Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, and More

Dry or peeling skin on or around your vulva can occur with some skin conditions and infections, including a vaginal yeast infection. You may also have other symptoms like burning or itching.

Many conditions can cause peeling, flaking, and itching in and around the vaginal area. These include conditions that affect skin, as well as those specific to the reproductive organs.

Read on to learn about the most common causes of vaginal peeling and how to treat this symptom.

People with female genitalia often think of their entire “down there” region as a vagina, but in actuality, the vagina is only one part of the vulva.

The vulva contains multiple layers designed to cover and protect the sexual organs and urinary opening. These parts are:

• Vagina. This muscular canal connects the cervix to the outside of your body.
• Vaginal vestibule. Located between the urethra and the anus, this is the opening to the vagina.
• Clitoris. Located just above the urethra, the clitoris is a sex organ that produces pleasure.
• Urethra. Part of the renal system, the urethra moves urine out of the body.
• Labia majora. These are the fleshy outer “lips” of the vulva.
• Labia minora. This is the delicate skin, located underneath the labia majora, that encloses the clitoris.
• Perineum. This is the area between the vaginal opening and the anus.
• Bartholin’s glands. These glands produce lubrication and are located on each side of the vaginal opening.

If any part of the vulva becomes irritated or inflamed, peeling, flaking skin can result. Dry skin, in and around the vagina, can also cause itching and flaking.

Vaginal skin peeling may be accompanied by other symptoms. The symptoms you have will be determined by the root cause of your condition.

Other symptoms include:

• itching, which may be intense
• burning or stinging sensation
• scaling of the skin
• small skin tears
• red or white patches of skin
• bumpy rash
• vaginal odor or discharge

There are many potential causes of vaginal peeling. They include:

Eczema (dermatitis)

There are seven different types of eczema. According to the National Eczema Society, the types most likely to affect the genitals are:

• atopic dermatitis
• seborrheic dermatitis
• allergic contact dermatitis
• irritant contact dermatitis

Eczema is an inflammatory skin condition that may affect many areas of the body and face. Eczema causes the skin to take on a red, rash-like appearance and can be itchy. It can also cause cracks in the skin, as well as flaking and peeling.

Eczema can affect the outer layers of the vulva and the vaginal vestibule. If you scratch, this can worsen the condition and lead to skin thickening, swelling, and increased amounts of vaginal skin peeling.

Eczema is sometimes triggered by exposure to an allergen. The vulva may become irritated or inflamed if you are allergic or sensitive to products that come in contact with this area of your body. These include:

• laundry detergent
• soap, wipes, and body wash used to clean skin
• ingredients in hair removal products
• latex
• spermicide
• lubricants
• fabrics such as nylon or polyester

Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a chronic, autoimmune condition that involves a rapid buildup of skin cells that may cause raised plaques and scales to form on the skin. Up to 63 percent of adults with psoriasis have psoriatic lesions in their genital area.

According to the National Psoriasis Foundation, the two types of psoriasis most likely to affect the genitals are:

• inverse psoriasis
• plaque psoriasis

When psoriasis affects the skin of the vulva, pink or red patches and skin cracks are common symptoms.

Candidiasis (vaginal yeast infection)

Vaginal yeast infections are common. They’re caused by an overgrowth of Candida, a naturally occurring yeast that lives in the vagina.

A thick, odorous discharge that looks like cottage cheese is a common symptom of candidiasis. Your skin may be intensely itchy and swollen. It may also peel or scrape off, especially if you scratch.

Lichen sclerosis

Lichen sclerosis is an inflammatory skin condition most likely to affect postmenopausal women. Young girls who have not entered puberty or menstruated yet may also be affected.

Common symptoms include white patches of crinkly, shiny skin around the genitals and anus, plus intense itching. Skin affected by lichen sclerosis becomes thinner than it should be. For this reason, peeling, bruising, and blistering can also occur.

