Meet the Other Phone. Child-safe in minutes.

Meet the Other Phone.
Child-safe in minutes.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Women's health

Mumsnet hasn't checked the qualifications of anyone posting here. If you have medical concerns, please seek medical attention.

See all MNHQ comments on this thread

Aibu to ask for advice on intimate body parts care? Feel like it will never end.

113 replies

Amiwrongforthis · 28/02/2021 17:47

I'm at my wits end and just looking for advice support/be told I'm not alone 😢

I have suspected eczema in my private area. I have been to the gp about 25 times over the last few years (after about 6yrs of trying to 'deal' with it myself being to embarrassed to go gp) they said it looks like I have ezcema and provided me steroid cream to use. I also suffer recurrent thrush, possibly from having to use the steroid cream, I don't know but it's just a mess. I have really just given up hope with trying to get this under control. My skin gets so dry but I can't just use cream as it will more than likely give me thrush I feel like I'm in a constant cycle of never ending dry skin/taking medication/trying different creams.

I have had numerous bloods and all fine I take optibac daily but I feel like I'm constantly dealing with dry itchy skin. I know no one is qualified to give medical advice but I just needed to get this off my chest as I'm too embarrassed to speak to anyone about this.

OP posts:
CottonHeadedNinyMuggins · 28/02/2021 19:47

Is it just dry - white flaky skin?

Is it red, does it occasionally look like the skin has torn? Is there any red raw skin looking? I have read the thread but I can't see this asked - sorry if it already has been.

If the latter it could be intretigo and you'd need a topical cream for it . Also wash with hibiscrub at least twice a day and need to keep the area as clean and dry as possible in between. A hydrocortisone cream might work in a mild case but if you have cracked red raw weeping skin at parts where it joins your body (like where any folds ar or the tops of your legs) you will potentially need to apply a steroidal cream that can be prescribed by the doctor like fucidin. There is some reluctance by some doctors to prescribe this as it can thin the skin and therefore make the issue worse but it also won't make it any better without having it in the first place - bit of a vicious circle.

BubbleLight · 28/02/2021 19:49

Another poster already suggested this but I second Epsom salts in the bath. Really soothing and helps all sorts of skin conditions.

TangerineGenie · 28/02/2021 19:50

I get dermatitis herpetiformis if I ingest gluten ( I'm coeliac) , it can look very similar to excema. Def push for a referral

Ohdoleavemealone · 28/02/2021 19:56

Do you take antihistamine for the eczema? I have to take 2/3 a day to keep mine on my hands under control.

mcclucky · 28/02/2021 20:00

I'm so sorry you've been living with this for so long and your GP hasn't just referred you to a dermatologist without being asked. If you've been to see the doctor as often as you've said, it's ridiculous they haven't accepted it's something they can't treat themselves.

Sometimes eczema is just stubborn, but sometimes all it needs is a slightly different steroid. It's unlikely your GP will have the right clinical background to treat this effectively - you do need a dermatologist.

I find baths to be quite soothing - I also agree that Epsom salts can be quite good for this if you're struggling to find a bath soak that you're not allergic to. We're mostly made up of water, and eczema starts with dry skin, so putting the affected part in water (in this case, easy, just sit or lie in the tub) can provide some temporary relief.

If you live by yourself/work from home by yourself, you might even find a carefully positioned clean, cool, wet flannel gives some relief whilst you're waiting for that referral. Obviously not possible if you share your space with other people...

RestingPandaFace · 28/02/2021 20:00

@Amiwrongforthis DS has developed genital eczema and the gp prescribed Daktacort cream for it. It’s a mild steroid with an anti fungal, had worked a treat, might be worth asking to try.

Graphista · 28/02/2021 20:09

Dry itchy could be lichen sclerosis? I wondered this too tbh you say they ruled it out - how? Have you had a biopsy? - it's really the only definitive test - Have you been advised to use a barrier cream like sudocrem?

"Sensitive" detergents and fabric conditioners aren't necessarily the answer - dd and I are allergic to them.

Have you been tested for stis and bv? Good to rule out these things I think.

Have you changed or started new meds? Even oral ones can have weird effects. Especially things like hormonal meds.

