Differential Diagnosis for Acute Labia Minora Edema
- Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Allergic reaction: This is often the most common cause of acute labia minora edema, resulting from an allergic response to irritants such as soaps, dyes in clothing, or certain ingredients in personal care products. The reaction can cause sudden swelling, redness, and itching.
- Other Likely Diagnoses
- Infections (bacterial, viral, or fungal): These can cause inflammation and swelling of the labia minora. Common infections include vulvovaginal candidiasis, bacterial vaginosis, and herpes simplex virus.
- Contact dermatitis: Similar to an allergic reaction, contact dermatitis can occur from exposure to irritants, leading to edema, redness, and discomfort.
- Physical trauma: Accidental injury or sexual trauma can cause swelling and edema of the labia minora.
- Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Necrotizing fasciitis: Although rare, this is a life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical attention. It is characterized by severe pain, swelling, and necrosis of the tissue.
- Cellulitis: A bacterial infection of the skin and subcutaneous tissues that can spread rapidly and lead to serious complications if not treated promptly.
- Angioedema: A condition characterized by the rapid swelling of the dermis, subcutaneous tissue, mucosa, and submucosal tissues. It can be life-threatening if it involves the airway.
- Rare Diagnoses
- Lymphangioma or lymphatic malformations: These are rare congenital conditions that can cause swelling due to abnormal lymphatic vessels.
- Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis: These inflammatory bowel diseases can rarely cause vulvar edema as an extraintestinal manifestation.
- Malignancy: Certain types of cancer, such as vulvar cancer, can present with swelling and edema of the labia minora, although this is exceedingly rare as an initial presentation.