Vulvar eczema

[ouchthatssore]

Bit personal hence the name change.

Does anyone know anything about vulvar eczema?

I've recently been diagnosed with this after a couple of years of having itchy and sore bits and slight tearing during sex (not much fun ). Thought it was thrush at first but it is this apparently. I don't have eczema anywhere else and never have.

Unfortunately, they say there isn't really a treatment - I've been given an emulsifying ointment (bit like vaseline) to wash with, and a steroid cream for when it's really bad, but they don't seem to help much.

Does anyone have any suggestions? Anything that worked for eczema elsewhere on the body that I could try?

Don't really want to have broken lady bits for the rest of my life

TIA

Hi all, I’ve been experiencing the same, I had my 2nd miscarriage back the end of January, after all the internal scans I was left in absolute agony. I went back and forth to the GP countless times and got nowhere, in the end I had to go private. I’ve since been diagnosed with hypersensitivity, Vulvodynia and more recently vulva eczema!! It’s been non stop, the pain is like pins and needles, aching, rawness over the whole area, occasionally the skin will split to form like little paper cuts. The whole area feels swollen if that makes sense? I have also been diagnosed with haemorrhoids as I have pain both ends 😳.

I really want to try for another baby but I just don’t know If I can do it, it’s worrying me sick.

I really feel for you ladies

So glad I found this post! Have been suffering with Eczema 'down there' for a few years on and off and it seems to have returned with vengeance :( have seen multiple GPs who each send me away with one steroid cream or other and tell me to bath with double base gel, but nothing seems to be helping and in my experience just makes it warm and wet and even worse. Have tried anti-histamines in case it's an allergy, but having no joy!
I have finally been referred to a dermatologist, but wondering whether I should see a gynaecologist? Had my smear test about two weeks ago which was so painful it made me cry because everything is so raw and swollen.
Heard stress can be a factor but if I wasn't stressed when it first started I certainly am now! Would like to try for our first baby but sex is off the menu, just too sore and swollen from itching! And the more I google it the more I convince myself I've got cervical cancer (I know, I know I should NEVER have googled it!!) im not sleeping for itching and I just end up scratching till I bleed. Anxiety levels at the max....which surely can't be helping :( :( :(

Glad I came across this. I also have it. During diagnosus I was tested for allergies and found out I am allergic to thirium, an acceleramt used in making rubber. It crops up in latex and some synthetic tights. I know disposable sanitary towels affect me so i now use pure cotton reusables. And steroid cream twice a day.
I will try to find a non scented bog roll and start using emolliant cream again. And look forward to the menopause!

Does anyone know if diet affects vulvar excema? I'm wondering if sugar causes a problem or if any other foods exacerbates it...

Hello, just found this thread after doing search online for reviews of sylk from women with vulval eczema as I'm in need of lube but obviously a bit scared of irritation.

I have to say I don't think I get it as bad as some on here, though I have had it a long time. First began over 10 years ago, and was diagnosed as thrush at first, and after nothing got better I got referred to gynaecology but they were pretty perplexed, so for quite a few years it was undiagnosed. I think this was bearable as the itching and pain is not constant but comes and goes. During bad times LOTS of sudocream helped quite a bit. I then got pregnant and it got a lot better during pregnancy (hormones maybe?) and immediately after. I only went to the doc again a couple of years ago, this was after having 2 kids and being well over the breastfeeding bit. The flare ups came back more frequently and more often. The GP referred me right away and after gynaecology then referred me onto a dermatologist as they suspected it was skin rather than vulval - just like the Aussie article linked further up. I saw the dermatologist and finally got a diagnosis of Vulval eczema. She prescribed the emollient wash and steroid cream and it has helped a lot but I still get the occasional flare up of itchiness and sex can be uncomfortable (I feel dryer even when aroused a lot, hence the search for lube). The back bit - perenium side is the worst. Can feel like it's paper cut.

I can bath occasionally without getting issues and haven't really explored diff toilet papers though I think I will now. Nice to find fellow sufferers of the rather frustrating condition.

I’m sorry to bump this old thread but do any of you ladies only have issues inside your inner labia and vagina area, rather than the outer bits? Also, can it cause abnormal discharge? I’m at my wits end, with no diagnosis

I feel a little bit odd posting this but a google search led me here. Ansumpasty my pain is also only located inside my inner labia closer to the opening of the vagina. The dermatologist has told me it its most likely lichen planus rather than the eczema that was originally suspected but I still don't have a definitive diagnosis. Steroid ointment (Clobetasol) and an emollient ointment were prescribed.

Have you got hard water, OP? When my DCs were babies, we always knew when our water softener wasn't working properly because they had bad eczema flare ups.

