulva itching. I went to a gynecologist who diagnosed me with a yeast infection. I took the meds and no improvement. Then I was put on antibiotics for the burning, which didn't help anything at all. The doc then told me to take three diflucan (for a yeast infection), thinking I had a severe case. It didn't help.

Has anyone else had this chronic itching and burning? The itch is all around the vulva as well as at times in the pubic hair area as well. The burn is at the opening of the vagina, but it does NOT burn when I pee, thus discarding a bladder or urinary tract infection (and the antibiotics didn't help this, either). I have been tested for all STDs and all are negative. I had a regular pap smear just a week ago. I am stumped, and uncomfortable, and getting desperate!

Recently I noticed a small growth on the labia, just a pin-sized raised bit of skin that is a dark brown color. Also keep in mind the itching does affect the skin in the vaginal area. Could this be a skin condition? What about the burning? My vagina and vulva are constantly red, inflamed and irritated and I am getting concerned. Another factor: I have skipped a few periods recently, which is extremely uncommon. I am not pregnant.

Any ideas?

[Dallasfan]

Are you sexually active ?  Vulvar itching can be a real problem. I recommend clean cotton underwear changed often, avoid and perfumes and sprays, no douching, and no contact with latex for a while. Yes, this is one rare time that condoms may be the not used. Avoiding sex for a while may help. Change your bath soap for a while, avoiding perfumed and antiperspirant soaps. Hope this helps.

[Emma_08]

Kathleen,
I feel your pain girl.  I have had an undiagnosed vaginal problem for about a year and it drives me crazy.  I don't have vulvar itching all the time - I wake up with it a lot at night though.  Also, I have extreme pain upon penetration (not an aching pain, but a burning pain).  I was diagnosed with "vulvar vestibulitis" which is a subset of vulvodynia.  Basically, there is no (known) infectious cause and the docs told me it is just something I have to deal with, like a chronic skin condition.  It is terrible, especially not knowing what triggered all of this.  I still feel like I have something seriously wrong down there, but docs cannot find anything.  I tested negative for STDs and just about everything else.  I'm sorry you have to deal with this - if you want to, feel free to message me if you have any questions.
Feel better,
Em

[gracefromHHP]

I think it's time to see a different doctor if your current one isn't being very helpful.  Do they mention that your genital skin seems thin? Are they testing you for yeast and bacteria or just visually examining you and saying you have yeast?

Have you tried any barrier creams to see if they help?  a&d, zinc oxide, bag balm etc. apply a coating regularly to help moisturize, cut down on friction and soothe irritated skin.  

vulvovaginitis is fairly common but sometimes finding the cause is difficult :(  Be sure to point out the area of skin that is discoloured too to the provider.  

Skipped periods can be from many things too.  Has your doctor done any work up for that? are you on birth control?

grace