In women, skin lesions on the labia minora correspond to benign physiological conditions or to different pathologies. If the labia minora are itchy, red and swollen, you should consult a doctor. What are the causes ? And the treatments?
The vulva is composed of labia majora and minora. Their main role is to protect the clitoris, the entrance to the vagina and the urethra. Pink, gray or brown, the color of these skin folds changes depending on the woman and is not linked to the color of the rest of the body. The labia minora may also be covered with small white dots or pimples. What to do if irritation, itching or burning occur?
What are the symptoms of irritated labia minora?
These little lips are sometimes the target of skin and mucous membrane disorders. Thus, women can:
- present itching and irritations,
- to have wrong at the level of the labia minora,
- have small lips become red and swollen,
- sometimes having skin can take on a pale appearance,
- to have pain or feel discomfort during sexual intercourse
If it is normal to see small white dots or small white spots, they should not cause pain. “They can be a sign of a bacterial infection of the vulva sometimes caused by staphylococcus“, specifies Dr Philippe Mironneau, gynecologist and obstetrician in Dijon.
What causes irritation of the labia minora?
► The Fordyce grains are sebaceous glands located on the lips and cheeks, but which can be found on the penis in men and on the labia minora in women. It is a physiological characteristic, like moles or freckles, and not a pathology. On the labia minora, Fordyce spots appear in the form of papules (pimples or small cysts) generally yellowish in color. Their distribution is bilateral (symmetrical) and regular.
Fordyce spots are very common in young women.
► The physiological papillomatosis (non-pathological) of the vulva is present in one in three women. It manifests itself as small benign lesions (pink papillae) which may appear on the labia minora. Due to their appearance, they can be confused with genital warts (genital warts).
► The condyloma or genital warts are benign skin lesions caused by the human papillomavirus virus. Itching (pruritus), accompanied by irritation, is the most obvious visible clinical sign. These lesions can be located on the labia minora, but also on the labia majora, the perineum, the vagina, the cervix or the perineal region.
► Genital herpes is an infectious sexually transmitted disease which manifests itself in particular by itching, irritation and blisters in the genitals. In women, these symptoms can affect the vulva (labia minor and majora). At the beginning of the infection, the vesicles are usually translucent and then become purulent. “The pain is frequent, the vesicles often form a small cluster“, describes Dr. Mironneau. Moreover, the painful nature of herpes is a relevant element in the diagnosis.
► The Lichen planus is a benign condition affecting the skin and mucous membranes can in certain cases occur in the genital areas. In women, vulvar lichen planus takes the form of itching accompanied by red lesions.
When to consult in case of irritation of the labia minora?
At the appearance of pain, discomfort or a feeling of discomfort, It is recommended to consult your gynecologist or GP if symptoms persist for several days. It is not recommended to use natural medicines or home remedies without professional advice.
Treatment of the cause of the irritation. If necessary, the healthcare professional will prescribe a suitable treatment to relieve the irritation. If the patient suffers from condyloma then an immunomodulatory treatment in the form of a cream is prescribed. In some cases, a surgical treatment may also be necessary. It is carried out laser. Faced with itching, a cortisone cream is often recommended to relieve symptoms. A medical check-up then makes it possible to see the effectiveness of the treatment.
Thanks to Dr Philippe Mironneau, gynecologist and obstetrician in Dijon.