Lichen planus

Lichen planus is a skin rash triggered by an overactive immune system. It can affect the skin inside the vagina, as well as the outer layers of the vulva. It also affects other areas of the body, including the inside of the mouth.

Lichen planus is sometimes mistaken for vaginal atrophy. It causes raw, burning skin that feels sore inside and outside the vagina. The skin may crack or look red. It may also be streaked with white, or have a lacey pattern.

When it affects the inside of the vagina, symptoms may include a thick yellow discharge.

Sexually transmitted infections (STI)

An STI may be another cause of peeling skin on or around the vagina.

STIs that may cause sores or dry skin that may lead to vaginal peeling include:

herpes simplex virus (HSV)
genital warts
syphilis
HIV/AIDS

The conditions which cause vaginal peeling have different treatments. In order to resolve the issue as quickly as possible, see a gynecologist if you have vaginal peeling. To make a diagnose, your doctor will visually assess your genital area.

They will ask about health issues you may have, such as autoimmune diseases and inflammatory skin conditions. They will also ask about medications and supplements you currently take. They will ask about your sexual history and may do tests for STIs.

If lichen planus or lichen sclerosis is suspected, they may perform a skin biopsy.

If you have vaginal peeling, stop using products which might irritate your skin. If eczema is causing your symptoms, this may be enough to eliminate symptoms.

Soothing treatments, such as soaking in a warm colloidal oatmeal bath, may also help.

Wear only breathable fabrics such as cotton, and loose undergarments that don’t bind.

Yeast infections are one of the most common causes of vaginal symptoms such as skin peeling. This condition can be treated with over-the-counter medications designed for this purpose, such as antifungal creams. If you don’t have a yeast infection, these treatments may make vaginal peeling and itching worse. For that reason, see your doctor first, especially if you haven’t had these symptoms before.

Your doctor may prescribe high potency corticosteroid creams or oral corticosteroids. In some instances, estrogen cream may also be prescribed.

If you have psoriasis or eczema, you may be more likely to have vaginal peeling and other uncomfortable genital symptoms. Having psoriasis also increases your risk of lichen sclerosis.

If you swim or work out regularly, change out of damp or sweaty clothing quickly. Any activity that puts pressure on the genitals, such as cycling, can also increase risk.

Wearing nylon and other nonbreathable fabrics, or using products containing fragrance or chemicals, may irritate vaginal skin and increase risk.

No matter what the cause, vaginal peeling usually responds well to treatment. Let your doctor know if you have a recurrence of symptoms. In some instances, a different topical or oral medication may be prescribed.

Vaginal peeling can be caused by several underlying conditions. This symptom is often accompanied by itching, burning, or swelling.

If you have vaginal peeling, your doctor will often be able to make a diagnosis by doing a visual assessment. This condition typically responds well to treatment.

Vulvar Skin Peeling, Vaginal Itching and Perimenopause — What You Need – TheUncovery

If you’re in perimenopause, you’ve probably experienced dry skin around your vulval area. We can find it embarrassing to talk about vaginal itching, but millions of women suffer from it every year. In fact, this kind of skin condition is so common among perimenopausal women that there are medical codes for vaginal itching for doctors to quickly diagnose the issue. This is just one of the symptoms of perimenopause that women may experience as their bodies transition into menopause. But what does that mean? And how can you get relief?

Keeping up with the changes in your body during perimenopause can be overwhelming. Along with things like menopausal weight changes and brain fog, you may also experience changes in your skin — which may include dry skin around your vulva.

Fortunately, because intimate skin conditions are not uncommon with perimenopausal women, and doctors have identified multiple causes for vaginal itching, you can rest assured that you’re not alone. Many women experience vulvar skin peeling, intense itchiness and dry skin associated with perimenopause, and there are treatments to help get relief from these and other symptoms.

