Patient's question:
I have been experiencing itching near the vagina since last month. Because I felt embarrassed to go to the hospital, I thought it was vaginitis and used some cleaning solutions, but it didn't relieve the itching. Now, when it gets severe, there is a burning sensation in the genital area, and it is very painful and itchy. Later, I went to the hospital for a check-up, and the doctor said I have leukoplakia of the vulva. What is leukoplakia of the vulva?Doctor's answer:
Vaginal leukoplakia is a gynecological condition characterized by the loss of local skin pigmentation in the female external genital area, leading to symptoms such as white, rough, thickened, hardened, cracked, scaly, or reduced elasticity of the skin and mucous membranes, and even atrophy and disappearance of the labia majora and minora. Clinically, patients often experience itching or intensely unbearable itching. In early stages, small red spots or papules the size of rice grains can be observed on the external genital skin. As they are pulled or broken, they gradually exude yellowish fluid and merge into larger patches, with the color gradually turning white. This is often accompanied by burning, swelling, and pain in the external genital area.For severe cases of vaginal leukoplakia, it is recommended to seek medical attention as soon as possible and follow the doctor's advice for timely treatment. Avoid switching medications arbitrarily, as this may lead to counterproductive results.