Table of Content
During the visit, your gyno will start by figuring out when the rash started appearing, and if it’s something you’ve ever experienced before. The checkup will continue with an exam of the perineum and any areas you wouldn’t be able to see on your own. You’ll likely have other breakouts of psoriasis elsewhere on your body, too. The rash will have lots of lesions, Dr. Shepherd says, and there are not many topical agents or salves that will help it to calm down. If the rash is very red and inflamed, it could be psoriasis. Alyssa is a senior editor for the Hearst Health Newsroom, where she has written research-backed health content for Prevention, Good Housekeeping and Woman's Day since 2017.
The first time you experience a herpes rash, it can be very painful, even to sit down or to pee, Dr. Shepherd says. One symptom of genital herpes is tiny little blisters on the vulva or near the crease of your underwear. It may be the sign of an infection and will need a diagnosis for safe and effective treatment. A vaginal rash is usually not in the vagina but on the vulva. A rash in this area can cause severe discomfort, especially when a person is sitting or having sex.
Burning in the genital lips: causes and treatment
Yeast infections most commonly involve the fungus Candida albicans. You normally have some of this fungus in your vaginal area. But certain factors can cause a decrease of good bacteria in your vagina, allowing Candida to overgrow. Wash your vaginal area about once a day with cool water and mild, nonirritating soap, and be sure to pat the area dry instead of rubbing. It is caused by irritants, such as hygiene products, clothing, bacteria, yeast, or viruses, coming into contact with the skin. Verywell Health articles are reviewed by board-certified physicians and healthcare professionals.
Vulvar dermatitis is a very common condition that results in irritated, red, itchy skin around the vagina. It can be caused by irritating products, skin conditions, or infections. “Vulvar dermatoses are a group of inflammatory skin conditions of the vulva, or the outside portion that’s external to the vagina,” explains Dr. Khalil. Whether you have a vulvar skin problem or are just prone to irritation, gentle care of the area is a must.
Symptoms and Causes
Practice safe sex to lower your risk of contracting an STI. Vulvar dermatitis cannot always be prevented, but there are some things you can do to decrease your chances of getting it. However, young people who have not started their periods yet and people who are postmenopausal are more likely to develop it.

Our website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Lichen sclerosus is diagnosed by its appearance and sometimes by biopsies. No matter how mild the symptoms, it should be treated to prevent progression. The usual treatment is application of a high potency corticosteroid ointment for several weeks, then slowly tapering the dose.
Vaginal rash causes and medical treatments
Remember, even if you're seeing an experienced clinician, several visits may be needed to diagnose and improve certain vulvovaginal conditions. Baking soda baths can potentially treat yeast infections as well as certain itchy skin conditions. Besides the vaginal region, the rash may also appear on your inner upper thighs, the pubic skin right above your vagina or around the buttocks or anus. Medical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We link primary sources — including studies, scientific references, and statistics — within each article and also list them in the resources section at the bottom of our articles. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.

A diagnostic test to detect different vaginal yeast infection types. When something disturbs the normal balance of bacteria in the vagina, a person may contract a bacterial infection, also known as bacterial vaginosis . Vaginal rashes are treatable, and symptoms can be alleviated with medication and home remedies.
You add two tablespoons of this vinegar to a glass of water -important that it is warm-. Once you have done it, you can use this liquid to wash your vagina between 1 and 2 times a day throughout the week. Similarly, there are no known cures for autoimmune disorders like psoriasis, but some medications help control the symptoms caused by the disorder.

If you scratch this area, it can lead to an infection, dryness, or cause the skin to become thick. It leads to patches of small, red, and shiny bumps that can occur on many parts of the body, including your pubic area. But they can get infected and become red, swollen, and uncomfortable. The virus is spread through skin-to-skin contact with someone who has it. You can also get it by touching an object that has the virus on it. Many different conditions can cause you to develop a rash around your vagina.
Experts say pregnant people should know the risks and benefits before deciding. Antifungal activity of sodium bicarbonate against fungal agents causing superficial infections. Scratching the area, or excessive bathing might make itching worse, according to a 2012 article. You can, however, use these creams on the outside of the genital area for relief.

The flesh between the vaginal opening and the anus is the perineum. This is where the incision called an episiotomy is sometimes made during childbirth. Schedule a visit with your provider if you notice signs of vulvitis. Without treatment, vulvar inflammation can progress to an infection. The warmth and moisture of your vulva and vagina make it an especially hospitable environment for bacteria to grow.
Even conditions that have no known cure can be successfully controlled with medications. Body lice and pubic lice are usually removed with a medicated wash. This is left on the genitals for a long time to kill the infestation, and then rinsed away. Scabies is usually treated with medicated ointments and creams.

It will also help a corticosteroid penetrate your skin better. Use coconut oil and tea tree oil, which have antifungal properties. The most likely causes of a rash around the vagina are contact dermatitis and vaginitis. As you keep scratching the vaginal itch, the area becomes thick and leathery . The exact cause isn’t known, but neurodermatitis may be triggered by an insect bite or stress. It also may occur secondary to another condition, such as contact dermatitis or diabetic neuropathy.