But what exactly is vulvar skin peeling? Let’s take a moment to explain a few terms and define the connection between perimenopause and intimate skin conditions. Vaginal itching around perimenopause is often a result of the skin changing as our estrogen levels fall and the skin becomes thinner. The dead cells slough off, which, as the name implies, is vulvar skin peeling. Some peeling and shedding of dead skin cells is perfectly healthy and normal, but in that instance, you wouldn’t even notice that your body is shedding skin cells.

Women notice vulvar skin peeling because it’s accompanied by intimate itching and dry skin. In the transition to menopause, your body produces less estrogen, and because estrogen provides protection to skin cells and promotes the production of vaginal secretions, decreased estrogen levels tend to lead to thinning of the vaginal and vulvar skin. In turn, this leads to drier, more delicate skin around your private area, which is what creates the itching and burning feeling that comes when the vulvar skin peels.

Vulvar dermatitis is similar to vulvar skin peeling, but it’s a slightly different condition. The vaginal itching associated with vulvar peeling is a result of dryness due to skin thinning and peeling. Vulvar dermatitis, on the other hand, usually presents with redness, inflammation, and itchiness around the opening of the vagina. In cases of vulvar dermatitis, this reaction is usually caused by prolonged heat or wetness and may occur in reaction to scented soaps, wipes, toilet paper, clothing, or chemicals.

Vulvar dermatitis can happen at any time in a woman’s life. Perimenopausal women may experience it for the first time due to changes in their bodies’ hormone levels. These changes can cause you to be more sensitive to certain scents, fabrics, and chemicals, which may result in a case of vulvar dermatitis, but it is not very common to link it directly to perimenopause.

While perimenopausal vulvar skin peeling is often associated with lack of estrogen, that’s not the only cause of peeling, dry skin. Yeast infections can cause peeling skin and vaginal itching too.

Yeast infections that cause peeling, dry skin around the vulval area are most often caused by Candida yeast. The resulting infection is called cutaneous candidiasis. This is, by far, one of the most common causes of vaginal itching in women of all ages.

So, how can you tell if you have vulvar skin peeling, vulvar dermatitis, a yeast infection, or some other perimenopause ICD-10 code associated with vaginal itching? First, before you try any treatment for dry skin around your vulva, you should consult with your doctor. They can help you get an accurate diagnosis and determine the right treatment plan. If you have vulvar skin peeling due to low estrogen, you may benefit more from balancing your hormones. This might include prescription menopausal hormone replacement therapy (HRT) which works by replacing and levelling the falling estrogen and progesterone in your body. Another option is topical estrogen creams or pessaries. These can prevent, or even reverse, some of these changes by making estrogen available again to the body. If you have a yeast infection, you may need a prescription or over-the-counter remedy.

For your own understanding of your body, though, it’s good to know the difference between vulvar skin peeling and vulvar dermatitis. Vulvar peeling is actually a symptom of several potential conditions. With vulvar peeling, the skin of the vulva and/or vagina begins peeling due to thinning and/or dryness. On the other hand, vulvar dermatitis is a specific reaction to something that your body has come in contact with.

While you wait to see your doctor, if you suspect that you have vulvar dermatitis, you should avoid as many potential irritants as possible, including but not limited to:

• Scented soaps, gels, creams, and lotions
• Bubble bath, bath bombs, bath salts, and skin softening oils
• Fabric softeners
• Baby wipes and towelettes
• Scented tampons and pads
• Spermicides
• Lubricated or flavored condoms
• Synthetic fabrics (e.g., nylon, polyester)

As we mentioned earlier, you should always consult with your doctor before embarking on any kind of treatment for vulvar skin peeling or dry skin around your delicate intimate areas. And don’t worry if HRT or estrogen creams are not your first choice, there are other several ways to treat vaginal itching, including at-home, over-the-counter, and prescription solutions. These include:

Boosting water intake. Drink at least 64 ounces of water every day, and if you’re exercising, try to increase that to 96 ounces. And you can boost your vaginal moisture with a high-quality vaginal lubricant too.

