inner labia have gone very white

I am 63, first had white labia skin problem for the first time 20 years ago. White skin can indicate cancer so should be checked out. I had a biopsy, waited a month for gyno appointment for the biopsy, then about another month for results. negative, then they gave me a 2% testosteron (sp?) cream that cleared it up in about a week. So why didn't they try that 1st instead of having me worry? who knows........ it was maybe a 4 oz tub of cream, I used it sparingly when white patches would appear, used it for almost 10 years, even tho it became outdated it still seemed to work.... Then I ran out. The white skin over time became more irritating, itching etc. So I went to our local clinic for more. the health care provider didn't have any so gave me a steroid cream but told me to use it sparingly as it tends to thin your skin even more over time. So I used that ( a fair size tube for years) & it relieved the symptoms. When that seemed ineffective ( probably also outdated I went back to the clinic. Was pretty bad this time, that was about a year ago. They gave me the strongest steroid cream they had, again warning me it would exacerbate the situation, so use it sparingly. I asked about the tertosteron cream again & they didn't recommend it. I went to my Doctor a couple of months later & was examined & gave her my history. She's a GP not an OB GYN. She said the same things don't use too much steroid it will make the problem worse even tho it relieves the symptoms initially. Said if I have continued white patches that don't go away I should get another biopsy. So in the last year or two as this has progress it has affected the entire vulva area from the clitoral hood all the way to my anus. When it got really bad before I got the stronger steroid, just taking a c**p was painful, & if I had a hard stool it would tear the delicate skin & I would get a red spot of blood. Not really bleeding just a spot here or there, but definitely uncomfortable. So the steroid works & gave me relief but it makes me crazy, I feel like my skin is deteriorating & I hate using something that will make the condition worse. So again I asked the Doc about the testosterone cream & she says it's not that effective & she didn't recommend... So I'm telling this to my bosom buddy & she says my doc gave me a testosterone cream to enhance my sexual desire. She's also in mid 60's, & she gives me some. It gives me immediate relief & clears my skin & it's pinker than it's been in a few years. I don't get it? not sure why they won't give it to me. So I'll be heading back to the Clinic this week asking for the testosterone yet again. Testosterone & Premerin are both considered carcinogens, cancer causing so maybe that's why. I had stage 1 breast cancer a few years ago, am in full remission & other than these problems very robust & healthy. I work hard phyically, gardening, digging, hauling bedding plants in a greenhouse nursery job. Sex is difficult with my skin so delicate but my husband is very gentle & when things are bad it;s a hand job for him. was glad to find this string of comments, I know there are ladies out there with these symptoms!

Check out information about Lichen Sclerosus on the internet. Could be that. Tons of info about this condition out there.

I am happy to see that I am not the only woman with this problem.  I am 61 years old (Don't even want to think about it) and went into menopause some 4-5 years ago.  Yes, went through the hot flashes and still get them but not as bad as I did in the beginning. Summer time seems to affect me the most or if in a home/building that is too warm indoors.  I, too have the same issue of the inner labia becoming very white.  No itching but skin is very delicate and have to be mindful washing myself when taking a bath as I one day hurt myself.   Apparently the skin becomes even thinner in that area of your body.  I did go to see my gynecologist who had absolutely no clue as to what it is.  I went through a series of tests and all the STD tests and came out with a clean bill of health.  When at  home I don't wear panties.  I am not sexually active and have not been active for some, believe it or not 10 years.  It still bothers me and my mind wonders if I have some kind of bacteria that lives and no one can really find out what it is.

what is the treatment for ulna cancer?

The top are of my vulva has turned white over the last 8 months and I have gone through menopause. What could it be caused from?

