Patient's question:
My girlfriend felt unwell two days ago. She had itching in her external genital area, and it was getting worse day by day, with some pain.Doctor's answer:
Vaginal infection and inflammatory stimulation: This is the main cause of leukoplakia of the vulva, accounting for about 50% of cases. There are many factors that can lead to vaginal infection and inflammatory stimulation, such as poor hygiene habits, infrequent use of pH4 mild acidic-formulated feminine care products to clean the vulva, wearing synthetic underwear, unclean sanitary products, showering in public baths, or swimming in bathhouses, which can cause vaginal inflammation. If not treated promptly, inflammatory secretions may infiltrate the perineum. Long-term infection and stimulation can damage the skin and mucosa, leading to redness, swelling, ulcers, and degeneration, which may gradually develop into leukoplakia of the vulva.2. Endocrine disorders: Due to pathological changes in endocrine glands and tissues, or due to genetic factors, enzyme defects, and immune function issues, endocrine disorders can lead to endocrine diseases. Through tritium (3H) labeled thymidine measurements, it is believed that a protein hormone exists in the dermis that inhibits the division and growth of epidermal cells, acting locally and specifically on the epidermis. This hormone is called inhibin, and it disrupts the balance between connective tissue hyperplasia and the metabolic stimulation of the local epidermis, leading to leukoplakia of the vulva.
3. Genetic factors: Approximately 10-30% of patients with leukoplakia of the vulva are caused by genetics. Genetic leukoplakia of the vulva is primarily atrophic, with patients being mainly young girls. Clinically, for patients under 15 years old, genetic factors should be the first consideration, and it is important to investigate whether their parents' families have a history of leukoplakia of the vulva.
4. Other diseases: Conditions such as diabetes, vitiligo, vulvar eczema, and vulvar pruritus can also lead to or worsen the development of leukoplakia if medications are misused or treatment is improper.
There are multiple causes of leukoplakia of the vulva, but the main cause is still vaginal infection and inflammatory stimulation. Therefore, women should pay close attention to their daily lives to reduce the risk of infection and vaginal inflammation. This requires attention to hygiene, diet, and other aspects.