Understanding Vulvar Conditions in Grand Rapids, Michigan

The external female genitals are called the vulva. Vulvar conditions are common among women and people assigned female at birth in Grand Rapids and across West Michigan, but they are often under-discussed because of embarrassment or lack of awareness.

Typical symptoms include:

• Burning or stinging
• Itching
• Pain or tenderness
• Redness or swelling of the vulva
• Painful sex (dyspareunia)
• Skin changes, rashes, or sores

Without proper diagnosis and treatment, ongoing vulvar problems can affect mental health, sexual relationships, and body image. If you live in the Grand Rapids area and notice persistent vulvar symptoms, it is important to talk with a healthcare professional at your primary care office, OB/GYN, or a local women’s health clinic such as Spectrum Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health, or Mercy Health.

What Is the Vulva?

“Vulva” is an umbrella term for the external female genital area. It includes:

• Mons pubis – the fatty pad covered with pubic hair
• Labia majora – the outer lips
• Labia minora – the inner lips
• Clitoris – a small organ rich in nerve endings
• Urethral opening – where urine leaves the body
• Vestibule – the area around the openings of the vagina and urethra
• Perineum – the area between the vaginal opening and the anus

Many different vulvar conditions can affect these areas, including:

• Skin complaints
• Infections (sexually transmitted and non-sexually transmitted)
• Chronic vulvar pain conditions
• Pre-cancerous and cancerous changes

Common Vulvar Skin Conditions

Dermatitis (Irritant or Allergic)

Vulvar dermatitis is irritation or inflammation of the vulvar skin.

Symptoms:

• Chronic itching
• Redness or rash
• Burning or stinging

Common causes and irritants:

• Strong soaps and body washes
• Bubble baths and bath oils
• Scented pads, panty liners, or toilet paper
• Spermicidal creams and some lubricants
• Feminine hygiene sprays or wipes
• Latex in condoms
• Laundry detergents or fabric softeners
• Tight, synthetic underwear or pantyhose

In Grand Rapids, dry indoor air during long Michigan winters and frequent use of hot showers can further dry and irritate the vulvar skin.

Treatment and management:

• Identifying and avoiding irritants (this is key)
• Using mild, fragrance-free cleansers or just warm water
• Applying prescribed topical corticosteroid creams
• Taking antihistamines for severe itching (if recommended by your doctor)
• Wearing loose, breathable cotton underwear

You can discuss symptoms with your primary care provider, OB/GYN, or a women’s health clinic at Spectrum Health or Trinity Health Grand Rapids.

Psoriasis of the Vulva

Psoriasis can affect the vulvar area and is often mistaken for dermatitis.

Symptoms:

• Itching
• Red, scaly, or smooth patches on the vulvar skin
• Discomfort with friction (e.g., during walking, exercise, or sex)

Treatment:

• Topical steroid creams
• Other psoriasis-specific creams (such as tar preparations or non-steroid creams), as guided by a dermatologist
• Gentle skin care and avoidance of irritants

Because psoriasis and dermatitis can look similar, a careful diagnosis by a Grand Rapids dermatologist or gynecologist is important.

Lichen Sclerosus

Lichen sclerosus is a chronic skin condition that often affects the vulva and is most common in postmenopausal women.

Symptoms:

• Intense itching
• Thin, fragile, pale or white vulvar skin
• Wrinkled or “cigarette paper” appearance
• Skin that splits or fissures easily
• Pain with sex or when wiping

Causes and risks:

• Thought to be an autoimmune condition
• May be associated with other autoimmune disorders such as Graves’ disease or vitiligo
• If not treated effectively, it is linked to an increased risk of vulvar cancer

Treatment:

• Prescription high-potency topical steroid creams
• Long-term medical follow-up with regular vulvar exams
• Ongoing skin care and avoidance of irritants

Women in the Grand Rapids area can seek evaluation for lichen sclerosus with an OB/GYN or dermatologist at Spectrum Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health, or Mercy Health.

Lichen Planus

Lichen planus is another inflammatory condition that can affect the vulva and other areas, such as the mouth, hands, and shins.

Symptoms:

• Pain
• Burning sensation
• Itching
• Bleeding
• Painful sex
• Erosions or sores

Treatment:

• Usually treated with topical steroid creams
• Sometimes additional medications or referrals to dermatology are needed

Like lichen sclerosus, lichen planus is associated with an increased risk of vulvar cancer, so regular monitoring is important.

Ulceration of the Vulva

Vulvar ulcers (open sores) can have many causes, including:

• Erosive lichen planus
• Cicatricial pemphigoid
• Lichenoid vaginitis
• Infections (sexually transmitted and non-sexually transmitted)
• Autoimmune and inflammatory conditions
• Rarely, vulvar cancers

Because ulcers can look similar but have very different causes, it is important to be examined by a healthcare provider. In Grand Rapids, this may involve your GP, OB/GYN, or referral to a specialist clinic.

Vulvar Infections

Thrush (Yeast Infection)

Vulvar and vaginal thrush is usually caused by an overgrowth of yeast, mainly Candida, which normally lives in the bowel and vagina.

Symptoms:

• Chronic itching
• Redness and irritation
• Thick, white vaginal discharge (often described as “cottage cheese-like”)
• Burning with urination or sex

Thrush is not usually considered a sexually transmitted infection, but it can be passed during sex.

Common triggers:

• Recent antibiotic use
• Hormonal changes (including premenstrual phase)
• Tight, non-breathable clothing
• High-sugar diets and poorly controlled diabetes (important in Michigan, where diabetes rates are significant)

Treatment:

• Antifungal creams, vaginal pessaries, or oral capsules
• Avoiding scented products and irritants
• Wearing breathable cotton underwear

Thrush is considered recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis if you have four or more infections in one year. Around 1 in 10 women are thought to experience this. If you’re in the Grand Rapids area and have recurrent thrush, ask your provider about longer-term treatment plans.

Genital Herpes

Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV).

Symptoms:

• Painful blisters and ulceration on the vulva or surrounding skin
• Burning or tingling before blisters appear
• Flu-like symptoms when first infected

Blisters usually ulcerate within 5–14 days. There is no cure, but:

• Antiviral medications can reduce the frequency and severity of outbreaks
• Safe sex practices and condom use help reduce transmission

You can get confidential STI testing at local clinics, including Kent County Health Department, Grand Rapids Public Health, and hospital-based women’s health clinics.

Genital Warts (HPV)

Genital warts are caused by certain types of the human papillomavirus (HPV).

Symptoms:

• Warts on the vulva, perineum, or around the anus
• Warts may be small or large, single or multiple, flat or cauliflower-like
• Usually painless, but may itch or cause discomfort

Treatment:

• Freezing (cryotherapy)
• Burning (electrocautery)
• Topical chemical treatments
• Sometimes surgical removal

Since the introduction of the HPV vaccination program, the rate of genital warts has decreased significantly. HPV vaccines are widely available through Grand Rapids pediatric and family practices, school-based clinics, and the Kent County Health Department.

Chronic Vulvar Pain Conditions

Vulvodynia and Vestibulodynia

Vulvodynia is chronic vulvar pain lasting at least three months without an obvious cause such as infection or visible inflammation.

Vestibulodynia (previously called vestibular pain) refers to pain focused around the vaginal opening (vestibule).

Symptoms:

• Burning, stinging, or raw feeling
• Pain with sex
• Pain when inserting tampons
• Pain from tight clothing or prolonged sitting (important for people with desk jobs or long commutes in winter)

It is not an infection or inflammation, but may be provoked by:

• Sexual intercourse
• Tampon use
• Tight clothing or synthetic underwear
• Pelvic floor muscle overactivity (very tight pelvic floor muscles)

Other pain syndromes may be involved, such as:

• Fibromyalgia
• Irritable or painful bladder syndrome
• Other chronic pain conditions

Chronic vulvar pain can significantly affect quality of life, mood, relationships, and sexual wellbeing.

Cause:

• Often unknown
• May involve nerve sensitivity, muscle tension, hormonal factors, and psychosocial factors

Management in Grand Rapids may include:

• Medications (topical and oral)
• Pelvic floor physiotherapy – often available through women’s health physical therapy practices in Grand Rapids
• Pain management therapy, including nerve pain medications
• Psychological support or sex therapy
• Simple measures such as local anesthetic creams before sex or exams (as recommended by your provider)

Pre-Cancerous and Cancerous Vulvar Conditions

Vulvar Intraepithelial Neoplasia (VIN)

VIN is a pre-cancerous condition where vulvar cells grow and divide abnormally. These changes can remain non-cancerous for many years but need monitoring and sometimes treatment.

Symptoms may include itching, burning, skin color changes, or visible patches, but VIN can also be found on exam without symptoms.