Balance your hormones through diet or supplements. When vaginal itching occurs due to low estrogen, the answer may be as simple as taking a dietary supplement or eating a hormone-balancing diet. Phytotherapy, which uses plant-derived medicines to promote balanced hormones may also help your body produce proper lubrication and repair damaged cells.

Avoid irritants. If you’re suffering from vulvar dermatitis due to a reaction to an irritant, you may be able to solve the problem by avoiding that irritant. Start with the list above and talk with your doctor about any other chemicals, fabrics, or substances that may be impacting your vaginal health.

Eat fermented foods. Fermented foods and foods rich in probiotics can help regulate your gut flora and some people find this also helps their vaginal flora. The theory is that the “good bacteria” eat away excess Candida yeast, and can help you avoid the itching and burning of yeast infections.

With the right hormone balance and a healthy diet, perimenopausal women can enjoy life without the pain and burning of dry skin around their private area. Try some of these natural treatments and see what works best for you to stop vulvar skin peeling and vulvar dermatitis — so you can get back to living your life without vaginal itching.

Skin candidiasis – daily symptoms in children and adults, diagnosis and treatment

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26 April

Candidiasis of the skin: causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment.

Definition

Skin candidiasis is an infectious skin disease caused by microscopic fungi of the genus Candida (most often Candida albicans ).

Causes of skin candidiasis

Candida albicans is believed to be the cause of almost 70-80% of cases of candidiasis. In addition to it, C. glabrata , C. tropicalis , C. krusei , and C. Dubliniensis , can cause skin candidiasis, but incomparably less often.

The fungus Candida is normally present on the skin and mucous membranes without causing harm. However, with a prolonged increase in humidity, thermal exposure and violation of the protective mechanisms of the skin, the pathogen begins to multiply rapidly.

There are risk factors that contribute to the manifestation of skin candidiasis:

• hot weather,
• tight clothing made of synthetic fabrics,
• non-compliance with personal hygiene,
• violation of microflora as a result of antibiotic therapy,
• inflammatory processes in skin folds,
• taking corticosteroids and immunosuppressants,
• diabetes mellitus and other endocrine disorders (eg, Cushing’s disease), HIV/AIDS, or T cell defects.

Classification

• Candidal lesions of the lips and mouth.
• Smooth skin lesion.
• Damage to large folds.
• Interdigital candidiasis.
• Candidal lesions of the palms and soles.
• Candidal balanoposthitis.
• Chronic generalized candidiasis (candidiasis granuloma).

There are several forms of candidiasis:

• Carriage. There are no clinical manifestations of candidiasis.
• Sharp. Accompanied by itching, rashes.
• Chronic. Characterized by the remission of symptoms and their re-manifestation. It develops in case of improper and prolonged treatment with antibiotics.

Symptoms of skin candidiasis

The disease is manifested by small vesicles, sometimes with purulent contents, which open with the formation of erosions. Erosions rapidly increase, merge with each other, forming extensive areas of damage. Foci of candidiasis have a dark red color and a moist surface. Fresh small erosions form around large foci. In children, the first signs of candidiasis usually appear in the folds of the skin, from where they already spread to the skin of the thighs, buttocks, and abdomen. There may be painful cracks in the depth of the folds.

Candidiasis of smooth skin in children may resemble seborrheic dermatitis with itchy nodules and erosions. In adults, the disease can manifest as red spots with peeling in the center and small vesicles along the periphery.

Interdigital candidal erosion is observed mainly in persons who have prolonged contact with water, which contributes to skin maceration (waterlogging of the skin with its characteristic swelling). Patients are concerned about itching, burning, and in the presence of cracks – soreness.

In lactating women, candidiasis of the smooth skin of the nipples may develop in the form of hyperemia, maceration and small bubbles in the areola of the nipple.

