A vaginal yeast infection, also known as vaginal candidiasis, is a common fungal infection occurring when there is an overgrowth of Candida yeast normally present in the vagina. This imbalance can lead to various uncomfortable symptoms. While often associated with itching and burning, yeast infections can also cause small cuts or fissures on the labia, indicating significant irritation. This article explores how these cuts develop, other potential causes, and when to seek medical attention.
Yeast Infection Symptoms and Their Development
Vaginal yeast infections often cause symptoms like intense itching, burning, and redness around the vulva and vagina. A thick, white, odorless vaginal discharge resembling cottage cheese is common. Swelling and pain or soreness are also frequently reported.
Cuts or fissures on the labia develop due to severe inflammation and irritation from Candida overgrowth. Inflammation makes skin and mucosal tissues dry, fragile, and less elastic. This fragility leads to cracking or tearing, especially with movement, friction from clothing or sexual activity, or scratching.
The presence of these cuts indicates significant inflammation. These fissures can be painful and may bleed. Open cuts can also create an entry point for other microorganisms, potentially leading to secondary bacterial infections.
Other Potential Causes of Labial Cuts
While yeast infections can cause labial cuts, they are not the only cause. Many conditions lead to similar fissures in the delicate vulvar skin. Understanding these other causes is important for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Friction or trauma is a common culprit, from activities like vigorous wiping, wearing tight clothing, or sexual activity without adequate lubrication. Pubic hair removal methods, such as shaving or waxing, can also cause cuts.
Irritant or allergic contact dermatitis can also result in labial fissures. This results from skin reactions to substances like harsh soaps, detergents, scented feminine hygiene products, condoms, or even urine. Irritation and inflammation make the skin fragile and prone to tearing.
Certain sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are another cause of labial cuts. Genital herpes, for instance, causes blisters that rupture into painful ulcers or fissures. Syphilis can also cause chancres, typically painless sores resembling cuts.
Underlying skin conditions contribute to labial fragility and cuts. Lichen sclerosus is a chronic inflammatory condition causing thin, white, easily torn skin. Other conditions like eczema or psoriasis, causing inflamed, dry, or scaly patches, can lead to skin breakdown and fissures. Hormonal changes, like menopause or breastfeeding, can cause vaginal and vulvar dryness, making tissues less elastic and more susceptible to tearing.
When to Seek Professional Care and Treatment
Due to various causes of labial cuts, self-diagnosis is unreliable and can delay care. Professional medical evaluation ensures accurate diagnosis and effective treatment. A healthcare provider can assess the situation and rule out other conditions with similar symptoms.
Consult a doctor for first-time suspected yeast infection symptoms, especially with cuts. Seek medical attention if symptoms are severe, persistent, or worsening, or if cuts are deep, bleeding, or not healing. Individuals with recurrent yeast infections (four or more per year) should also seek professional guidance.
See a doctor if symptoms do not improve with over-the-counter treatments, or if uncertain about the cause. Pregnant individuals or those with underlying health conditions like diabetes or a weakened immune system should always consult a healthcare provider for any suspected yeast infection or labial cuts.
A healthcare provider typically conducts a physical examination, including a pelvic exam, to inspect genitals and vagina for infection signs. They may also collect vaginal discharge for microscopic examination or culture to confirm yeast or identify other infections. Treatment for confirmed yeast infections often involves antifungal medications (creams, suppositories, or oral). Addressing cuts involves treating the underlying cause and promoting skin healing.