Differential Diagnosis for Irritated Labia with Yellow Discharge and Small Amount of Blood

Single Most Likely Diagnosis

• Bacterial Vaginosis (BV): This condition is characterized by an imbalance in the normal vaginal flora, leading to symptoms such as yellow discharge, irritation, and sometimes a small amount of blood. The presence of these symptoms aligns closely with the typical presentation of BV.

Other Likely Diagnoses

• Vaginal Yeast Infection: Caused by Candida species, this infection can lead to irritation, discharge (which can be yellowish), and sometimes bleeding due to the intense itching and scratching of the affected area.
• Trichomoniasis: A sexually transmitted infection that can cause vaginal discharge, which may be yellow or greenish, along with irritation and potentially a small amount of bleeding.
• Vaginal Atrophy: Common in postmenopausal women, this condition involves thinning and drying of the vaginal walls, leading to irritation, discharge, and possible spotting due to the fragility of the vaginal tissue.

Do Not Miss Diagnoses

• Cervical Cancer: Although less common, it's crucial not to miss this diagnosis. Abnormal vaginal bleeding, including post-coital bleeding, and discharge can be symptoms of cervical cancer. Early detection is key to effective treatment.
• Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID): This condition, often resulting from sexually transmitted infections, can cause a range of symptoms including lower abdominal pain, abnormal vaginal discharge, and bleeding. PID can lead to serious complications if not treated promptly.
• Gonorrhea and Chlamydia: These sexually transmitted infections can cause symptoms such as abnormal discharge and bleeding. They are critical to diagnose and treat to prevent long-term complications like infertility and PID.

Rare Diagnoses

• Desquamative Inflammatory Vaginitis (DIV): A rare condition characterized by intense inflammation of the vagina, leading to symptoms like yellow discharge and bleeding. It's less common but should be considered if other diagnoses are ruled out.
• Vaginal Tuberculosis: Although rare in many parts of the world, vaginal TB can cause a range of symptoms including abnormal vaginal discharge and bleeding. It's an important consideration in areas where TB is prevalent or in individuals with a history of TB exposure.