I am almost 54, and just noticed the same thing on myself last night, with a mirror. The lower edges of the labia smooth and no bumps and paper white. A run of antibiotics had given me some yeast, a yeast cream 2 nights ago caused ferocious itching, finally calmed by probiotic dissolved in water and applied topically. maybe the yeast bleached my labia, maybe something else is going on. When I looked last night (no real itching) just smooth paperwhite skin at the perimeters, and my first thought was blocked arterial flow. Til I searched today and found lichen sclerosis. A possibility. All other areas look normal. Set a well woman appointment with an actual ob-gyn for the 26th. Will see what is what. I have had some rifts in anal skin over the last 6 months as well. Looking at perrins natural cream but for now I have coconut oil on hand and will probably pick up some curcumin.

I was just todl my doctor I had the condition.  She didn't say why it happenes. but gave me a list form wearing undies or jeans too tight, wear no panties.  Don't use fragrance items down below, tampons or pads can cause it.  Anyway to take two baths a day, and nothing but the water temperatue.  She also put me on a steriod cream you use two times a week.  Although the tube it says 2/3 times a day, and direction she wrote were different.  I see he in two weeks.    

HI. Responding to the person who had the biopsy for the labia minora hyperplasia. My gyn is planning to do that next week, but I hear it is painful. Can you tell me? I would prefer to avoid the biopsy and just try the cream to see if it responds. What do you think? The gyn says that if it's not LS (lichen schlerosis, which is what she is assuming), and actually a different kind of infection, it will get worse. But I'm willing to take that chance to avoid the pain of a biopsy and the subsequent healing and risk of infection. Would love your input.

this post is for Begonia -- do you apply the testosterone cream directly to the affected area or to your arm or other part of your body (for it to absorb into your blood stream)?

Thanks!

I used Terrasil $24 and really liked it. I think it changed the condition of my LS. I would bleed after sex and felt like I was ripped. I not longer have that problem. However, I didn't itch like some women do. I didn't get the heavy dose, as mine wasn't as bad as some. IT is something you don't have to maintain, I felt it changed the color and made things better.
I would say go for the biopsy, don't worry about the hurt. I have had biopsy inside and never had a problem. It hurts a little and it bleeds a little but nothing bad. You could have cancer if it is serious enough the doctor wants to check it out. If it turns up LS use the cream. And you can then rule out cancer.

I have this problem too. I am 63 and it has been going on for a couple of years. My GYN isn't familiar with the problem, she gave me a cortisone cream to use, which alleviated the irritation but not the condition. She took some of the white skin for a biopsy (very painful experience) which turned out to be negative. Recently she gave me a prescription for a strange plastic hoop which you insert rather like a birth control device and it stays there for 3 months. No improvement, in fact, I believe it's worse. There are obviously quite a few women suffering from this, how can there be no information or cure out there?

You described my symptoms to a "T". I am 55, post menopause, and have been going through the same thing. I can relate to the sexual problems that you have, and also have a husband who "enjoys a change", but misses the closeness we used to have. I am on the cortisone cream and premarin cream. I look forward to some help with this.

I am 63 and have had this for about a year now - gets extremely itchy and the skin is also thin and feels like it is tearing. I have found some information on it and I know it is actually a condition. I have not had a period in 38 years as I had early total hysterectomy. Today I am off to a specialist and will get back on this site to report what she says. I also have some other information that I think may be helpful but don't have the time at this moment to elaborate. More later.... mvh

Glad to see I am not alone.  I am 53 years old, and have been in menopause for 2 years.  I have always had very sensitive skin and have been prone to yeast and urinary tract infections.  I can use only unscented mild soaps in the vaginal area.  About 6 months ago I noticed a prickly feeling after bathing and took extra care rinsing.  When I looked at the area my inner labia on the left side is white just along the edge.  The skin is not rough or raised and there are no lesions - just white on the outermost edge.  My GP sent me to a gynecologist and now I am waiting on the biopsy results.  The procedure itself was not painful - but the healing is!  Both my doctor and the specialist say it ash nothing to do with hormonal changes however I am not convinced.  I will make sure I post my results for any of you that have the same and are concerned.  The witing is the hardest part :(

I have exactly the same as you, its so worrying, my doc told me it was nothing serious but how does she know by just looking. Im 44 and not menopausal. I will look for your results. Hope all will be ok for you. Chin up