Differential Diagnosis for Splitting Skin on Intercourse
- Single most likely diagnosis
- Vaginal atrophy: This condition, often associated with menopause, leads to thinning and drying of the vaginal walls, making them more susceptible to tearing and splitting during intercourse.
- Other Likely diagnoses
- Vaginismus: A condition characterized by involuntary muscle spasms in the vaginal wall, which can cause pain and potentially lead to skin splitting during intercourse.
- Lichen sclerosus: A skin condition that can cause thinning and splitting of the skin in the genital area, leading to discomfort during intercourse.
- Vulvar dermatitis: Inflammation of the skin in the vulvar area, which can cause irritation, itching, and potentially splitting of the skin during intercourse.
- Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed.)
- Genital herpes: Although less common as a cause of splitting skin, genital herpes can lead to painful blisters and ulcers, which might be mistaken for splitting skin.
- Syphilis: In its secondary stage, syphilis can cause skin lesions and rashes in the genital area, which might lead to splitting or tearing during intercourse.
- Cancer (vulvar or vaginal): Although rare, cancer in the genital area can cause skin changes, including splitting, and must be ruled out due to its severe implications.
- Rare diagnoses
- Ehlers-Danlos syndrome: A genetic disorder that affects the body's connective tissue, potentially leading to extremely fragile skin that can split easily.
- Pemphigus vulgaris: A rare autoimmune disease that causes blistering of the skin and mucous membranes, which could potentially lead to splitting of the skin during intercourse.