For eczema/dermatitis in this area I've found daily OTC oral antihistamine to be very helpful. I've also found total elimination of soap (yes, even Dove) also helpful when cleaning the area. I really looked carefully at all detergents and discontinued use of anything with fragrance. I found the best lubricant was one with aloe vera (ie Good Clean Love). I'm looking for an emollient for daily use; currently using vaseline after showering. Any recommendations? When using steroids how long have you found you needed them (days, weeks?) before symptoms resolve? Has anyone been prescribed to use steroids as needed? And with regard to steroids, what about cream v ointment more internally? I've read there is better absorption of cream however there are more potential ingredient irritants in creams compared to ointments.

Just seen this @LonelyMouse. Did the steroid and emollient help you? I’m still suffering badly and waiting two weeks until my gynaecology appointment

@ansumpasty Yes its helped a little but for my condition lichen planus is something that is controlled rather than cured. If the gynaecologist isn't much help ask to be referred to a vulva dermatologist who was much more helpful. You may also need a biopsy to get an accurate diagnosis.

@rainThe original emollient I was using was epaderm now hydromol. I honestly don't know what the difference is. With steroids I had to use them everyday for 2 weeks then every other day for 2 weeks now just once a week. Long time steroid use can make the skin thinner and cause splits. I've seen quite a few people with conditions like lichen sclerosus use steroids only when they have a flair up. I think it can depend on the condition.

Hi

Well this has cheered me up slightly seeing all your posts. I’m in agony with mine it’s got really bad that I’ve scratched myself stupid that it actually hurts to sit and is swollen, but I don’t know if it’s more sore due to me having a UTI and a pretty bad one so I’m on antibiotics for that. I’m hoping someone can lighten me as to whether it would be that?? I’m due at the doctors this morning to check my uti has gone but I’m going to have to speak to the doctor about my eczema, I’ve been going to the gum clinic as I thought it was thrush but she said I had vulva eczema so she kept making me appointments but when I went the last time and broke down she said she couldn’t refer me as I’d go to the bottom off the list for the consultant at the hospital she was adamant that the creams she had given me would work, but I’m on a circle off coming on my period (usually last 10 days) I know so then it gets inflammaed and irritated so I medicate put creams on try and do everything to soothe down there and then by time it’s back to normal it’s that time off the month again the dreaded period!!! I was tempted to get the coil but was worried it would itrate it as tampons irate me. I’ve tried the implant and that’s a no go. I’m so upset and down about this now. I’m a mother off 3 children I feel stressed with them all the time, my partner understands and when I have a few days off been pain free it’ makes it up for him. After reading some comments I have just purchased the panda toilet roll. But I was worried what I can be saying to my doctor to maybe try? I’ve currently been given lotriderm (1st time)
Epaderm ointment (like a Vaseline base)
Dermol Lotion (told to use in the shower)
Clobaderm (last time I went stings to hell)

Also what underwear can I look at getting that may not irrate me?

I’m hoping someone can help

Hi sorry to jump in here, but I am so happy I found this forum as I can not find much online related to eczema and the vagina.

It all started 2 years ago, the day I got back from Portugal to end up with cystitis, after two courses of antibiotics it finally disappeared only to be then left with thrush. The thrush was persistent and I was constantly being treated for it. 1 year later after numous thrush treatments I was referred to a gynaecologist who put me on a 6 month thrush course, well 6month later still having issues in the down stairs department, my gynaecologist decided to do a biopsy the results come back 4 weeks ago and it turns out the results are consistent with eczema. I have been on steroid treatment for the last 2 week and I’m not seeing any changes. My vagina hurts me at the best of times but when I feel the burning/stinging has calmed down for a couple of days I attempt sex with my boyfriend, well tonight I am left with a angry bleeding vagina literally after 30 second of intercourse (as you can most prob imagine it didn’t end so well). It has never bled until today and I am now at my wits ends. To note the eczema is on my inner lips and doe not seem to be effecting anywhere else. I get little blisters, cuts and it goes extremely red when irritated. Standing up for long periods of time or walking irritates it (this is hard to avoid as I am a teacher and I have to stand quite a lot). I have a strict hygiene regime also, for two years I have wore lose fitting pants, cotton only underwear, no fragrance I.e bath soaps, fabric conditioners etc.

Can anyone recommend what my next step would be? I read someone prior stating that they are going to see a dermatologist as it is skin related, but like I said at the start their is little information online as to know where to go next with this and I’m at a loss.

Thank you in advance for any feedback!

@Carla2612 Which steroid have they given you? It could be that you need a different steroid. Have they given you an emollient? You might also have atrophy going on from all the irritation and could do with some estrogen cream. I would wait to have sex until you have been much longer than a few days without pain. Others have mentioned a lube called YES that maybe you could use to prevent cutting.
My issues are still bad but the steroid I was given seemed to make it worse. Mine is different though as my issues are bad internally.

