The vulva is the area outside the opening of the birth canal. This area can develop white spots of thick or thin skin called dystrophies. Dystrophies are all harmless. They do not grow in size or develop into cancer. A healthcare provider can help if you think you have a white area. Sometimes a sample of the skin called a biopsy will be needed to make sure of this diagnosis.

There are two types of dystrophies depending on the type of skin. thick lesions and thin skin.

In general, the thickened type is a result of irritation. You can be any age when this develops, although it occurs most commonly in older women. It often starts with itching or burning in the area. If this irritation continues, the skin will develop a white, thickened surface with some cracking and even bleeding. To reduce the irritation in the area, you may want to avoid these things:
* tight underwear,
* perfumed laundry detergent or fabric softener sheets,
* feminine sprays or perfumes,
* new or perfumed toilet paper, and for some women,
* acidic fruits and vegetables such as oranges and tomatoes.

Even if the trigger for the irritation is found, a cortisone type cream may need to be applied at least twice a day for several months. Stopping the itch is key, so over the counterbenadryl may help.

Thin skin dystrophy is mostly found in menopausal women. The cause is not known. Itching, and pain with sex may be the first symptom. A mild mix of testosterone and petroleum jelly can be made by your druggist. This mixture is used on the skin only, so there is little effect to the rest of your body. It is put on the area three times a day for several months. Once the area improves, it is reduced to one or two times a day for months. The treatment usually needs to continued at least once a week forever. Doing this will keep this problem from returning and prevent scarring.

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