Something else? Ask Aunt Vadge – bottom left of your screen!
Dear Aunt Vadge,
For the past year and a bit, I have noticed that the right outer lip of my vagina is dry and occasionally the skin cracks and flakes. I have been masturbating for many years, and I think this may be the cause. It looks very irritated and red, which I do not understand, as I do not rub this area.
I am very insecure about the appearance of it and I have tried to make this problem go away for a long time by using Vaseline. Also, I only wear cotton underwear.
The appearance of my vagina really embarrasses me and I am dreading being with a partner. I am worried that this could be something serious or something that won’t go away.
Everything else about my vagina seems normal, I don’t think I have an infection, as I have researched the symptoms and the only one that matches is the dryness.
I have tried to quit masturbating, but the longest I’ve gone was just over a week, and the dryness did not improve. I am not even sure if masturbating is what is causing this dryness. It embarrasses me a lot to have to write this message, but I am desperate for advice and information on what is going on.
Should I stop masturbating? Are there any remedies for the dryness? If so, how long will it take for me to start noticing a change?
Yours,
Dry
_______
Dear Dry,
Your dry patch doesn’t sound like very much fun – I can understand why you feel embarrassed and distressed. Unexplained weird bits on our bodies are frightening, and it can be really hard to talk about, so congrats on having the guts to write to me. Thank you for your lovely email.
You are right – it doesn’t sound like an infection, fungal or bacterial, nor does it appear to be caused by your underwear or masturbating.
It’s important to go and visit a doctor and be examined, as it might be very easy to treat, then you won’t have to worry anymore!
There are a few conditions that spring to mind that could cause your symptoms, so you can have a read and discuss these with your doctor.
Skin conditions that can cause a dry patch of skin
Genital psoriasis
Genital psoriasis often starts to appear at your age. Psoriasis is a condition in which your skin cells shed faster than usual, causing dry, flaky skin. Research shows that generally, people who get a patch on the genitals won’t get it in other places.1
Vulvar dermatitis
Dermatitis is the most common cause of vulvar symptoms.2 Vulvar dermatitis presents in various forms and has multiple underlying causes, including allergic reactions to substances that come into contact with the skin, such as body wash, laundry detergent, or scented toilet paper.
Alternatively, the dermatitis could be a response to another irritant, such as something you encounter in your daily life, like chemicals in air fresheners, shampoo, cleaning products, etc.
Other conditions and getting help
There are other options to explore with your doctor, such as checking your iron levels.3 I understand that you’re stressed that it won’t ever go away, but there is no need to panic – there are solutions. Consult with your doctor for a thorough investigation, and they will recommend the most suitable treatment.
All the best!
Aunt Vadge
- Meeuwis KAP, Potts Bleakman A, van de Kerkhof PCM, et al. Prevalence of genital psoriasis in patients with psoriasis. Journal of Dermatological Treatment. 2018;29(8):754–760.
- Fischer GO. The commonest causes of symptomatic vulvar disease: A dermatologist's perspective. Australasian Journal of Dermatology. 1996;37(1):12–18.
- Crone A, Stewart E, Wojnarowska F, Powell S. Aetiological factors in vulvar dermatitis. Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology. 2000;14(3):181–186.