Problems there are horrible aren’t they

I’ve been to my consultant and he has told me I have dermatitis on vulva, but I’m to still use the same steroid cream which it Clobaderm once a night, and use barrier cream in the day.
It does seem to be working , I have a shower in the morning then put my barrier cream on and then at night I soak in a bath and put my clobaderm on. I have read or heard somewhere that putting baking soda in the bath helps with the itching so I’m going to buy some off that as last night I was really itchy and becaus eits unbearable I have made myself sore again but not half as bad as last time. Xx

Thanks for the reply

I am currently using dermovate, and have not been given and emoilment. Although I do use Vaseline occasionally as a barrier cream as instructed by the gynaecologist. I will deffinately be avoiding sex for a while, I dont want another episode similar to last night.

How would I know if I have Atrophy? and if that is the case can you buy estrogen creams over the counter or is this best to be prescribed.

Estrogen cream probably is best prescribed. It toughens up the tissues again and helps with healing. The gynocologist I saw the other day gave me it, along with trimovate, some emollient and dermol 500 to wash with. I actually felt worse as everything was just swimming in creams. Been prescribed Clindamycin cream to use internally now, so will try that first and then go back to the others.

Sudocrem is excellent !!!

Dermatologist best as they understand skin and what causes irritation, majority of irritation is eczema/ dermatitis ....I have had the same and the best thing I have found todate is Sudocrem ....excellent stuff !!!

@Mill1b
why are you searching out and reposting zombie threads to promote sudocrem?

I got a vulvar eczema in the last weeks of my last pregnancy. It only got worse in the weeks after I had a baby.I got depressed as I was being mistreated for trush and it took me 6 months of going from doctor to another to be finally diagnosed with vulvaregzema. It took my body good 2 years to get back to normality (with occasional eczema flare ups). NowI'm pregnant again and the thought of vulvar eczema scares me so much I even consider having an abortion (it's an unplanned pregnancy). Please,can someone share their experience with this condition during pregnancy? I don't really want to go through with abortion,but I am so worried to get depressed again as a result of having to deal with vulvar eczema x

I’m a fellow sufferer. It’s been going on for years and things that helped me were/are

• diet changes - no diary, no gluten, no sugar
• paw paw ointment and bepanthen cream - I apply on the itchy parts

and on cotton pads which I leave on - makes a massive difference

• eco detergent
• probiotic internally plus a good multivitamin
• unbleached toilet tissue
• will try a calendula with zinc salve
• planning to see an acupuncturist to see if they can help more

Stay strong everyone

Hi OP,
It sounds very much like the symptoms I have and I have Lichen Sclerosis of the vulva and yes it is sore and very itchy (especially at night). If it is, it needs a potent steroid cream daily to get it under control then a mid strength steroid cream 2 or 3 times a week to keep it at bay so to speak. I spent 3 to 4 years of trying all kinds of creams/lotions and potions - some prescribed by my Gp and some otc remedies and nothing brought relief for longer than a couple of days. It had gotten so bad that even the pressure of my underwear against the area brought tears to my eyes. My skin was all split and bleeding/weeping and there were discoloured patches all over the area. I would go back to the gp and ask them again to make sure it isnt LS as it can be difficult to diagnose and you shouldnt have to suffer in this way. Good Luck.

I have the same problem too, and I get recover within 1 month.

1. Hand-wash your underwear with non-bio liquid
2. Just use water to clean your intimate
3. Stop taking any sugar and carbohydrate

(Try you best to stop eating wheat, noodle, rice, cake, cookie..... you can do more research about this part by yourself)

1. Try half-day fasting to reduce body inflammation (both for internal body organs and external skin)
2. Drink 2.5L-3L water and lots of Vege daily
3. Eat fat (fish and MCT oil) and fiber (like quinoa and vegetable) only

Finally, if your doctor gives you creams for treatment like (clotrimazole or other steroid creams, google research that kind of cream usage and vasoconstrictive properties and use it carefully. **Try your best to finish the treatment, and take the exact amount of medicine according to your doctor, like FTU-Fingertip unit and 2 times per day (same time every day), for how many weeks then stop.

For a long term healthy diet, try your best to keep the no sugar and low carbohydrate meal, that would always keep your body more healthy! Good luck everyone!

Complement:

a. Also, remember to sleep at least 7 hours every day for your body to produce enough cortisol to keep your body healthy.

b. Take bacteria to keep your intestine and vagina alive.
**Live bacteria strains :
Lactobacillus rhamnosus GR-1®
Lactobacillus reuteri RC-14®

c. Take vitamin C and B

Hi am up at 4 am reading this discussion and have read great advice so thanks everyone. We suffer in silence sometimes