<Things You Should Know> Common Symptoms and Causes in the Delicate Area | Rohto Pharmaceutical: Product Information Site

Symptoms that commonly occur in the delicate area
Causes by symptom
Diseases that can be suspected based on itching, rash, odor, and pain
Prevention and treatment methods for common symptoms in the delicate area
How to care for your intimate area (grooming)

Various problems such as itching and rashes are common in the delicate area. Some people may be suffering in silence, unable to seek advice despite noticing something is wrong. Leaving persistent symptoms untreated can not only worsen the condition but also cause you to miss signs of illness, so caution is necessary. This article, supervised by an obstetrician-gynecologist, explains common symptoms in the delicate area and their causes.

Symptoms that commonly occur in the delicate area

Itching and rashes aren't the only things that commonly occur in the delicate area. The main symptoms include the following:

itch

This is one of the most common problems in the delicate area. If it persists, it could be a sign of infection or other issues, so you should see a specialist as soon as possible.
rash

Skin irritation is especially common during seasons when you sweat a lot, and during periods when you use sanitary napkins. You should also be careful about dampness caused by tights, stockings, and girdles.
Smell

If you don't wash your intimate area properly, it can lead to odor. However, scrubbing too hard with soap or washing inside the vagina can be counterproductive. If you experience symptoms other than odor, it could be a sign of an underlying medical condition.
pain

In addition to skin damage and pain caused by scratching due to itchiness, pain can also be a symptom of an underlying medical condition.
sores

Folliculitis, genital herpes, and genital warts can all present with small bumps or lumps. Benign growths called lipomas may also occur.
blisters

This refers to a condition where the skin appears raised due to the accumulation of exudate in the epidermis, the outermost layer of skin.
Darkening

The delicate area can darken due to skin irritation, such as friction from very tight underwear. Care should also be taken to avoid irritation during washing.
Swelling/lump

Swelling can occur from excessive scratching of the skin, and inflammation of the Bartholin's glands at the vaginal opening can cause severe pain, swelling, and lumps. Lumps can also be a symptom of vulvar cancer.

Causes by symptom

Problems in the intimate area can be caused by a variety of factors. Let's look at some common symptoms and their respective causes.

itch

In addition to irritation from sweat, using sanitary napkins or panty liners can create dampness, making it easier for bacteria to multiply and leading to itching. Furthermore, infections such as vaginal candidiasis and trichomoniasis can also cause itching.
rash

Skin irritation can occur from items that come into direct contact with the skin, such as underwear, sanitary napkins, and panty liners. Particular care should be taken during menstruation, as sanitary napkins absorb blood mixed with bacteria and come into contact with the skin.
Smell

In addition to odors from sweat, menstrual blood, and urine on underwear, vaginal discharge can sometimes have a distinctive odor due to infections such as bacterial vaginosis or gonorrhea.
Darkening

Irritation from underwear or washing, as well as repeated inflammation, can cause the skin to produce more melanin pigment in an attempt to protect itself, leading to darkening of the skin.

Diseases that can be suspected based on itching, rash, odor, and pain

If you experience persistent symptoms in your intimate area, there may be an underlying medical condition. We will explain the main diseases that can cause itching and odor.

Diseases that can be suspected due to itching

Vaginal candidiasis

This disease is caused by the proliferation of Candida, a type of fungus, in the vagina. Symptoms include redness, swelling, and severe itching of the vagina and vulva, as well as the appearance of white, moss-like deposits on the skin surface and a cloudy, white, sake-lees-like vaginal discharge. It is more common in pregnant women and adult women with diabetes.
contact dermatitis

This is what is commonly known as a skin rash. Symptoms appear due to external stimuli as well as allergic reactions. It is characterized by intense itching, redness, blisters, sores, and scabs.
Trichomonas vaginitis

This disease is caused by a protozoan called Trichomonas infecting the vagina. It is characterized by an increase in foamy, yellowish-green vaginal discharge, along with burning, pain, and itching in the vagina and vulva. However, some infections do not present with these characteristic symptoms.
Genital herpes

It is mainly transmitted through sexual intercourse, but rarely, it can also be transmitted from mother to child. In women, small blisters or ulcers (ulcers: a condition in which the skin is raw and damaged) may appear on the genitals, accompanied by itching and quite severe pain.
Ringworm

It is caused by a fungal infection of the skin. There are various common names depending on the area of the body that is affected, such as tinea pedis (athlete's foot), tinea capitis (ringworm of the scalp), tinea corporis (ringworm of the body), and tinea cruris (jock itch). Some cases are accompanied by severe itching and pain, but the symptoms vary depending on the affected area and type of the disease.

