Causes of redness/fissures of vulvar skin

[JBee70]

Hi there,

I have had symptoms since last June (07) that I have had all infectious conditions ruled out. I am now looking at biopsy of the vulvar skin to uncover some answers, so I wanted to post here to see if any other women have gone to a dermatologist and had results. I have posted on the women's health forums here, but since i have ruled out std's, fungus, bacteris, yeast, hormone levels, strep-B, etc etc, this is clearly a skin issue.
What happens is that I get occassional redness and mild itching of the vulva. My Dr. has observed that my cervix is also reddened at these times. I get a recurring fissure that is located in a natural skin fold next to my clitoris, and one that appears sometimes on my perineum. I have also had what feels like a fissure on my anal area, it will burn and bleed a little when I wipe.  My gyn prescribed a zpak when I also (in october) began having a thick discharge with elevated white cells. ALL tests were done, no answers. Meds do not affect it.
My reproductive endocrinologist tested my hormones, cortisol, tsh, etc etc- all normal. I do have anti-thyroid antibodies as well as antiphospholipid antibody syndrome, which are both auto-immune diseases. I am asymptomatic for both.
WHAT on earth could be causing my symptoms above??? I am not looking forward to a biopsy, but I am wondering if it is Lichen Sclerosis? The redness and fissures do respond to Clobetasol treatment. In fact i went for 6 weeks without a "flare" from mid-november 07 to January 08.
Anyone have ideas?

[Clorets]

I have the SAME thing!!! It occured for the first time 2 months ago when I was showering and I noticed something was stinging me.  I didn't know what was the cause and I thought it was an STD. My problem started with an itch for 2 months, and the itch got worse.  My 2 fissures are 12 o'clock, directly on top of the clitoral hood, and 11 o clock on the inner labia.  At first I was scared that perhaps my partner was too big for me and was causing trauma.  

I have stress induced eczema on my hands.  And come to think of it, this totally makes sense!!.  I have been reading the websites and i thought I had cancer!!! (all the google sites just point to vulva cancer....i was sweating.)  I recently changed soaps 2 months ago.  

Thank you so much everyone.  And for the brilliant dermatologist who recognized CeeTee's problem to start.  I will try Cetaphil cleanser.  It feels so good that I am not alone with this problem.  

[Yiya]

Wow! In addition to these symptoms, has anyone experienced swelling as well. I too have the redness and a fissure;except mine is still present after over two months. I was diagnosed w/ yeast and cervicitis-twice in one month. And twice to no avail. Same soreness and irritation and as mentioned in th above, it has the docs perplexed.
I'm waiting as I write for the 5th diagnosis. Was it a pap that determined the above or should I request a biopsy ?
Thanx in advance/It's nice to know one is not alone-thus the Wow.=)

[JackieCalifornia]

Thanks so much to all who posted.  I'm not feeling so confused now.

I'm on prolonged antibiotics for another condition and I thought it might be a low-level yeast infection (which don't always come with white discharge).  An anti-yeast pill like Diflucan has helped in the past, but I haven't tried it this time.

I never thought about the soap irritation mentioned above, but will try the Cetaphil cleanser (I use their lotion).

Thank you to everyone who posted -- !  

[JBee70]

PS- I went back to conventional detergents and toilet paper!!!!

[JBee70]

Hi there,
I read your post and just wanted to respond to the "free and clear" detergents that you said you use..
The reason I ask is because in trying to trace my problem back to when it began, it was when I had decided to switch to "free of dyes" organic "petroleum free" environmentally friendly detergent and toilet paper.
I went on this "go green" spree, and converted to these products. THATS when I started itching and having fissures. A whole YEAR later, I am finally symptom free after multiple dr. visits, tests, biopsy, and even then I STILL had to self-diagnose by reading websites!!!
Chronic Dermatitis can apparently really cause problems down there!! Since Clindamycin and Hydrocortizone suppositories are not as serious as using steroid creams, it seems worth a try for anyone whose Dr. can't figure this stuff out!
best of luck..

[gillbill]

Meant to say, the other day I tried balmex diaper rash meds for a couple of hours and it seems to of helped. Could be another coincidence. And thanks for the soap suggestion, will try that also! For now it is hardly visible, seems to heal very quickly when conditions are favorable, but it takes no time to pop back up either. Good luck to everyone with this one...