Candidiasis of the palms can proceed according to the type of dry lamellar dyshidrosis (surface lamellar peeling) and have a vesicular-pustular form (vesicles and pustules against the background of hyperemic and edematous skin). Less commonly, the disease resembles hyperkeratotic eczema – against the background of diffuse hyperkeratosis or individual areas of keratinized skin, sharply demarcated wide skin furrows are observed that have a dirty brown color.

Candidiasis of the skin of the soles is observed mainly in children and is characterized by the presence of small vesicles and pustules, hyperemic spots with peeling and exfoliating waterlogged epidermis along the edges.

In chronic generalized (granulomatous) candidiasis, clinical manifestations on the skin can be varied.

Candida balanoposthitis (an inflammatory disease that affects the glans penis and the inner layer of the foreskin) can be mild with slight lamellar peeling or be more pronounced when there is hyperemia, maceration, erosion on the skin of the glans penis and the inner layer of the preputial sac, and also in the coronal sulcus on the contact surfaces. Erosions can merge and form foci with clear boundaries and a shiny surface. Subjectively, patients are concerned about itching and burning. The disease can be complicated by ulceration and the development of phimosis.

Diagnosis of skin candidiasis

On examination, the doctor reveals inflamed areas of the skin, delimited by waterlogged epidermis.

The diagnostic search algorithm for candidiasis of any localization includes taking material from the affected area, followed by microscopy, seeding to determine the type of fungus and its sensitivity to antimycotic (antifungal) drugs.

Candida, determination of DNA (Candida albicans, DNA) in skin epithelial cell scrapings.

Candida, determination of DNA (Candida albicans, DNA) in skin epithelial cell scraping

Synonyms: Candida DNA in a scraping of epithelial skin cells; Scraping of epithelial skin cells for candida.

Candida albicans, DNA testing; Candida albicans REAL-TIME PCR DNA, scraping of skin epithelial cells; . ..

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Determination of antibodies of the IgG class to Candida.

Candida IgG

An indicator of the immune response used in the diagnosis of invasive forms of candidiasis.

Fungi of the genus Candida (most often Candida albicans) are ubiquitous. They are present…

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The quantitative determination of Candida is of diagnostic value, since the presence of a small number of Candida fungi is the norm.

Identification of the causative agent of skin candidiasis and determination of its sensitivity to antifungal drugs is carried out by sowing the scraping biomaterial.

Yeast Culture. Identification and Antimycotic Susceptibility testing (Yeast Culture. Identification and Antimycotic Susceptibility testing)

Isolated pathogens: yeast-like fungi (genus Candida, Cryptococcus and others). Material for research: depending on the type of suspected infection, urine is examined …

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With candidiasis of smooth skin of large folds and outside the folds, the disease should be differentiated from seborrheic eczema, psoriasis and other mycoses.

Which doctors to contact

A dermatologist is engaged in the diagnosis and treatment of skin candidiasis.

Treatment of skin candidiasis

Small lesions of smooth skin can be treated with topical antimycotic (antifungal) agents.

In recent years, azole preparations with a wide spectrum of action, as well as polyene antibiotics, have been used in the treatment of candidiasis.

In case of candidiasis of smooth skin of large folds with acute inflammation, treatment should be started with the use of an aqueous solution of brilliant green (1-2%) in combination with powder and carried out for 2-3 days. Then antimycotic drugs are prescribed: a cream or ointment is applied in a thin layer to the lesions 1-2 times a day. Treatment is continued until resolution of clinical manifestations, plus another 7 days to prevent relapse.

With widespread processes on the skin and the ineffectiveness of local therapy, antifungal agents of systemic action are prescribed: The duration of therapy is 2-4 weeks.

Complications

With a long course, the acute form of candidiasis can turn into a chronic one, which is extremely difficult to treat.

Prevention of skin candidiasis

There is no specific prevention of candidiasis of the skin. Of the generally accepted means of prevention, it should be noted the standard skin hygiene, the priority of underwear and clothing made from natural fabrics.

