05/22/2026
Common Causes of Vulvar Inflammation
Lichen sclerosus- a likely autoimmune conditions causing thickening and scarring of the skin of the v***a and around the a**s
Lichen pla**s- an autoimmune condition involving activated T-cells that affects both outside skin as well as mucous membranes (inside mouth, vestibule and va**na), often causing red ulcers and scarring.
Psoriasis- an autoimmune condition that affects skin and nails. When present on the v***a, it causes red raised and thickened plagues on hair-bearing (mons p***s, l***a majora). It can be associated with superimposed infection, contact dermatitis, or lichen simplex chronicus.
Plasma cell vulvitis- a condition of unclear cause (possibly related to autoimmunity, lack of hormone, infection) that involves bright red shiny patches on the vestibule and inner l***a minora.
Desquamative Inflammatory Vaginitis (DIV)- excessive yellow sticky va**nal discharge that is very irritating to the v***a and vestibule, causing skin to become red, inflamed, and itchy.
Contact Dermatitis- a skin reaction to exposure to a chemical irritant or allergen, such as a v***ar product, wipes, toilet paper, soaps, creams, or ingredients in detergents or fabric softeners.
Vulvar candidiasis (yeast)- a fungal infection in the skin on the outside v***a, leading to redness, itching, rawness, and small papercuts called fissures. Think more “baby diaper rash” rather than “va**nal yeast infection.”
Lichen Simplex Chronicus- a thickening and tearing of the skin of the v***a due to repetitive scratching or rubbing, usually set of by a skin reaction due to an irritant/exposure, leading to an itch-scratch-itch cycle.
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