What could be the reason for rashes in the vagina after shaving and using hair removal cream?

Question

Hi doctor,

I shaved recently and used hair removal cream a week later. After that, I noticed red cuts on the left side above the anus. And I am sexually active. I planned to visit my doctor after one and a half weeks. What do you think this could be? Also, it burns when I clean the area with water. In addition, I used diaper rash cream on the area as it helps reduce the irritation. Could this be something worse? Did I overdo it with shaving and the hair removal cream? I stopped using these products so the affected area could heal. Also, I had a boil in the same area a month ago and applied medication, which disappeared. What to do? Please give your suggestions.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I went through your query and understood your concern. I saw your clinical picture (attachment removed to protect the patient's identity). There are some erosions with redness at the base, which are grouped around the anal area. The possible diagnosis could be Genital herpes - It requires confirmation from blood tests and checking levels of IgM (immunoglobulin M) and IgG (immunoglobulin G). Genital herpes presents with a group of blisters that rupture to form erosions. Inflammatory bowel disorders, like ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease, can present with similar lesions in the anal area. Symptoms will be alternate diarrhea and constipation, abdominal pain, and a bloated abdomen. Frictional blisters rupture and cause erosions because of stubs of hair rubbing against the skin. However, to me, it looks like herpes. Please visit your dermatologist and take medications. I hope this was helpful. Kindly revert for more queries.