White coating on the labia: the causes of its appearance in women and newborns

White coating on the labia -is a fairly common phenomenon in women. But what is it - the norm or a sign of some disease? Throughout the cycle, a woman's structure, consistency and smell of discharge changes. And if the woman is healthy, then the plaque on the labia does not have any pronounced odor. A slightly sour smell of discharge is also considered normal. Here, much depends on the vaginal microflora. If, in addition to plaque, symptoms such as fever, discomfort in the lower abdomen, burning, itching, swelling, redness, an unpleasant odor of discharge, pain when urinating and dry skin appear, then it is imperative to consult a gynecologist to find out the cause of these symptoms.

The causes of the appearance of a white coating on the labia

The reasons for the appearance of plaque may be:

thrush;
changes in the microflora of the vagina (can be a reaction to a foreign partner's microflora);
hormonal changes in girls aged 11-13 years before the onset of the menstrual cycle;
vulvovaginitis;
vaginitis;
genital herpes;
avitaminosis;
malnutrition;
synthetic linen;
use of unsuitable means of intimate hygiene;
inadequate personal hygiene.

If the white coating on the labia is not associated withany disease, then you should not get rid of it quickly, because it not only creates a healthy vaginal microflora, but also prevents the penetration of microbes, that is, it performs a protective function. The white coating (smegma) that appears between the labia is the result of the sebaceous glands. It is recommended to remove it with a cotton swab soaked in vegetable oil or water. You should not use gel and soap, as they can cause irritation. But you can use various products intended for intimate hygiene that contain chamomile or calendula extract, which have anti-inflammatory properties. If the white coating on the labia is accompanied by severe itching, burning, redness and pain in the genital area, then this should be a warning sign. In this case, you should immediately consult a gynecologist, since these symptoms may indicate urogenital infections, venereal or fungal diseases. You should also not take lightly the white balls and pimples that appear on the genital mucosa, which may indicate a syphilis infection. Many infections and diseases have similar symptoms, so without the necessary tests and examination by a doctor, it is very difficult to determine anything. The doctor can refer you for an ultrasound of the pelvis, take a smear using the PCR method for STIs, a smear for flora, do a colposcopy, a bacteriological culture from the cervix, refer you for urine and blood tests. And only on the basis of the obtained studies will the doctor make a diagnosis and prescribe appropriate treatment. If alarming symptoms appear, you should not treat yourself and take medications on your own, without consulting and recommending a doctor, as this is not only ineffective, but also very dangerous!

Sexual crisis in newborn girls

Girls begin to have problems immediately after birth.sexual crisis - the process of cleansing and adaptation of the child's body to the external environment. One of its manifestations is the appearance of white, brown or pink discharge on the labia, as well as their engorgement. Parents should not worry about this. The body of a newborn girl thus gets rid of excess estrogen. In the first days after birth, the mucous membrane of the genitals is very tender and sensitive, and these secretions are its protection from irritants such as urine and feces. Such secretions usually pass within 2 weeks and wash off on their own. In no case should you try to clean the plaque with various cotton swabs. You only need to wash the child several times a day in the direction from the genitals to the bottom and use boiled water for this. It is not recommended to use soap or other detergents when washing. In addition, it is necessary to leave the baby without diapers and a diaper for some time so that the baby's skin can rest. Sexual crisis in newborn girls can last for about 8 weeks, and this is absolutely normal. You should consult a doctor only if the discharge causes discomfort to the baby.