Vaginal area....rash/itch

[Sue10]

This is kind of embarrassing to ask but I am desperate for help.
I have had IC for 2 years now. I have had a problem with itchy sore skin in my surrounding area of the vagina....not inside...its the outside that is the problem.

Recently, even worse, the rash is red, hot, sore, dry and so very itchy! It extends down into my groin area as well.

Does anyone else have this and is it related to IC? My doctor gave me cortisone but he didn't have an explanation. I asked about vulvodynia but he felt it wasn't that. All I know is this has been worse than my IC symptoms lately.

Thank you for any help with this.

[Cathyp20]

I get a smelly red rash in the crease of my legs. I use Zeasorb-AF which is a anti-fungal and it helps.
But don't put it on your vulva. You could try OTC yeast medication there and see if it helps. I use Aquafor which is vaseline with mineral oil for exterior vulva itching. I think it forms a barrior so it can't be irritated by urine, etc. My gynocologist was no help so I tried this and it helps. Someone else on here uses Crisco I think.
You can use a squirt bottle of cold water to cool down the inflammation or put ice there or a cool sitz bath or sit in cool tub water. Toilet paper maybe contributing to the itching. I know I get worse when I use public restrooms and the scratchy toilet paper. Some people carry their own TP and carry a squirt bottle with them when they travel. Soap could be irritating there also or the laundry detergent in your underwear.
Cathyp20

[Julie B]

Hi there,

I have had something similar in the past. Have you had your gyn look at it?

[Skynard]

My IC Specialist has me take a sitz bath (warm water with 1 cup epsom salt) twice a day. Then right before bed or twice a day if it is bad, take a small amount of Crisco (use name brand) with toilet paper smear some on just the outside of the vagina and urethra (if it is itchy too). I just put a little Crisco in a small container in my bathroom so it is easy to get to. Sounds crazy, but it works like a charm!

Others talked about changing/checking your laundry soap. There is truth to that. I use the All Clear. Double rinse if need be.

Wishing you well on your journey.

Psalm 46:10

Skyn

[Glenda2]

I itch there all the time > Externally.

Doctor said use > Gyne-Lotrimin on the skin. (Topically )

It works very well.

A & D ointment is also good. Not for internal use though.
It creates a good barrier. Urine is quite acidic as we all know and the doctor said if your skin is thin , it'll burn and irritate the skin.

[purpletomorrow]

My Ob GYN gets rid of the rash with strong steroids like Clobetasol, and then recommends changing certain things to prevent it from coming back. No sugar, no yeast foods, no mushrooms, NO SOY MILK, no white flour or refined foods.

No irritating detergents or feminine wipes; no soap in that area, only warm water and of course soap on the back passage; no clorox on your underpants, no tight jeans, and go without underpants when you can and especially when you sleep.

I found my daily soy milk, astonishingly, was causing horrible itching, and when I stopped drinking that, things cleared up.

Ask your dr about Lichen Schlerosis, it's a condition of the female genitals that also causes horrific itching.

Essentially the itching is inflammation, which of course you want to bring under control.

Good luck, I know this is misery.

[Sue10]

Thanks everyone for the replies. I took one of the suggestions and rubbed vasaline all over the area. It gave me relief for awhile. I need to see my gyno. as soon as possible. This is not a new problem but it is much worse than in years past with no explanation as to what causes it.
Thanks again.

[Cathyp20]

I think you have to be careful with cortisone because it can thin your skin. Cathyp20

[sissygirl]

I had something like this on and off for months..tried lots of stuff but what seemed to help most was vitamin E ointment--better than steroid cream for me...also make sure to expose the area to air as much as possible...

[Cassaundra]

I have contact dermititis down in that area.

If you search back through the forums you can find tips for sensitive genital skin.

I would switch to Dove hypoallergenic soap. Do NOT put soap down there.

Try switching your laundry detergent to ALL FREE & CLEAR.

Do not use things with fragrances for down there. Avoid tight jeans, pants, nylons, etc.

Sitz baths help. Warm baths with baking soda or oatmeal help me.

Good luck and feel better!