Vulval skin problems
The vulva is the area surrounding the opening of the vagina. It includes the labia (the inner and outer vaginal lips) and the clitoris.
We see women who suffer with skin conditions that cause itching, pain, soreness or a change in the skin colour/texture of the vulva. These symptoms may be caused by a condition that only affects the vulva, but they can sometimes be a sign of a more general medical problem or other skin disease.
Often your doctor may be able to decide what is wrong from the appearance of your skin but may need blood tests or a swab. You will be offered treatment that is most likely to work for your condition. If your skin does not get better or if the diagnosis is unclear, you may be advised to have a biopsy (a tiny sample of skin taken for testing). Biopsies are often performed in the outpatient clinic, using local anaesthetic to numb the area.
If you suffer with pain in the vulva and there is no obvious visible cause for it there are a range of pain syndromes that could be diagnosed.