Question: I received two external vaginal abrasions from the use of a condom. Can I use Neosporin to heal the abrasions?
Answer: An abrasion is a scraped area on the skin or the mucus membrane. It is a type of minor injury resulting due to friction or irritation. It may or may not bleed and the healing is without any scar formation provided the abrasion is superficial. Abrasion in vagina is not uncommon. There are many reasons for this type of injury. Vaginal injury, though uncommon, can occur at any age in a woman. An abrasion or a scratch on labia or in the vaginal wall can be extremely discomforting. Sometimes, it may lead to tenderness and swelling. If the condition is not treated in a timely manner, infection may set in and there may be aggravation of the symptoms.
Causes of Vaginal Abrasions
- Sex without proper lubrication, abrasion from intercourse: It is one of the most common causes for vaginal abrasion. Many women perform sex without proper lubrication. During the time of arousal in a woman, the glands situated in the vaginal wall secrete a lubricating fluid. It keeps the vagina moist and reduces friction and irritation during intercourse. However, in some women there is less secretion and lubrication due to a number of factors such as hormonal imbalance, decreased libido and fatigue. In such cases, application of a lubricating agent before intercourse reduces the chances of abrasion and pain.
- Physical injury due to scratching of vagina: Intolerable itching in vagina leads to irresistible scratching. Often, the mucus membrane of the vagina may get hurt with finger nails resulting in an abrasion.
- When the vaginal mucosa is thin: Hormonal changes and imbalance during and after menopause may lead to thin vaginal mucus membrane. A slight scratch or friction may cause an abrasion.
- Infection: Bacterial vaginitis and candidiasis are the two important etiological factors for abrasion and irritation of vaginal mucus membrane.
- Inserting foreign body in the vagina without proper lubrication may also result in an abrasion of the area.
- Often, violent intercourse and sexual abuse are reasons for abrasion in the vaginal area.
- Besides, young girls may suffer from abrasion in their vaginal area due to cycling or horse riding.
- Allergies to condoms, tampons and spermicidal creams can also cause abrasions and irritant vaginitis in some women.
Symptoms and Signs of Vaginal Abrasions
- Pain in the vagina is a common symptom associated with vaginal trauma.
- Pain is accompanied with tenderness and patient finds it difficult to maintain personal hygiene.
- There may be mild bleeding at the time of injury, but usually the bleeding does not prolong and subsides within a few minutes.
- Pain during urination is an important symptom since the urethral opening is situated just above the entrance of vaginal opening.
- You experience pain during intercourse. Patient finds it difficult to have sexual intercourse due to pain and tenderness.
- The labia majora and labia minora may appear slightly swollen when there is deep abrasion.
- When an abrasion is superseded with bacterial infection, there may be foul smelling vaginal discharge. However, the possibility is very less if you take timely precautions.
Treatment for Vaginal Abrasions
- Generally vaginal abrasions heals of its own.
- If there are symptoms of secondary infection such as fever, within one or two days of the abrasion, get medical assistance as soon as possible.
- You can apply Calendula ointment, as Calendula acts well in healing the abrasions.
- The other simple remedy is to apply coconut oil on the abrasion.
- Applying Neosporin or any other antibiotic ointment under the supervision of your doctor.
- Precaution: Abstain from sex during the time of recovery.
- Wear cotton panties as it facilitates air circulation in the vaginal area.
Horse riding is my favorite sports. However many times when I ride, it hurts me and I find blood stains on my undergarments. This is because of the mild vaginal abrasions. I use modess pad which does protect me to some extent, but at times it still hurts and bleed. What should I do?
• Friction and bouncing while riding are the usual cause for such problems.
• Even the way you sit on saddle matters.
• Ask your instructor whether you are sitting correctly on the saddle.
• Do not wear tight fitting breeches, instead opt for comfortable and lose clothing.
• Learn to use padded riders undergarment that are comforting instead of regular underwear while you are riding.
• Lubricate the vaginal area before riding if there is dryness.
There are few boils on the walls of my vagina since few days. They itch a lot. Sometimes it becomes an annoyance for me, especially when I am in a group or with many people around. What can be the cause?
