Have you noticed changes in the appearance of the skin in the vaginal area and wondered – Why is my vaginal skin turning white? The vaginal skin is often overlooked during a physical examination, yet it plays an important role in vaginal health. Therefore, any changes in the color of the skin should be investigated.
Why is My Vaginal Skin Turning White?
If your vaginal skin is turning white and you also have symptoms such as itching, and wrinkled, sticky skin, you probably have a condition known as lichen sclerosus. Lichen sclerosus also makes the skin thinner than usual, so small tears or fissures may develop in the skin.
Lichen sclerosus is a chronic skin disorder that frequently affects the skin of the genitals. There is no cure for lichen sclerosus but it can be managed very effectively.
When lichen sclerosus is left untreated, it can cause the vulva to shrink and make the vaginal opening narrower, resulting in painful intercourse.
How Is Lichen Sclerosus Diagnosed?
Lichen sclerous is diagnosed by a physical examination of the affected area. However, early symptoms of lichen sclerosus can be missed, so it’s important to consult with a vulvovaginal specialist who can easily recognize the clinical signs of the condition.
How Is Lichen Sclerosus Treated?
Dr. R. Stuart Fowler of Fowler GYN International (FGI) is a vulvovaginal specialist with extensive experience diagnosing and treating lichen sclerosus. At FGI they use specially formulated low dose corticosteroids to treat lichen sclerosus as a maintenance therapy.
They also recommend the use of hypocontactant skincare products because most women with lichen sclerosus have sensitive external genitalia tissues. Therefore, the tissues can be irritated by the chemicals in over-the-counter hygiene products. FGI offers patients the FeminaRx Pure SkinCare Collection, which is ideal for women with vulvovaginal symptoms such as itching, irritation, and soreness.
Is your vaginal skin turning white? Contact the experts in vaginal healthcare at Fowler GYN International (FGI), Phoenix, AZ for a consultation. Dr Fowler is a Board Certified gynecologist and former Mayo Clinic Consultant in the Department of Gynecology.
You can reach them at www.fowlergyninternational.com, or by calling (480) 420-4001.