Does whitening of the vulva necessarily mean white spots?

As we all know, the health of women's private parts is directly related to women's fertility, marriage life and other aspects. Especially the vulva, if hygiene is not maintained and care is not timely, it may breed various diseases. Once gynecological diseases occur, they are difficult to treat and are prone to recurrence. So if female friends find that their vulva turns white, does it definitely mean it’s caused by leukoplakia? The following is an introduction to the detailed causes and treatment methods.

What is the cause of whitening of female vulva

The whitening of the vulva, commonly known as vulvar leukopathy, is actually chronic vulvar malnutrition. The exact cause of vulvar leukopathy is unknown, and there is a certain possibility of cancer. The specific reasons for whitening of female vulva are as follows:

1. Mixed malnutrition

It manifests as focal skin thickening or protrusions adjacent to or within the thin whitish area of ​​the vulva.

2. Hyperplastic or mixed type with atypical epithelial hyperplasia

It is generally believed that in proliferative and mixed lesions, atypical hyperplasia may occur in only 5 or 10 cases, and this atypical hyperplasia is limited to the proliferative epithelial cell part. Atypical hyperplasia often has no special clinical manifestations, and local tissue biopsy is the only diagnostic method. But if ulcers appear locally on the vulva. Or when there is a clearly defined white bulge and atypical hyperplasia is found during a biopsy at that location, the possibility of cancer is greater.

3. Hyperplastic malnutrition

It usually occurs in women between 30 and 60 years old. The main symptoms are unbearable itching of the vulva, accompanied by local pain after scratching. The range of the lesions varies, mainly affecting the labia majora, interlabial groove, clitoral hood and posterior symphysis, and is often symmetrical. The skin in the affected area becomes thickened and leathery, with raised and wrinkled areas, or has scales and eczematous changes. The vulva is mostly dark red or pink in color, with clearly defined white patches. There is generally no atrophy or adhesion.

4. Lichen sclerosus dystrophy

It can occur at any age, including girls under 10 years old, but is more common in women around 40 years old. The main symptom is itching in the affected area, but it is generally much milder than in proliferative lesions, and sexual intercourse becomes difficult in the late stage.

The lesions involve the vulvar skin, mucous membranes, and perianal skin. The clitoral hood, labia minora, and posterior commissure are common sites of lesions. In addition to the skin or mucous membrane becoming white, thin, dry and cracked, and losing elasticity, the clitoris often atrophies and adheres to the foreskin, and the labia minora becomes flat and disappears. In the late stage, the skin becomes thin and wrinkled like cigarette paper, and the vaginal opening becomes contracted and narrow, only wide enough for fingertips.

Young girls who suffer from this disease often feel discomfort in the vulva and perianal area after urinating or defecating. Examination reveals keyhole-shaped, yellowish mottled or white lesions in the vulva and perianal area. But generally, the lesions disappear on their own by the time of puberty. The vulvar skin of some menopausal women becomes thinner and shiny, and they experience mild tingling, itching and difficulty in sexual intercourse, which was previously called "primary vulvar atrophy." However, except for the lack of hyperkeratosis of the epidermis, other tissue changes were the same as those of lichen sclerosus.

How to take care of the female vulva in daily life?

If you want your vulva to be healthy, you must take good care of it. The following are some methods for women to take care of their vulva in daily life. You may want to take a look.

1. Clean the vulva daily

Cleaning frequency: Once a day.

Cleaning method: It is best to take a shower and rinse with warm water. If there is no shower, you can use a basin instead, but it must be a dedicated basin.

Cleaning order: Wash your hands first, then clean the vulva from front to back, then wash the labia majora and minora, and finally wash the area around the anus and the anus.

Cleaning fluid: You can use hygienic vaginal cleansing products that can remove dirt and sterilize, but under normal circumstances, clean water will suffice.

2. Vulvar care during menstruation

Sanitary napkins should be changed frequently, and underwear should be washed and changed frequently. Wash the vulva with clean warm water every day. Use a dedicated basin and do not share it with others. Do not use water used for washing your face or feet to wash your vulva. Do not share a basin with several people. In addition, after defecation, use toilet paper to wipe from front to back, not from back to front, so as not to bring dirt into the vagina and cause inflammation.

3. Vulvar care during lactation

During the "confinement period", the perineum of the mother has more secretions, and the vulva should be cleaned with warm boiled water or 1:5000 potassium permanganate solution every day. Change perineal pads frequently and keep the perineum clean and dry.

4. Vulvar care during pregnancy

Due to pregnancy, the amount of vaginal discharge increases, making it particularly susceptible to infection by bacteria. Wash with warm water several times a day. Pregnant women can clean their vulva by taking a shower. They do not need to use shower gel or soap every day. Just use clean water.

In addition, pregnant women need to pay attention to cleanliness before and after defecation. It is important to wash your hands before going to the toilet. If your hands are not clean, and you use toilet paper to wipe the perineum, the germs on your hands will inevitably be brought to the perineum. If the body's resistance is reduced, infection is likely to occur.