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Swollen Labia, recent
Just today (or maybe last night?) my left inner labia has become swollen. its not hard and cyst-like, just big and puffy. no discoloration aside redness, its very itchy. I am sexually actuve, but have no latex allergies, neither my partner or i are on and medications, and we never have 'dry' situations during intercourse. my period starts sometime next week and theres been no irregular discharge that i've noticed. i've iced but it hasn't seemed to do much.
I'm really worried and panicky about this, please let me know what it could be and how to treat it. If this continues for over 2-3 days i'm making a doc appt.
I'm really worried and panicky about this, please let me know what it could be and how to treat it. If this continues for over 2-3 days i'm making a doc appt.
Thank you so much for your advice, I feel a lot less panicky now. I did have a hot bath (i had prettyy bad hair...) i washed with vagisil and tereseptic, and afterwards applied a teeny tiny bit of polysporin (very little) since then itching has stopped but i havent had a chance to check on the swelling, it does feel less uncomfortable though. I'm definately going to sleep nude for the next while to avaid any clothing chafing stuff. I'll update soon in case something new shows up or if things look better; you seem very knowladgable and helpful, again, thank you so much :)
Hello Mysteriesallover,
There are quite a number of reasons why you might have labia swelling. You may have a yeast infection, or other standard Urinary Tract Infection/bacterial infection that may require antibiotics. You could have something as simple as vaginal itching from excessive moisture or heat. In a case like that, drug stores do carry a number of creams that will help alleviate the itching, but it is very important that you discover the reason for the itching. Recently Vagisil has created a testing kit for women to use because there are in fact many reasons why you might be itchy, and the test is easy and discrete. It can identify the more common reasons for itching and also direct you on how to treat. The more concerning reasons for itching are always STD (sexually transmitted disease) related, and for those you would definitely have to see a doctor to determine. They will do a PAP test and or swab the area and send it to the lab for analysis. A STD is not something to ignore, and while many can be treated successfully, some do not have cures and most can cause future infertility. More importantly, some cause other serious health concerns and can be spread.
While it sounds simple enough, and not too complicated, your swollen labia being red and itchy doesn't in effect sound too bad. When there is discolouration, discharge, puss or spread of rash, often signals more concern. But what you describe can also lead to those more serious symptoms. So you do need to keep an eye out, and of course, seek medical advice and attention if there is no change or it gets worse.
I often suggest (as silly as it sounds) for rashes or itchiness of any type, Penaten (diaper rash creams) help significantly with clearing up any rash, swelling and itchiness. It is designed to be gentle but more importantly it reduces moisture and relieves the rash. Vagisil will alleviate the itchiness and it is designed for that specific problem in that specific area.
A suggestion for you while you are treating the redness and itchiness, while a soak (mentioned above) may sooth, it many not be helpful if you have a moisture issue that caused the rash. It would be wise to wash the area, pat dry and leave unclothed for a period of time if you can, or at night. Try to wear nothing on the lower half, to assist with healing. During the day, wear only cotton panties, and make sure that if you are sweating at all (if you are in a humid climate) that you change the clothing and remain dry. I would avoid baths at the moment until you know what the cause of your swelling/itchiness is. What you want to avoid is spreading or promoting the swelling, and hot baths will not help swelling. Keeping it cool and dry is your best bet, aside from having to do your usual gentle daily washing. Also avoid anything (creams etc) with perfumes or deodorants - as they may contribute to the cause or irritate it further. It would be important to also note, have you changed your detergents or soaps that you use? Some people have terrible reactions to different or new detergents or soaps.
Please do let me know if this helps you, and you are smart to consult with a doctor if you do not notice any change or improvement. (you should consult with one regardless anyway, in case it returns down the road, so a note can be made in your file - if not keep a track of it yourself in case it returns.)
In addition to anything I have mentioned, please keep in mind, that while I or others may have extensive knowledge in many areas, you should always seek professional medical advice from your own physician, as it pertains to medical conditions or concerns.
Good luck, and if you have any other questions that I can help you with, please feel free to message me directly.
Sincerely,
Sandi (Dragon1973)
MedHelp Genetics Community Leader;
Children - Special Needs Community Leader;
Down syndrome Community Leader & Ds Group Forum Founder/Moderator
There are quite a number of reasons why you might have labia swelling. You may have a yeast infection, or other standard Urinary Tract Infection/bacterial infection that may require antibiotics. You could have something as simple as vaginal itching from excessive moisture or heat. In a case like that, drug stores do carry a number of creams that will help alleviate the itching, but it is very important that you discover the reason for the itching. Recently Vagisil has created a testing kit for women to use because there are in fact many reasons why you might be itchy, and the test is easy and discrete. It can identify the more common reasons for itching and also direct you on how to treat. The more concerning reasons for itching are always STD (sexually transmitted disease) related, and for those you would definitely have to see a doctor to determine. They will do a PAP test and or swab the area and send it to the lab for analysis. A STD is not something to ignore, and while many can be treated successfully, some do not have cures and most can cause future infertility. More importantly, some cause other serious health concerns and can be spread.
While it sounds simple enough, and not too complicated, your swollen labia being red and itchy doesn't in effect sound too bad. When there is discolouration, discharge, puss or spread of rash, often signals more concern. But what you describe can also lead to those more serious symptoms. So you do need to keep an eye out, and of course, seek medical advice and attention if there is no change or it gets worse.
I often suggest (as silly as it sounds) for rashes or itchiness of any type, Penaten (diaper rash creams) help significantly with clearing up any rash, swelling and itchiness. It is designed to be gentle but more importantly it reduces moisture and relieves the rash. Vagisil will alleviate the itchiness and it is designed for that specific problem in that specific area.
A suggestion for you while you are treating the redness and itchiness, while a soak (mentioned above) may sooth, it many not be helpful if you have a moisture issue that caused the rash. It would be wise to wash the area, pat dry and leave unclothed for a period of time if you can, or at night. Try to wear nothing on the lower half, to assist with healing. During the day, wear only cotton panties, and make sure that if you are sweating at all (if you are in a humid climate) that you change the clothing and remain dry. I would avoid baths at the moment until you know what the cause of your swelling/itchiness is. What you want to avoid is spreading or promoting the swelling, and hot baths will not help swelling. Keeping it cool and dry is your best bet, aside from having to do your usual gentle daily washing. Also avoid anything (creams etc) with perfumes or deodorants - as they may contribute to the cause or irritate it further. It would be important to also note, have you changed your detergents or soaps that you use? Some people have terrible reactions to different or new detergents or soaps.
Please do let me know if this helps you, and you are smart to consult with a doctor if you do not notice any change or improvement. (you should consult with one regardless anyway, in case it returns down the road, so a note can be made in your file - if not keep a track of it yourself in case it returns.)
In addition to anything I have mentioned, please keep in mind, that while I or others may have extensive knowledge in many areas, you should always seek professional medical advice from your own physician, as it pertains to medical conditions or concerns.
Good luck, and if you have any other questions that I can help you with, please feel free to message me directly.
Sincerely,
Sandi (Dragon1973)
MedHelp Genetics Community Leader;
Children - Special Needs Community Leader;
Down syndrome Community Leader & Ds Group Forum Founder/Moderator
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