Are you using a mirena coil or even a copper coil? They can cause odd reactions too

Have you a sexual partner and are they also being treated for potential causes or are you abstaining from genital contact for periods of time? (No need to actually answer this but something for you to consider - if it's something infectious you could just be passing between you regularly, loads of these affect women more than men, with men often being asymptomatic)

If you use condoms could be a latex allergy or allergy to the spermicide (I have this problem) or if you use vibrators sometimes the material they are made from can be an issue or even the dyes if they're bright colours. I had a bright pink one once that was no good for this reason 

On loo roll - is it coloured? Or scented? (Should be banned imo awful stuff) That can be an irritant for some people

Psoriasis isn't always red. My friend has it and it's more white or cream coloured on her remember "typical" presentation doesn't mean "always", she is mixed race and on the darker side of that.

Implant could be factor - does that time in for you? Maybe started a few weeks after getting implant?

GPs are pretty shit on gynae and dermatology ime

Do you know what they're actually testing swabs for? No point them repeatedly testing for the same things and not finding the actual cause if they're not testing for it

@mcclucky there are agenda based reasons why gps very rarely refer patients to specialists it's appalling

JulietMadeChutney · 28/02/2021 20:13

I drink keffir. You can get starter grains from amazon for about £5. Then is is easy to keep going - just ferment (milk/grains in loose-lidded top, leave to ferment for 24 hours) strain, re pot grains with fresh milk, repeat.

You could try some from the supermarket before if you worry you won't like it. Took me a few days to get used to it - but really it is just like drinking natural yoghurt - bit sharp but I find it refreshing,

Since we started it (about 18 months ago) my whole digestive system has been much happier and the pre-period itchiness I used to get has not happened. If it helps this is who I got mine from www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B06XYMQ5X5/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?psc=1&tag=mumsnetforu03-21&ie=UTF8

Good luck with finding a solution.

oldegg123 · 28/02/2021 20:16

@Amiwrongforthis

I'm at my wits end and just looking for advice support/be told I'm not alone 😢

I have suspected eczema in my private area. I have been to the gp about 25 times over the last few years (after about 6yrs of trying to 'deal' with it myself being to embarrassed to go gp) they said it looks like I have ezcema and provided me steroid cream to use. I also suffer recurrent thrush, possibly from having to use the steroid cream, I don't know but it's just a mess. I have really just given up hope with trying to get this under control. My skin gets so dry but I can't just use cream as it will more than likely give me thrush I feel like I'm in a constant cycle of never ending dry skin/taking medication/trying different creams.

I have had numerous bloods and all fine I take optibac daily but I feel like I'm constantly dealing with dry itchy skin. I know no one is qualified to give medical advice but I just needed to get this off my chest as I'm too embarrassed to speak to anyone about this.

Hi OP, is it on the external vulva or actually inside the vestibule/ around the urethral area?

If it's inside then using a good quality vaginal moisturizer multiple times a day can be really helpful. Also dabbing with water after you pee is a good idea as urine can irritate very sensitive skin.

Chimpfield · 28/02/2021 20:20

I have lichen sclerosis, it's the Bain of my life - treat it with steroid cream (sparingly) but a godsend to me is cavalon barrier cream....... it soothes and lubricates........ worth a try for you x

SpaceDoubt · 28/02/2021 20:24

Strange question but are you on the pill?! I had really itchy/cracked/irritated skin down there and nothing helped, until I stopped taking the pill. It stopped, skin went back to normal and have never had an issue since.

CallMeCleo · 28/02/2021 20:50

Off the wall but I'm suspecting a food allergy, but no idea which food.

thenewduchessofhastings · 28/02/2021 21:29

@Amiwrongforthis

Have you been tested for diabetes?

LeonaV · 28/02/2021 21:37

Wondering also if it’s lichen sclerosis. To see if it’s diet related, you could read Medical Medium by Anthony Williams (it’s a bit out there, just warning you!) but I think you should definitely push for a referral, it must be awful for you.

Thisisworsethananticpated · 28/02/2021 21:41

Have you tried coconut oil ? That’s my go to for the undercarriage
In use as cycle balms and when it needs TLC
100% natural and has antiviral properties
Also grow pubes , as they protect
I’m not sure if that will help but neither can do any harm ?

