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The appearance of a red, itchy and painful rash around the vaginal area can soon become an uncomfortable, not to mention embarrassing, problem for any woman. This affliction has been known to effect women of all ages and can occur due to several factors. Most adult women experience a vaginal rash at one time or the other, but are too mortified to consult a professional, because of the location of the rash.

Causes of a vaginal rash

There are several different factors that could lead to the development of a rash in the vaginal area and some of them are more serious than the others. Some of the non-infectious causes of a vaginal rash include:

• Allergic reactions
• Contact dermatitis
• Eczema
• Lichen simplex chronicus
• Psoriasis
• Use of soaps, creams, douches and other products that contain chemicals
• Yeast infection

Very often, a vaginal rash is actually a symptom of a sexually transmitted disease, which can be transferred from one person to the other. These causes of a vaginal rash are contagious and need to be controlled as soon as possible. Given below are some of the infectious causes of a vaginal rash

• Crabs (pubic lice) and scabies
• Genital herpes
• Granuloma inguinale
• Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), the microorganisms that cause genital warts
• Molluscum contagiosum
• Syphilis

It is important to determine the cause of the vaginal rash, before you try to get it treated. Therefore, do consult a doctor as soon as you notice the development of the rash.

Symptoms of vaginal rash

A vaginal rash is not a condition, but rather an indication of an underlying infection or condition. However, depending upon the cause of the rash, you may experience other accompanying symptoms, such as

• Abdominal discharge
• Appearance of a rash on the hands or the feet
• Burning sensation in the vagina or vulva
• Enlarged lymph nodes
• Fever
• Foul odor
• Itching and irritation in the genital area
• Pain while urinating or during sexual intercourse
• Pelvic pain and discomfort
• Ulcerations on the vulva

Contrary to what many women think, a vaginal rash can be quite a serious problem. Seek emergency medical attention if you experience symptoms like high fever (over 101 Degrees F) and severe abdominal pain in addition to the vaginal rash.

In order to diagnose the condition accurately, your healthcare provider will need to conduct a thorough physical exam. You may also be required to undergo a blood test or an imaging test to determine the exact cause of the problem.

Treatment of vaginal rash

There are several different treatment options that your doctor may suggest, ranging from prescription and over-the-counter medication, to simple remedies. Medical treatment of a vaginal rash could include

• Topical creams and ointments
• Oral Antibiotics
• Suppositories

In addition to traditional medical treatment, you could also try a few simple remedies to get rid of the rash. These remedies include

• Ice: Most rashes on the skin can be relieved with the help of ice. Apply an ice pack on to the affected area for at least 10 to 15 minutes, three of four times a day.
• Garlic: The antibacterial and antifungal properties present in this spice make it an excellent remedy for most bacterial and yeast infections. You could either sprinkle some raw garlic over your food, or apply garlic oil to the affected area
• Teabag: Black tea contains tannins, which have antibacterial and antiviral properties.  Dip a fresh, unused teabag in some plain water for a few seconds. Ring out the excess water and refrigerate the teabag for a few hours. Apply the chilled teabag on to the affected area for about 10 minutes. This remedy is more effective if it is used about 3 times a day.
• Baking Soda: Most skin inflammations and infections can be relieved with baking soda. Dip a clean, damp cloth in some dry baking soda and apply it on to the vaginal area. You could also use corn starch in the same way.
• Aloe Vera: Fresh extracts of the Aloe Vera leaf have a soothing effect on the skin, which helps the vaginal rash heal faster. For best results, natural Aloe Vera gel should be used. Products that contain aloe extracts are not as effective as the pure extracts.

While these remedies are quite safe if used correctly, it is best to check with a doctor before trying any of them.

References

• http://womenshealth.gov/publications/our-publications/fact-sheet/vaginal-yeast-infections.cfm
• http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003159.htm

Warning: The reader of this article should exercise all precautionary measures while following instructions on the home remedies from this article. Avoid using any of these products if you are allergic to it. The responsibility lies with the reader and not with the site or the writer.