What Causes Itching Sensation And Pain In Outer Vagina?

Posted on Tue, 26 Aug 2014

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Tue, 26 Aug 2014 Answered on

Tue, 16 Sep 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : I have had very bad pain in my outer vagina for a few days.I do not notice any itching or bad smell. I do not know if this is relevant, but it occurred after my period. I am 44 and have never experienced this before. Any ideas?

Answered by Dr. Aarti Abraham (10 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
PLEASE PROVIDE FEW MORE DETAILS

Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXXXXX
Thanks for writing to us with your health concern.
May I please request you for a few more details ?
Is it pain or burning ?
Is it constant, occurring all through the day?
Do you hvae any redness or visible lump or swelling ?
Is it possible to attach or upload a photo of the area that is painful ?
Is the pain always there or on touching, rubbing or pressing the area ?
Have you had a thorough STD screen and a recent Pap smear ?
Are your cycles regular ?
Do you have any kind of discharge ?
Please do write back with these details so that I can guide you accordingly.
Take care.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Aarti Abraham (23 minutes later)

It is painful all the time, but especially when sitting. It is kind of red, may be swollen, not sure when looking. I had pap smear last year. I don't think I have a STD, I have only been with my husband, and its been a few months. I don't think have a discharge, only after periods there is goo for a few days after, and maybe a slight watery leak, but not what I consider a discharge. Cycles are pretty regular, but very heavy lately.

Answered by Dr. Aarti Abraham (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
CAN YOU UPLOAD PHOTOS

Detailed Answer:
You might be developing an infection.
Redness and pain maybe the first feature of that.
Can you upload photos ?

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Aarti Abraham (3 hours later)

I have looked and felt closer. The pain is coming from a large hard cyst under the skin, about an inch in diameter, on the bottom of the labia. I don't feel comfortable sending pictures, but it seems like the one side is swollen and and a little red. The pain developed suddenly and has not dissipated a few days ago.

Answered by Dr. Aarti Abraham (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
GIVE YOURSELF A FEW MORE DAYS,

Detailed Answer:
It sounds like an infected sweat gland or hair follicle.
I can understand your reluctance to upload photos, but that would enable me to formulate a more definitive opinion.
Right now give it a couple of days.
Avoid touching or handling the area.
Avoid using soaps, gels, cleansers, douches.
Just clean with lukewarm water and XXXXXXX dry with a gentle non abrasive towel or hanky.
After using the washroom, wipe from front to back gently.
You can use local antibiotic cream - mupirocin or betadine on the swelling.
Use ice packs or cold compresses for the pain.
If it does not heal within a few days ( 2 - 3 ), consult a doctor and get a prescription for antibiotics, failing which, surgical removal is rarely needed.
Having a closer look enables me to be more helpful, that is all.
Take care.

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar