infection?

[nessa497]

well one part of my vagina looks red and a little swollen and it burns! it doesn't itch and Im a virgin. and i discovered this,this mourning when i was taking a shower but i didn't take a shower yesterday and i finished my period 1 day ago.So could anyone tell me what could have caused it?or what i could do to treat it? Do i have to go to a doctor?

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
Sore and itchy red vagina can be due to a number of causes. First of all it can be due to allergic reaction or contact dermatitis to your undergarments, sanitary napkins or tampons, soaps etc.There is no change in the colour or smell of discharge in this case.
Do not use any cosmetic products at the sites. You can apply some calamine lotion at the rash as it will help in soothing the skin. You can take some OTC oral antihistamine medications like Benadryl or Claritin and see if it helps.

For mild-moderate symptoms a weak steroid may be used. Also use good quality moisturizers and wear cotton clothes.

If the symptoms persist then get it evaluated from a dermatologist.
It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your doctor. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.

[Carly1306]

Sounds like it could either be a yeast infection or an allergic reaction. Have you used any creams down there? Any different soaps or shower gels, new soap powder etc? If so then it could have caused a reaction, if not then it's most likely a yeast infection. I would go see a doctor and get it treated before it gets worse.

[Marlene76]

When something is not normal it is always safe to see a doctor. I assume the burning red spot is on the outside of your body which would be considered the vulva, not the vagina. This is where (as a doctor told me and as I've experienced) the symptoms to yeast infections usually first appear so it is possible you are starting to get one. This is not sexually transmitted. It could be from the fluctuation of your hormones or from wearing pads or tampons during your period and that area not getting enough air or a combination of both. I have gotten yeast infections in the past right after my period as well. The package insert included in yeast infection medication says if this is your first time experiencing these symptoms to go see a doctor so that is probably the best thing to do just to make sure it is nothing serious and that is treated properly. A doctor may also give you better medication to treat an infection then what you would get at the drugstore. :)