Why do I experience intermittent vulvar itching?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am a 25-year-old unmarried female, and I have been experiencing itching in the vulvar area. I have also noticed a small papilloma-like growth on the labia minora, which sometimes disappears. The itching also comes and goes. I have never had this issue before. I noticed the wart-like lesion about two months ago.

I have not taken any medication except for a single dose of Fluconazole 150 mg the day before yesterday.

Kindly advise.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I read your query and can understand your concern.

Vulvar papillomatosis is a benign condition and not harmful. It appears as small, soft, skin-colored projections on the inner labia that may come and go. It is not sexually transmitted and is common in young women. These bumps are usually smooth and often appear symmetrically on both sides. They can sometimes cause itching if the area becomes irritated. Since your bumps appear and disappear, this is a strong possibility.

Another possibility is genital warts caused by HPV (human papillomavirus), but these are usually rough and cauliflower-like and tend to persist rather than disappear within weeks. They generally increase in size or number, so this is less likely in your case because your bumps reappear and disappear.

Yeast infections can also cause itching, burning, and redness, and sometimes small bumps due to irritation. The Fluconazole 150 mg you took can help if Candida causes the itching, although yeast infections would not typically cause papilloma-like bumps unless they are irritation-related.

Vulvar dermatitis or irritation from sweating, shaving, soaps, detergents, pads, or pantyliners can also cause itching and temporary bumps.

To understand your case more precisely, I need a few details: whether the bumps are soft and smooth or rough and cauliflower-like, whether they appear on both sides or only one, whether they show up in a symmetrical pattern, whether the itching worsens around your period, sweating, or shaving, and whether there is any vaginal discharge such as white, yellow, curdy, or watery.

For now, you may continue Fluconazole since sometimes a second dose is needed after 72 hours if symptoms persist. Avoid scented soaps, tight underwear, daily pantyliners, and shaving for a few days. A doctor can confirm the diagnosis with a quick visual examination, but nothing you described suggests anything dangerous.

I hope I have answered your question.

Let me know if I can assist you further.

Thank you.