cracked skin in crease of outer labia

Guest · Guest

I have been dealing with this for a long time as well. For years, I have been diagnosed by two different doctors with a "yeast infection." I have never understood this diagnosis because I've never had a problem with discharge or symptoms of what I believe to be a yeast infection...besides, since this is happening OUTSIDE the vagina, can it be a yeast infection-- especially with no discharge happening. It just seems to happen anytime I have sex with my husband or a few days after my period. (So as you can imagine, the pain discourages a healthy sex life -- and to me, that's a big problem...I am just thankful for an understanding husband.)

Recently, I spoke to my mother about this problem, and she suggested I try an over the counter medication called Zeasorb- AF. She has the same problem and Zeasorb AF works for her. It is available in two forms: 1.) Lotion that turns into a powder, and 2.) Powder. Embarrassingly enough, this is a medication that also treats athlete's foot and jock itch of all things...but it works for this horrible cracking skin problem -- so whatever I have to do. It's an anti-fungal medication, so this must be a fungus problem of some sort. It's true, Diflucan (spelling?) will clear up this problem ( I am usually prescribed the one dose treatment and I see relief of some sort within 24 hours). I don't understand why this is called a yeast infection, but like I said, the Diflucan does work for some reason, and to me, that doesn't make a lot of sense (other than it is also an anti-fungal).

Big Warning -- the first few times you apply it, Zeasorb AF lotion BURNS like a MF! You will think you have melted your crotch...it hurts for a few very long seconds, so get ready. But, to me, it's worth that pain because Zeasorb AF lotion also gives very quick relief -- faster than Diflucan. Zeasorb is also available in a powder, but it doesn't work as effectively for me when used alone. I do, however, use the powder to help set the lotion so that it will stay on the affected area without wearing off. Zeasorb AF lotion is very hard to find in pharmacies. I visited 6 before I just broke down and bought it online.

I, like all of you, want to know what to do to prevent this, but so far, I'm just not hearing a good answer.

Thank you so much for posting...I thought I was the only one with this problem.

jkisyfer · Newbie Joined: 02 May 2008 Posts: 1

I have had that same issue. I thought I was the only one! Thank goodness I'm not alone. I think it always happens after my period and if I have sweat alot, like working out or running because I make an extra effort to stay dry so that I don't get a yeast infection. Which in turn I just get these cracks, they bleed a little too. If I keep myself clean and dry and apply a bit of vitamin E oil, I feel so much better after a few days. I hope this helps. I'm so glad that I'm not alone. I hope we all get better and it happens less and less. This is so annoying and painful!

brwneyedgrl · Newbie Joined: 02 Jul 2008 Posts: 1

I am so thankful that I found you girls. I just started dealing with this recently. After looking on the internet I was so concerned that I have genital herpes. The only thing is my husband and I got tested before we got married (6 years ago) and both came up clean. Also the cracks don't blister like what is common with herpes. They just itch (a lot) and sometimes bleed. Also I get very red and inflammed.

I never thought of anything like a yeast infection on the skin until my husband mentioned it. It actually does make sense because as some of you mentioned it happens after wearing pads for my period, running or swimming. I tried putting neosporin on the cracks but that made it worse. I went to the store and bought some monistat and the itching immediately eased up. I am still going to the gyno. to get checked out. I was wondering if anyone has been tested for herpes for this?

Well thank you for the tips. I actually might try the vitamin E oil to see if this helps. Can you just get this at a nutritional store like GNC? Good luck with this everyone and take care!

responding · Newbie Joined: 07 Jul 2008 Posts: 1

I'm so glad I came across this board, although perhaps a bit disappointed that for everyone here it seems to be an ongoing problem. I have the same problem, and have had for about the past year - though it comes and goes. I've only had the one partner and we've been together for over 4 years, I didn't change toilet paper, washing powder or anything of the kind prior to this beginning...in short, have nothing I can point to as an initial cause. As yet I haven't been to a doctor about it, my situation makes it quite difficult, but it's definitely something I'll be doing soon. I'll let you all know how that goes, and if anything comes of it.
All the best

PHhelp · Supporter Joined: 31 May 2008 Posts: 44

Hello! Since you have limited insurance, if it were me I would start with my diet. You need to make sure you are eating enough alkalizing foods that will help heal your body. Adding 1/2 your body weight in ounces of water is a start. I only use Evian or Jana b/c they are PH balanced and have bicarbonates in them. Bicarbonates neutralize acids. Then you might want to have your diet consist of 80% veggies. Green ones mostly. No corn is not the type of veggie I mean. The other 20% should be protien like beans, chicken or fish, healthy oils like olive, grapeseed or canola, and whole grains. You are what you eat. Eliminate all processed foods, coffee, soda, alcohol, artificial anything!!!, fruits full of sugar (grapes,watermelon), and diary. Add baked potatoes and some brown rice. Keep track with a diary. If you really want to heal and you can't afford a doctor this is really you best bet. It may help your other autoimmune disorder too! It takes awhile. You probably won't see much difference right away but hang in there. Take control of your own body and health. Also, keep your stress levels down with some form of activity (as long as your doc says ok). I practice yoga and walk my dog. If you let me know your diet we can probably pin point the culprits even better . It is up to you. Try to stay clear of all citrus for a while too. Good health. Laura

Guest · Guest

try a&d ointment, it has worked the best for me, and vaseline.

Guest · Guest

***** Before finding this website/forum and while researching this issue (my labia minora is dry and cracking), I came across this website that does say this problem is associated with sjogren, which I believe you said you have been diagnosed with.

Guest · Guest

Ladies! Check a MEDICAL website and stop playing Dr. This is Lichen Sclerosus, not treatable with A&D or such home remedies. It's a chornic inflammatory skin disease, and you need a prescription medicine. Don't be scared, but your dr. might also recommend a biopsy for vulvar cancer.
Look up Lichen Sclerosus at www.niams.nih.gov.
This is nothing to fool around wiht.

Guest · Guest

You might want to go to the doctor, it sounds like a yeast infection. Sometimes you don't have a lot of discharge and yeast can grown anywhere and cause irritation and sores, they are very common. You will need an anti fugal cream. Fungus is very tricky to get rid of and they tend to come back from time to time so go to your doc and get treated.

CBurmest · Newbie Joined: 11 Sep 2008 Posts: 1

Hello.... I have been reading all of what you have to say and I believe this must be a fungal problem. I have the same problem (cracking on the outer folds of my labia (lips)), but it only started about a month ago. It did start after I was taking a really intense antibiotic. So that might have to do with it. What I did was I used tea tree oil on myself in a bath. Tea tree oil is an anti-fungal. A sits bath is what they call it I think. It is a bath with very hot water but only enough to cover your vagina. Put tea tree oil in the bath and soak for at least 15 minutes. I also have been putting vitamin e oil on it at night which helps me sleep when it itches really badly.
Just understand that the tea tree oil does burn. But so far I think it is the best thing that has helped me.
I hope this helps a little.

cracked skin in crease of outer labia

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