Differential Diagnosis for Vaginal Labia Swelling and Itching
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Contact Dermatitis: This is often due to an allergic reaction or irritation from soaps, dyes, or other products coming into contact with the vaginal area. It's a common condition that can cause swelling, itching, and redness of the labia.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Vulvovaginal Candidiasis (Yeast Infection): A fungal infection that can cause itching, swelling, and redness of the vulva and labia, often accompanied by a thick, white discharge.
- Bacterial Vaginosis: An imbalance of bacteria in the vagina can lead to symptoms including itching, swelling, and an abnormal discharge.
- Atopic Dermatitis (Eczema): A chronic skin condition that can affect the vulvar area, causing itching, swelling, and dryness.
- Irritant Dermatitis: Similar to contact dermatitis but not due to an allergic reaction, this can be caused by friction, tight clothing, or exposure to irritants like urine or feces.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV): Although less common, HSV can cause severe itching, swelling, and painful blisters on the labia. Missing this diagnosis could lead to complications like increased risk of transmission and neonatal herpes.
- Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A type of skin cancer that, although rare in the vulvar area, can present with itching and swelling. Early detection is crucial for effective treatment.
- Lichen Sclerosus: A chronic inflammatory skin condition that can cause itching, swelling, and scarring of the vulvar area. If left untreated, it can increase the risk of vulvar cancer.
Rare Diagnoses
- Lichen Planus: An autoimmune condition that can affect the skin and mucous membranes, including the vulva, causing itching, swelling, and erosive lesions.
- Vulvar Intraepithelial Neoplasia (VIN): Abnormal cell growth that can precede vulvar cancer, presenting with itching and swelling. It's rare but important to diagnose early.
- Foreign Body Reaction: In rare cases, the presence of a foreign object in the vagina can cause an immune reaction leading to swelling and itching of the labia.
- Stevens-Johnson Syndrome: A severe skin and mucous membrane disorder, usually a reaction to medication or infection, which can cause blistering, itching, and swelling, including in the genital area.