Vulvar Itching, Irritation, or Pain? When to See a Dermatologist

First, some terminology. Your vagina is inside your body and is where a tampon or a penis inserts. The vulva is the outside part of the genitals, including all the parts that can be easily seen and felt, such as the labia (lips), clitoris, etc.

Consider seeking care if you are experiencing pain with intercourse, pain with urination, itching or irritation, or if you find yourself thinking about your vulva often because something doesn’t seem right. Aging and childbirth are not reasons to accept ongoing discomfort or changes.

If you have questions or concerns about the skin on your vulva, a dermatologist with specialized training in vulvar skin conditions can help.

My colleague, Dr. Jenna Peart, and I trained at the University of Colorado, where we were mentored by a dual board-certified dermatologist and OB-GYN who led a dedicated vulvar dermatology clinic. That experience provided specialized training in diagnosing and treating vulvar dermatoses (skin conditions affecting the vulva) and shaped our shared focus in this area of care.

Various skin conditions can affect the vulva, and we treat a wide range of them, including lichen sclerosus, lichen planus, atopic dermatitis, plasma cell vulvitis, and postmenopausal atrophic vaginitis (changes that occur during menopause and perimenopause).

These conditions can significantly impact quality of life, often causing itching, discomfort, and pain with intercourse.

Some conditions, such as lichen sclerosus (a chronic inflammatory condition), can lead to changes in the skin over time. In more advanced cases, this condition may increase the risk of squamous cell skin cancer in affected areas and cause changes to the anatomy that impact how the vulva looks and functions.

If you have a lesion or area of concern, we can assess the skin and provide reassurance when appropriate. If further evaluation is needed, we can perform a biopsy (a small skin sample) in a safe and as comfortable a manner as possible.

Our goal is to help you better understand what’s going on and find the right treatment so you can feel more comfortable in your daily life.