Patient's question:
Problem Description: After my episiotomy, the doctor said I have vulvar leukoplakia, which is not good for the wound. How should I treat it?Doctor's answer:
Vaginal leukoplakia refers to localized or diffuse white patches appearing on the skin of the female genital area, which can spread to the inner thighs, perineum, and anus but rarely invade the urethral orifice and vestibule. Symptoms include itching in the genital area, dry skin, thickening and whitening, loss of elasticity, and even atrophy and ulceration, accompanied by pain and a burning sensation. Clinical pathological examination with atypical cell hyperplasia falls under the category of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) conditions such as "vaginal pruritus," "vaginal pain," and "vaginal soreness." It is often caused by damp-heat from the liver channel descending to invade the external genitalia, or by blood deficiency leading to liver hyperactivity, yin deficiency in the liver and kidneys, or kidney yang deficiency, all of which result in insufficient nourishment of the external genitalia. Vaginal itching may sometimes be accompanied by a burning or painful sensation. Vaginal leukoplakia is also known as leukoplakia of the external genitalia, a chronic nutritional deficiency disease of the female genital area. It includes primary atrophic leukoplakia, atrophic lichen sclerosus, leukoplakia of the external genitalia, leukoplakic vaginitis, and xeroderma of the external genitalia. Clinicians typically categorize conditions where the skin and mucosa become white, thickened, and atrophic as leukoplakia of the external genitalia. In TCM, it is referred to as "vaginal eczema," "vaginal ulcers," "vaginal erosion," and "vaginal pain." This condition is considered a precancerous lesion. TCM treats it based on different pathological characteristics and clinical symptoms, under the categories of "vaginal pruritus" and "vaginal ulcers." "Vaginal pruritus with wind" and "vaginal ulcers with damp-heat accumulation."Being diagnosed with vaginal leukoplakia indeed brings significant pain and inconvenience to patients and their families. However, many people with this condition are unaware of the precautions they should take in daily life. Therefore, it is important to remind patients to pay attention to the following:
(1) Wear loose, breathable underwear and pants, preferably made of pure cotton, and avoid synthetic fabrics such as polyester.
(2) Keep the affected area dry, well-ventilated, and cool.
(3) Some women overclean, cleaning daily, which may exacerbate the condition.