AIBU to ask for help for my fiery fanjo?

[FieryFanjo]

So, name change for obvious reasons...

I've been having some fanjo discomfort over the last few days - a sort of vague burning sensation. I don't really want to go to the GP as a) it's a faff, b) it's embarrassing and c) I don't think it's anything serious - although I will if it continues.

Salient points:

1. Seems to be worse at night
2. No burning whilst peeing
3. Don't see that it can be an STI as I haven't had sex in forever (six months) and used condoms
4. I'm mid-40s but for complicated reasons know that it's not linked to menopause
5. No discharge
6. No unpleasant odour
7. No broken skin / not sore to the touch
8. No itching
9. Have been using Simple facewash for my vulva, but have never before been irritated by products and am not prone to thrush

Any ideas??

@Shoppingwithmother

I was going to ask about toilet paper. I get this reaction from using the ironically named Andrex “Skin Kind.”

Even if you’ve not bought any new loo roll at home, have you used anything different when you’ve been eg at work?

I don't think so, no, although I guess they could have changed brand.

@StCharlotte

Thank you, but there's no itching at all.

But they also soothe burning. Take it from one who knows. Sob.

Hope whatever it is clears up soon.

Oh, ok - thanks.

Lichen Sclerosis?

My VA started like that, letting it breathe as you put it also helped. I'm in my forties too.

Water only is fine for the vulva if you use a directional shower (and I speak as someone who’s had half their vulva removed plus a few more bits over the years) (waves to @MrsPnut). My surgeon has always said no soap, directional shower and a hairdryer for drying.

But if it’s bothering you, you should speak to your GP

I can't use bio powder or any scented toilet paper or I have burning and itching

No, although I did switch to biological a while ago. Is that bad??

It's bad for sensitive skin. It gives me soreness and redness anywhere that clothes are tight enough to be constantly in touch with my skin, eg the band of my bra, the crotch of my jeans etc.

I've got burning skin on my hands atm, because I accidentally weeded out some goosegrass without gloves on. Have you been using your fanjo to weed the garden?

'Fanjo' is a new one to me! 😂

Is it just on the outer skin, rather than in the vagina? It could still be the beginnings of thrush, starting from the outside - I've had similar before and Canesten cream (Clotrimazole 1%) sorted it out. You don't need a prescription.

Also, just plain water for cleansing is your best bet. Try washing any knickers etc at 60C or hotter every so often to get rid of any potential fungi as well.

I get this occasionally in the run up to my period so I can only assume it's some hormonal nonsense playing up. It's like someone's doused my bits in acid. It lasts for a few days and then goes again. But it's also not every month. I had it for about three months in a row, then a huge gap, maybe once in the last year and that's it. I've changed nothing regarding powders, shower gel etc.
You have my sympathy though. A flaming fandango is not a fun thing to own lol

I have sensitive bits. I have to do lots of rinsing on my underwear, trousers etc.

Things like Vagisil etc make things worse for me.

Try to avoid loo roll till it is relieved, try cotton wool (the smooth pads) with diluted salt water.

For washing I use Dermol 500 available in chemists. You can also leave it on for relief.

So many questions about the frozen sausage theory.
Have you use sanitary towels or liners? There seems to be an increased trend for them to be scented and that can irritate your skin.

I know you said not related to menopause, but perimenopausal soreness can kick in years before actual menopause.

@TheQueef

How would you discover a frozen sausage relieves thrush? No carrier bags in Lidl or smuggling contraband meat or.... just how?

Please don't try it Fiery if your nethers are pissed off already I can't see a pack of Richmond helping.

I reckon thrush too.

I’m a bit at those who think not using soap means you have a dirty fanny. I’ve only ever used water..my fanny is clean

Thrush is the easiest to treat so I'd start there. I don't get discharge only soreness.

YABU for using such a babyish and vulgar term.

Could be the start of BV, in which case you'd need a prescription of metronidazole. Personally I'd but a thrush tablet from pharmacy and if that doesn't work by tomorrow I'd call GP.
I used to get BV all the time. Its awful

Yeast overgrowth can cause these symptoms, and can cause these symptoms without the usual discharge or symptoms. I know this because I get it and it wasn't until my GP took a swap and detected high levels with no usual symptoms that I have thrush medication on repeat.

It won't do any harm to get a tablet of fluconazole from any pharmacy or online. If it is this it will resolve very quickly. If it doesn't resolve you know to seek help.

I'd stop washing delicate bits with anything but water. You can use soap or body wash everywhere else. It might not be helping the balance of flora in your vagina and allowing yeast overgrowth. We all have this balance, all the time.

Vaginal atrophy is a possibility. See if any of the over the counter creams/gels give any relief. Only water to be used for cleaning. Best to call GP first though as they will take a quick look to see exactly what the problem is. Make sure you are keeping hydrated.

I should say, whenever I've had BV it takes ages to get the smell, I always had a few weeks of generally being uncomfortable and sore first, then discharge, then the smell

Have similar problems - told it’s vaginitis, cervicitis and a UTI - - symptoms grey/brown blood stained discharge, burning, itching, redness, electric shock type pain and swelling.

Pharmacist earlier said it could be caused by washing too often - I have a bath most days, or because I’ve recently started the pill .

It’s hell on earth though, I ignored mine for a good three weeks and now have a fever, on antibiotics, antibiotic gel, pain killers and stuck on the sofa .

I have no advice but The Fiery Fanjos would be a great name for a band

Another who only uses water as advised by my GP. I was really sceptical at first but am a convert. It's completely fine and my bits are far happier... I use soap for my bum though obvs 🍑

ABU for using such a babyish and vulgar term

OK, we’ve noticed you.

But not in a good way

FYI I’ve had vulval surgery, have vulval eczema, multiple cysts, have had multiple ops over space of fifteen years - they tell you at every single appointment not to use soap at all . Even told me at one stage to wash my hair over bath as shampoo might be causing a bother - soap is not necessary . Can use soap into groin but not on vulva - even femfresh gynae prof said is unhelpful . Said best and safest is gentle warm water .