When should you see a doctor about vulval skin changes?

Changes can include white patches, redness, scaling, swelling, cracks, lumps, warts, sores, or altered texture. Irritation and inflammatory conditions such as lichen sclerosus are possible explanations; genital warts can cause raised growths. Rarely, persistent or changing areas can be linked with vulval cancer. Appearance alone cannot establish the cause. More detail is available under [Vulval Skin Changes](/symptoms/vulval-skin-changes/).

Use lukewarm water, pat dry, and avoid scented soap, wipes, sprays, douches, and unnecessary over-the-counter creams. Choose loose underwear and avoid rubbing or picking. Do not try to remove a lump or wart yourself. Photographing a change for your own timeline and noting its start, growth, itch, pain, bleeding, discharge, and treatments can help at the appointment. A clinician may recommend topical steroid treatment for vulval skin when inflammation is suspected.

Arrange prompt assessment for an area that does not heal, bleeds without obvious injury, forms an ulcer, becomes hard or thick, grows, changes colour, or is accompanied by a new lump or persistent pain. Seek urgent help for heavy bleeding, severe swelling, fever, or difficulty passing urine. During pregnancy or after possible sexual exposure, contact a clinician promptly.

Ask what the change may represent, whether the skin needs a closer examination or sample, and which products are safe. Ask how to use any prescribed cream, how long to continue it, what improvement should look like, and when a follow-up is needed.