Vulvar Cancer

Vulvar cancer is classified according to the type of cell it starts in:

• Squamous cell carcinoma

  • Originates in the skin cells
  • Accounts for about 90% of vulvar cancer cases

• Melanoma

  • Originates in pigment-producing cells
  • Accounts for about 5% of cases

• Adenocarcinoma

  • Originates from glands such as Bartholin’s glands, which supply lubricant
  • Less than 1% of cases

• Sarcoma

  • Originates from connective tissues such as fat cells
  • Very rare

• Lymphoma

  • Originates from immune system cells
  • Very rare

• Basal cell carcinoma

  • A form of skin cancer that can occasionally affect the vulva

Risk factors can include HPV infection, smoking, chronic inflammatory conditions (such as lichen sclerosus), and increasing age. Early detection greatly improves outcomes, so regular exams are important for women in the Grand Rapids region, especially those with persistent itching, pain, or skin changes.

Diagnosis of Vulvar Conditions in Grand Rapids

To diagnose vulvar conditions, healthcare providers may use:

• Medical history – including symptoms, sexual history, hygiene products, medications, and medical conditions
• Physical examination – careful inspection of the vulva and sometimes the vagina and cervix
• Swab tests – to check for infections such as yeast, bacterial vaginosis, or STIs
• Biopsy – a small sample of skin is taken for lab analysis, especially if cancer or pre-cancer is suspected

Although it may feel awkward, it is important to ask your healthcare professional to examine your vulva if you have ongoing irritation, pain, or skin changes. In Grand Rapids, this can be done by:

• Your family doctor or internist
• OB/GYN at Spectrum Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health, Mercy Health
• Dermatologist or gynecologic oncologist (by referral)

Self-Care Tips for Vulvar Health

These general self-care measures can support treatment and help prevent irritation. Always follow your provider’s specific advice.

Avoid Irritants

• Avoid strong soaps, bubble baths, and bath oils
• Avoid scented pads, panty liners, tampons, and toilet paper
• Use mild, fragrance-free laundry detergents
• Choose soft, plain white toilet paper and pat dry (don’t wipe harshly), always front to back

Gentle Washing

• Bathe or shower daily, especially in warm and humid Michigan summers and after exercise
• Use water alone or a gentle, pH-balanced cleanser recommended by your provider
• Pat dry with a soft towel
• Consider rinsing the vulva with plain water (or water with a small amount of salt or bicarbonate of soda if recommended) after urination

Menstrual Care

• Sanitary pads and menstrual blood can irritate the vulva
• Consider 100% cotton tampons or unscented period products
• Change pads and tampons regularly

Moisturize and Lubricate

• Moisturize the vulvar skin regularly with non-perfumed ointments such as sorbolene or products like Dermeze (or similar fragrance-free emollients available locally)
• For sex, use lubricants such as silicone-based products, or simple oils like olive oil or sweet almond oil (if not using latex condoms, as oils can damage latex)

Clothing Choices

• Avoid tight clothing, pantyhose, synthetic underwear, and G-strings
• Choose loose, breathable cotton underwear, especially during hot, humid West Michigan summers
• Change out of wet swimsuits or exercise clothes promptly (important around Lake Michigan and local pools)

Cool Compresses

• A cool compress held against the vulva can soothe burning and itching
• Wrap in a clean towel before applying to protect the skin

Self-Examination

• Use a hand mirror to become familiar with your normal vulvar appearance
• Check regularly for new lumps, sores, color changes, or persistent patches

When to See a Doctor in Grand Rapids

Contact a healthcare provider promptly if you notice:

• Persistent itching, burning, or pain
• New lumps, bumps, or warts
• Ulcers or sores that do not heal
• Bleeding not related to your period
• Painful sex or difficulty inserting tampons
• Recurrent yeast infections or STIs
• Any new or worsening vulvar symptoms

Early evaluation can lead to more effective treatment and better outcomes.

Where to Get Help in Grand Rapids, MI

• Your GP / Primary Care Provider
• OB/GYN at:
  • Spectrum Health
  • Trinity Health Grand Rapids
  • Metro Health
  • Mercy Health
• Women’s health and sexual health clinics in the Grand Rapids metro area
• Kent County Health Department – STI testing, HPV vaccination, and sexual health services
• Grand Rapids Public Health and community clinics
• Mental health professionals, pelvic floor physical therapists, and pain specialists for chronic pain conditions

Key Points About Vulvar Conditions

• Common symptoms include burning, stinging, itching, pain, redness, and swelling.
• Vulvar conditions range from skin complaints and infections to chronic pain syndromes and cancerous changes.
• Treatment usually aims to relieve symptoms while the underlying condition heals.
• Using a combination of treatments at the same time may speed recovery more than trying one after another.
• Many vulvar conditions, including dermatitis, psoriasis, lichen sclerosus, and lichen planus, can be managed effectively with topical steroid creams and careful skin care.
• Prompt evaluation by a Grand Rapids healthcare provider helps ensure accurate diagnosis, effective treatment, and early detection of serious conditions such as vulvar cancer.