Redskinsucks · 28/02/2021 21:43

Look up topical steroid withdrawal and topical steroid addiction. I went through this after worsening eczema and found no medication or amount of product shopping made any difference. After changing my life I now live completely eczema free, on no medication. With no daily concern for my skin and no affect on my life. If you have tried every other avenue this is worth looking at.

LabiaMinoraPissusFlapus · 28/02/2021 21:43

Have you tried dietary changes? I gave up diary and soya due to gut problems, and subsequently found that the eczema in my ears and my dandruff resolved too. I had had these problems since I was a child.

Amiwrongforthis · 28/02/2021 21:47

Sorry was getting the kids sorted for bed.

I don't know what tests they have done but imo it doesn't look like LS however I will speak to go and see if they have tested for this. I have had many tests and examinations I have lost count.

I have had full bloods done not diabetic. I also have a fairly decent diet so not much sugar I have also drastically reduced dairy intake.

I have tried many courses of antifungal tablets, sometimes I use a pessary and tablet and within a week its back.

Cotton underwear (when I do wear them but in fairness I forgo them amap) no soap occasionally bath with pure epsom salts but I have cut down on baths as wasn't sure they were helping the situation.

I have never heard of a vulval clinic I will enquire about that tomorrow. I have been to sexual health clinic tested for different strains of thrush buts it's just the basic one I keep getting same treatment from docs so tablets every three days for three doses then one a week for 6 months.

I do sometimes take antihistamines but the acute eczema I do get is not really that bad at all so don't need it. The bit behind my ear/hairline is pretty persistented but manageable quite well with the cream.

I have tried a barrier cream prescribed by the docs I think it worked a little she said use after the steroid cream.

OP posts:
Amiwrongforthis · 28/02/2021 21:53

I've just had a quick look and it seems there's a vulval clinic right next to me?! Can you self refer?

OP posts:
Newkitchen123 · 28/02/2021 21:59

I had a biopsy to confirm lichen sclerosis.
Sounds quite similar.
Previous gp had treated me for thrush. It was only when I went to a gynaecologist he did a biopsy.
As soon as I feel it coming on I use the steroid cream. It's usually gone in about a day. Occasionally it lasts a few days

Notaroadrunner · 28/02/2021 22:05

What loo roll do you use? I switched to bamboo and it helped.

Covidwedding123 · 28/02/2021 22:12

Pay for a private dermatologist if possible.

SinkGirl · 28/02/2021 22:43

So sorry if you’ve already tried this OP but have you excluded a dietary cause?

My twins had horrid eczema including in the nappy area. They went dairy free and then also soy free and the eczema was almost completely gone in 48 hours and totally gone in a week. Now if they are ever exposed to a small amount of either the eczema is back with a vengeance. Definitely worth a try. I developed an allergy to nuts and sesame when I was older having previously been fine so allergies can develop any time unfortunately.

Really hope the GP is of use - I’m sure they wouldn’t put up with this for three years without seeing a dermatologist!

NicEv · 28/02/2021 23:49

I would really push the GP for a referral to a specialist women’s dermatology clinic that specialises in vulval disorders (not just a general dermatologist or a general gynaecologist). A quick google search should help you identify the one closest to you geographically - something like this one :

www.guysandstthomas.nhs.uk/our-services/dermatology/specialties/womens-dermatology/overview.aspx

Or maybe this organisation could help

www.vulvalpainsociety.org/vps/

It sounds really hard , I hope you get some support and effective treatment. Don’t take no for an answer from the GP - write down how this is affecting you physically and mentally and go through this at the consultation and really push them now to refer you to a specialist centre

MummBraTheEverLeaking · 01/03/2021 01:49

I'm afraid I don't have much knowledge of vulval eczema but I do have vulvodynia and have done for about 7 years. It was awful and constant in the beginning but thankfully has calmed right down as time has gone on, but I still get nasty flares every now and then.

I've tried a lot of things over the years but for dryness (things get bad if I'm too dry) I found a product called Vulva Harmony on amazon. Despite the twee name it's very good and you can even store it in the fridge for extra soothing.

On another vulval pain thread someone recommended Optibac for women probiotic pills (also amazon), thought I'd give them a try and the past few months on them has been great, I can't remember who it was but thank you!!