Sources:

1. Butov Yu.S. Dermatovenereology. National leadership. Brief edition / ed. Yu.S. Butova, Yu.K. Skripkina, O.L. Ivanova – M.: GEOTAR-Media, 2017. – 896 p.
2. Infectious diseases. National leadership / N.D. Yushchuk, Yu.Ya. Vengerov. – M.: GEOTAR-Media, 2018. – 1112 p.
3. Zachinyaeva A.V. Medical mycology / Zachinyaeva A.V., Moskalev A.V., Andreev V.A., Sboychakov V.B. – M.: GEOTAR-Media, 2018. – 288 p.

IMPORTANT!

The information in this section should not be used for self-diagnosis or self-treatment. In case of pain or other exacerbation of the disease, only the attending physician should prescribe diagnostic tests. For diagnosis and proper treatment, you should contact your doctor.
For a correct assessment of the results of your analyzes in dynamics, it is preferable to do studies in the same laboratory, since different laboratories may use different research methods and units of measurement to perform the same analyzes.

Candidiasis (thrush): symptoms, diagnosis, treatment

Vaginal candidiasis (candidiasis, thrush) is the most common infectious disease in gynecology.

Causes of thrush

• uncontrolled intake of various drugs (antibiotics, antidepressants, hormones)
• long-term use of hormonal contraceptives
• sexual activity (30-40% of cases)
• stress conditions
• irregular working hours
• overweight, etc.

Symptoms of thrush

• heavy or moderate cheesy discharge
• itching, burning, worse in the evening and after water procedures
• peculiar odor aggravated by sexual intercourse

The causative agent of candidiasis: yeast-like fungi Candida albicans, which are opportunistic microorganisms, that is, they can live on the surface of the skin and mucous membranes of a healthy person, but under the influence of certain factors – cause a disease.

There are 3 clinical forms of vaginal candidiasis:

• Candidiasis (absence of complaints in the presence of a clinical and laboratory picture).
• Acute form (pronounced inflammatory picture).
• The chronic form (recurrent) is characterized by the duration of the disease and frequent exacerbations, which leads to atrophy (thinning) of the skin of the perineum and / or the appearance of infiltrations (seals).

In most patients with recurrent candidiasis, along with a decrease in lactobacilli (sour-milk bacilli), opportunistic or pathogenic microorganisms are determined in the culture: staphylococci, streptococci, E. coli, etc., which requires additional treatment.

Thrush in men

The frequency of this pathology in women occurs 10 times more often than in men, which is associated with a decrease in the protective role of normal vaginal microflora.

In men, thrush manifests itself in the form of candidal balanoposthitis – an inflammatory lesion of the inner layer of the foreskin and skin of the glans penis, which is caused by Candida yeast-like fungi. Balanitis (lesion, candidiasis, head of the penis) and balanoposthitis (lesion of the foreskin) are the most common types of urogenital candidiasis.

Symptoms of thrush in men

• itching, soreness and redness in the area of ​​the glans penis
• swelling of the head of the penis and foreskin
• white cheesy coating on the head of the penis
• painful intercourse

The incubation period of the disease lasts from 2 to 14 days.

Thrush: diagnosis

• microscopy (smear)
• cultural diagnostics (inoculation on Sabouraud nutrient medium)
• PCR diagnostics

Thrush of pregnancy

Thrush often accompanies pregnancy. The fungus of the genus Candida, which causes thrush, with a decrease in immunity, which often occurs during pregnancy, begins to multiply rapidly, so thrush occurs.

Thrush: treatment

• complex, stepwise therapy
• use of antifungals
• correction of comorbidities
• elimination of risk factors
• immunocorrective therapy
• physiotherapy
• enzyme therapy
• colon hydrotherapy
• therapy aimed at restoring the microflora of the vagina and intestines

Alternative treatment of thrush does not lead to complete recovery.