Ichy labia

[limso123]

Dear Dr.  I gave birth to a little boy early Dec 2007, all has been well until few weeks ago when i started itching on the lips of my vagina ( labia majora). After shaving i noticed the skin was inflammed and everytime i scrached it got worse. After few days the skin becomes so dry that when you pinch the lips the top skin starts peeling. This went on for like a week gets better and then it started all over again. I haven't used any medications yet. I've used the same bar soap to take a shower for a long time. Been trying to play doctor trying to figure out what's going on but no luck. I'm kind of too busy to go see my OBGYN unless its serious. By the way i'm black. Got any idea what's going on? I s this the right place for me to search for answers?
Thank you in advance for your assistance!

[limso123]

Thank you so much for your help. I will certainly take your advise. Have a great day!

[Vanessa Lacuesta]

Hi,

Shaving can cause irritation due to the minor nicks and cuts caused by the blade. The minor cuts may cause infection to set in.In your case, this may be eczema with an underlying bacterial or fungal infection.Eczema may be triggered by dryness or exposure of the area to certain irritants.Infection may occur secondary to the itch scratch cycle.The itchiness causes scratching and the scratching may lead to excoriations .Eventually the excoriations may get infected.

I suggest that you refrain from shaving the area.Use a mild and bland soap when washing the area.A consult with a dermatologist may be able to help guide you with the right medications.Do not self medicate until you have been throughly assessed by your physician.