Female Genital Skin Conditions

The symptoms and causes of female genital skin conditions can vary depending on the condition itself, which may include:

Candida (thrush)

A common condition that leads to a lumpy white discharge, burning pain during sex, and a bright red, itchy, or burning rash of the vulva.

It’s caused by an overgrowth of yeast called Candida albicans, which is normally found in the vagina. This can be triggered by:

• taking antibiotics

• hormonal changes from pregnancy or taking hormone replacement therapy (HRT)

• uncontrolled diabetes

• a weakened immune system

• certain skincare products

• some types of contraception

• sex

Genital herpes

When an uncomfortable cluster of small blisters forms on the vulva, bottom, or skin of the upper thighs. It’s caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV) and spreads through direct skin-to-skin contact, including vaginal, oral, or anal sex, and also tnrough sharing sex toys, even if there are no sores visible. 

Once you’ve got the virus, it remains asleep in your body and can reactivate at a later time, causing more outbreaks.

Genital warts

A common condition that causes skin-coloured, pink, or brown bumps with an irregular texture to form on your genital skin.

It’s caused by certain types of Human Papillomavirus (HPV), which also spreads through skin-to-skin contact during vaginal, anal, or oral sex, or by sharing sex toys. 

You can get HPV from someone who has no visible warts, and your symptoms might not appear for weeks, months, or even up to a year afterwards.

Molluscum contagiosum

A skin infection where small skin-coloured bumps form. It’s caused by a virus from the poxvirus family and is spread through direct skin-to-skin contact, such as during sex, or through indirect contact with contaminated objects, like towels or gym equipment. 

You can also spread the virus to other parts of your skin by scratching or picking at the bumps.

Cysts

Cysts are common benign growths that develop in the genital area, usually those that have hair. They’re often caused by blocked ducts in certain glands near the vagina's opening, which causes a buildup of fluid. Other causes can include injury to the vaginal walls and endometriosis.

Angiokeratomas

These are small, harmless dark red or purple marks that can form in the female genital area. They’re caused by fragile blood vessels near the skin's surface, which can be triggered by:

• irritation

• skin becoming less elastic over time

• pregnancy

• obesity

• pelvic inflammatory disease

Psoriasis

A chronic inflammatory skin condition causing itchy, red, or purplish patches of skin, often covered with silvery or grey scales, to form on the body. This can include the pubic area, groin folds, and bottom.

Psoriasis may lead to itching, soreness, and infection, and is caused by an autoimmune response – when the body’s immune system attacks healthy skin cells by mistake. 

This leads to inflammation, and a buildup of skin cells. It often runs in families and can be triggered by:

• stress

• certain medications

• alcohol

• smoking

• skin injuries

• infections

Lichen sclerosus

A chronic inflammatory skin condition that can affect genital skin. It often leads to redness, itching, soreness, pain during sex, bruising, white patches, and a tightening of the vaginal entrance.

Lichen sclerosus is another autoimmune condition leading to chronic inflammation that tends to run in families and can be triggered by skin injuries or friction.

Lichen planus

A long-lasting, itchy rash that can cause painful raw areas of the vulva and vagina. Lichen planus is caused by the immune system overreacting and attacking healthy skin cells.

This is often triggered by:

• certain viruses (especially Hepatitis C)

• medications (such as some blood pressure or antimalarial drugs)

• stress

Eczema

A condition that causes crusts to form on different parts of the body, including the vulva in some women. It can lead to itching, stinging, burning, and sometimes, thicker skin around the vagina. 

Eczema is caused by a combination of:

• genetic factors – such as a poor skin barrier due to gene mutations

• environmental factors – including allergens (like pollen and dust mites), irritants (including soaps and detergents), weather changes, and stress

• an overactive immune system

Female genital skin conditions are often diagnosed through one or more of the following tests:

• a physical exam

• a skin swab

• a skin biopsy

It’s not always possible to avoid genital skin conditions, especially those caused by autoimmune diseases. But you may be able to reduce your risk by:

• using condoms and dental dams during all types of sexual activity

• using gentle, fragrance-free cleansers and warm water to wash your genital area, and patting it dry with a clean towel

• wearing loose-fitting, breathable underwear

• getting vaccinated against HPV to prevent genital warts

Female genital skin problems are common, but they can leave you feeling embarrassed, worried, and may even affect your self-esteem and relationships.

If left untreated, genital skin conditions can also cause certain complications, such as:

• skin cracks or sores that become infected

• psoriatic arthritis, if your psoriasis isn’t managed

• changes in skin colour and texture

• mental health issues, like anxiety and depression

• problems with sleep because of uncomfortable symptoms

• certain cancers – including cervical, penile, anal, vulvar, and head and neck cancers, which are linked to high-risk HPV types

Treatment for female genital skin conditions varies depending on the cause. This can include:

• oral antifungal medication for thrush

• soap substitutes, barrier creams, and topical steroids for lichen sclerosus, lichen planus, and eczema

• oral aciclovir or valaciclovir for genital herpes

• topical treatments, cryotherapy, or curettage and cautery for genital warts and molluscum contagiosum

• steroid creams, phototherapy, and oral medications for psoriasis

At Welbeck, our dermatology specialists are experts in their field and are dedicated to providing world-class care to every patient.

With access to colleagues across other specialties, our consultants are also able to refer within the Welbeck ecosystem if required to ensure you receive the treatment you need as quickly as possible, all under one roof.  

All appointments, testing, treatment, and follow-up appointments take place within our state-of-the-art facilities, enabling us to deliver accurate diagnostics and advanced treatments.

Your health is important to us, so we strive to offer same-day appointments whenever possible.

Our consultants are recognised by the major health insurance companies. If you have private health insurance, your treatment at Welbeck can begin once you have obtained authorisation. We also provide care to self-paying patients. Learn more about the different payment options at Welbeck.

Get in touch today to book an appointment.