Diseases that may be suspected when there is an odor

Vaginal candidiasis

In addition to the symptoms mentioned above, vaginal discharge may also have a fishy odor.
endometritis

This disease is caused by infection with bacteria such as Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, Escherichia coli, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, and Mycobacterium tuberculosis, which cause inflammation of the uterine lining. Symptoms include increased vaginal discharge, fever, lower abdominal pain, lower back pain, and sometimes irregular bleeding.
Gonorrhea (gonococcal infection)

Gonorrhea is a type of sexually transmitted infection caused by infection with Neisseria gonorrhoeae. In women, inflammation occurs in the cervix (the tubular part near the vagina), leading to increased vaginal discharge and sometimes a fishy odor. However, symptoms are generally milder in women than in men, and many women experience no symptoms at all.
Cervical cancer

This type of cancer develops in the cervix and accounts for about 50% of all uterine cancers. In its early stages, there are usually no noticeable symptoms, but as it progresses, symptoms such as increased vaginal discharge, foul odor, irregular bleeding, and lower abdominal pain may occur.

Prevention and treatment methods for common symptoms in the delicate area

To prevent and manage symptoms that commonly occur in the delicate area, a lifestyle-based approach is essential. We will explain countermeasures for each symptom.

Prevention and treatment of itching

To prevent itching caused by dampness and rashes, it's important to avoid irritating the delicate area as much as possible. Wear comfortable underwear and change sanitary napkins or panty liners frequently to maintain cleanliness.

If an infection is causing the itching, the infection needs to be treated. If the itching persists or is accompanied by other symptoms, see a specialist as soon as possible.

Odor prevention and treatment methods

Sweat, urine, and menstrual blood can cause odors, so it's important to wash thoroughly and keep it clean. To avoid damaging the skin, wash gently with lukewarm water or a mildly acidic soap.

If an infection is causing the odor, treat the infection first, just as you would for itching.

How to prevent and treat dark spots

The skin in the intimate area is very sensitive. Avoid irritating the skin as much as possible, such as by not wearing tight underwear or bottoms, to prevent hyperpigmentation that can lead to darkening of the skin.

How to care for your intimate area (grooming)

The delicate area has thin, sensitive skin. Strong irritation can easily lead to problems such as itching and rashes. When wiping the delicate area with toilet paper, wipe gently without rubbing vigorously.

Furthermore, bacteria thrive in environments with high temperature and humidity. Therefore, change sanitary napkins and panty liners frequently, and after bathing, allow yourself to dry completely before putting on underwear to maintain a dry environment. Underwear made of breathable cotton is recommended.

Keeping the intimate area clean is effective in preventing bacterial growth, but over-washing can be counterproductive. It can damage the skin and wash away the beneficial bacteria that protect it. When using a cleanser, choose one that is mildly acidic and wash gently.

If you are experiencing problems due to an infection, seek appropriate treatment as needed. In the case of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), even if you are treated, there is a possibility of reinfection if your partner is also infected, so it is important to undergo treatment together.

If you notice any unusual changes in your intimate area and feel anxious, don't worry alone; consult a specialist.

Supervised by: Dr. Nahomi Shimizu, Director of Portside Women's Comprehensive Clinic Beverlyta
After graduating from Hiroshima University School of Medicine, she worked at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Hiroshima University Hospital and Toranomon Hospital before opening Portside Women's Comprehensive Clinic ~Beverita~ in 2010. She is the founder of the Women's Medical Network, the chairperson of the NPO Teens Support, and a specialist certified by the Japan Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology.

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