A boil is a local infection deep inside of skin. There are many causes for vaginal wall boils; the most common is an ingrown hair follicle that gets infected due to bacteria present in vagina. You should also check your blood sugar level. A boil may result while shaving with an infected blade or waxing with infected straps. If you are sexually active, check for sexually transmitted disease where the bartholin gland situated just near the labia may become infected. To reduce the symptoms use alternate hot and cold compresses. Make a paste of turmeric powder by mixing a pinch of it with small amount of water. Apply it over the affected area. Keep the area clean and wear cotton undergarments to allow free air movement. It helps to keep the area dry. If it does not heal in few days consult your doctor, he may recommend antibiotics and anti inflammatory medicines to alleviate the symptoms.
I had abrasion in vaginal region after intercourse on 22-10-13. It was healing, but now I have a little bump on the left and right side of bartholin gland. On the left side it has become an open sore which bleeds and has formed whitish crust. There is a small bump below the anal region, I am not sure if it is a hemorrhoid. The sores hurt only if I touch or rub a hot or cold towel. There is no itching or burning, but there is irritation as my undergarment touches when I sit. It all began on 25th when I avoided wearing undergarment all day. I was only on sweat pants which irritated the bartholin glands. It is difficult to wash or touch my vagina due to irritation. Can I apply coconut oil or petroleum jelly to this region to soothe the area? Should I consult my physician?
Yes you can apply coconut oil to lubricate the area. Coconut oil is also has mild antibacterial properties. However, many times such sores appear due to chancre, a type of sexually transmitted disease, you have to rule out this by consulting your physician. Wear cotton undergarment which is loose fitting. This may allow free air movement and also prevent friction. Your physician may suggest an antibacterial ointment if he feels so.
About a couple days ago I shaved and started feeling slight pain and irritation in the area between the vagina and anus. It looked like a small ingrown hair that was forming, and then shortly after, I began to see a small cut next to as well. Now it’s a pretty good sized cut, a little red from being irritated. I want to know measures to relieve it, prevent infection, and to help it heal. Or would I have to go to the doctor to get it checked out? I haven’t had intercourse before or after it, so I know it’s not anything like a STD.
It is a cut that has occurred while shaving. The skin area between vagina and anus is very sensitive. Slightest irritation can cause lot of distress and pain. Ensure that the wound does not get infected as anus is very adjacent to the area. Clean anal area thoroughly after each bowel movement to prevent infective germs to enter the damaged skin. Wipe anus from front to back after each bowel movement. Apply antibacterial cream or ointment. You can also apply aloe vera gel which has natural antibiotic properties. Wear loose fitting undergarment. Avoid wearing underwear while sleeping.
I’ve have multiple abrasions on the skin just under my vagina, and once on either side of Labia minora where they meet the Majora. It does not hurt until I pee, have sex or wipe a little less gently than usual. There has been a little bit of discharge in the past so I wear a panty liner. I am using cortisone cream which helps a bit but the abrasion’s are still there. I’ve avoided sex, stopped using condoms when I do (thought it was latex allergy at first), always wear loose underwear (even sometimes go without). They don’t bleed much if at all but they are uncomfortable at times. No signs of infection, no foul smelling discharge. What should I do?
Most cases of vaginal abrasions develop due to scratching, improper lubrication, infection, foreign body insertion without lubrication, violent intercourse, use of spermicidal and allergy to condoms. Usually abrasions in vagina heal within few days or a week, especially if there is no infection. Applying coconut oil or calendula ointment is found effective in treating such abrasions. Also till the time the lesions heal follow abstinence. Avoid tampons during menstruation. Wear cotton panties so that there is free air movement and less perspiration.
I have abrasion in my vagina after intimate relation and since few days it stings and pains badly when I go to the bathroom. Also there is a bit of discharge. Why does it pain so badly? How to get relief from it?
Vaginal abrasions are common if there is no proper lubrication. There are many other causes such as insertion of foreign body, scratching, allergy to condom etc. Usually such abrasion heals on its own within few days. Treatment may be needed if there is infection and foul vaginal discharge. Applying antibiotic ointment may help the condition to heal. You may also try applying coconut oil as it acts as a lubricant and also has mild antibacterial activity. Avoid intercourse while the injury is healing.