A
female
age
36-40,
anonymous
writes:I went overseas in July of this year and ever since then I have had this consistently annoying rash around the entrance to my vagina. That's almost two months now!It started when I got my period a few days after arriving back home and it was the WORST and heaviest period I have ever experienced. My labia swelled up and were extremely sensitive, and after my period was over they became extremely dry and the rash flared up. Now while I was overseas, my parents bought a new front loader washing machine that only takes a special gel rather than washing powder. When I went to the doctor about this rash (about three weeks after arriving home) she told me I was allergic to something and that it must have been the gel from the new washing machine in my underwear.So ever since then, I have handwashed ALL my underwear, but the rash still hasn't gone away! It has become less painful, but it is still very dry and the skin has become cracked and scar-like. I'm concerned it's never going to go away completely and because I'm having my period now, the rash has become aggravated all over again.My question is do you think this could be more than just an allergic reaction? More importantly, are there any STDs with these kind of symptoms?! You see I had sex with my boyfriend while I was overseas and although he swears he's clean, I don't know what to think anymore. I just want this to go away!!!
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period, std, underwear, vagina Reply to this Question
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Fancy yourself as an agony aunt? Add your answer to this question! A
female
reader, Lola1  +, writes (21 September 2009):
 Good luck!
And be persistent. If this doctor doesn't help, don't be afraid to see another one!
A
reader, anonymous, writes (20 September 2009): This is verified as being by the original poster of the questionI first saw my doctor three weeks into the rash and she prescribed me canesten cream (typically used to treat thrush) with a mixture of cortisol cream to reduce the rash. I was only supposed to use this mixture for six days and no more (because of the steroids in it). It worked to an extent, the rash was no longer painful but it is very much still there and hasn't completely gone away.
Just so you know I am planning to go back to my doctor this week. When I saw her the first time, she just looked at it and didn't take any swabs or tests, or even refer me to a dermatologist. I hope this time she will do more than just look at it and shrug it off! The reason I went so long without getting it looked at is that it didn't really resurface until my period arrived this week. Thanks for your support guys. :)
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A
female
reader, Lola1 +, writes (18 September 2009):
I'd definitely see your doctor again. Ask for a referral if need be.
If a doctor has seen it, and didn't think it was an STD, I would presume she's a better authority on it that we are, but don't be afraid to ask for a second opinion.
Have you tried googling your symptoms?
Be persistent! And good luck to you!
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A
female
reader, Tisha-1  +, writes (18 September 2009):
 Also look at http://symptoms.webmd.com/symptomchecker
I tried to see what it came up with and I got this list as potential causes:
ctinic keratosis
contact dermatitis
lice
folliculitis
antibiotic use
eczema
blepharitis
cellulitis
chickenpox (varicella)
dermatitis
erythema migrans
lyme disease
phlebitis
pilonidal cyst
pityriasis rosea
poison ivy, oak, and sumac
prophyria
ringworm
scabies
So you see, you really ought to see the doctor. It could be one or more of this, or none of them. I don't understand why you're putting up with it!
Here's another tool, but it is definitely NOT SAFE FOR WORK, or if explicit medical photos trouble you. http://www.skinsight.com/searchResults/adult_Female_Anogenital.htm This one would only be a guide, it is NOT a good idea to diagnose yourself.
Good luck!
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A
female
reader, LoveGoddess +, writes (18 September 2009):
Go back to a doctor and ask for a complete workup for STD's. You can also try a topical antibiotic cream (Bactroban). Regardless of what this rash is, the cream most certainly eliminate the dry skin and the pain. Don't let this continue as you have virtually eliminated the possibility that it is an allergic reaction. Get the workup and a second opinion!!
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A
female
reader, Tisha-1 +, writes (18 September 2009):
What did your gynecologist say? Did she or he recommend you see a dermatologist?
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A
female
reader, Rose_red_09  +, writes (18 September 2009):
I am sure that there will be someone else who maybe able to identify if it is a std and if you have symptoms.
But my concern is that you really should be going back to the doctor or see a nurse at a 'well woman clinic'. It sounds so very painful and it really does sound like you need to get it seen to asap. Don't be shy etc - just go and see someone so you can get it taken care off asap.
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