The Symptoms and Treatment of Genital Allergy

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Genital allergy is a set of pathological conditions of allergic genesis characterized by damage to the skin and mucous membranes in the genital area. Symptoms vary depending on the form of the disease; redness, swelling, itching, burning, and dryness of the skin in the affected area are possible. Diagnosis is made by examining the genital organs, studying the patient's history, identifying specific antibodies in the blood, and conducting allergological tests. Treatment includes the elimination of contact with the allergen and symptomatic and desensitizing therapy.

What Is Genital Allergy?

Genital allergy is a fairly common condition often confused with sexually transmitted or gynecological diseases. It affects males and females with approximately the same frequency. The disease can be isolated (appear only on the genitals) or be part of a wider symptom complex –– for example, dermatitis. The difference between this allergy is the likelihood of damage to the organs of the urinary and reproductive systems (urethritis, balanoposthitis, and vulvovaginitis).

Like other allergic pathologies, this disorder occurs in response to ingesting special allergenic substances –– compounds that provoke unusual immune reactions. Ways of penetration of antigens differ; they can be local and systemic. In the first case, symptoms are observed with direct contact of the mucous membranes and skin with provoking compounds. In systemic forms, the allergen penetrates parenterally, through the digestive tract or respiratory tract, and potentiates local changes through a cascade of pathogenetic reactions. The following main sources of dangerous substances in terms of genital allergies are distinguished:

- Means of contraception. Mechanical means of protection against unwanted pregnancy and STDs often provoke allergic reactions due to close contact with the genitals. The use of condoms, spermicidal agents in the form of ointments, gels, and vaginal suppositories can cause manifestations of pathology in women and men. Latex or auxiliary components of contraceptives can act as an allergen.

- Male sperm. In some women, swollen vagina, itching, and redness of the vulva, labia, and pubic skin occur when seminal fluid gets on them during sexual contact. It has been established that such reactions cause hypersensitivity to sperm glycoproteins.

- Medications. Various drugs can provoke genital allergies, both with local and systemic use. Intolerance reactions are often noted in the local application of antiseptics in the form of solutions or ointments. With oral or parenteral administration of sulfanilamide and iodine-containing drugs, damage to the integument of the genital organs is also sometimes detected.

- Cosmetic and hygiene products. A variety of shampoos, shower gels, and cosmetics for intimate hygiene have a complex chemical composition and may contain allergens.

- Underwear. Poor quality of materials, synthetics, or latex in the composition of the fabric can provoke allergies. As a rule, it has the character of contact dermatitis, proceeding according to the delayed-type reaction mechanism. A large amount of synthetic materials also makes it difficult for ventilation and evaporation of the liquid, impairing skin breathing.

The Symptoms of Genital Allergy

The main feature of the disease is the localization of skin manifestations in the area, which includes the external genitalia, perineum, and perianal region. Sometimes the changes extend to the inner thighs and lower abdomen. The most common symptoms are erythema, pruritus, and, less often, tissue swelling. In men, the skin of the scrotum is often affected, and balanoposthitis develops. Women often have swelling of the labia, itching of the vulva, and a burning sensation in the vagina, especially after sexual intercourse.

Some types of the disease can provoke inflammation of the terminal sections of the urinary tract –– urethritis. In this case, unpleasant sensations during urination (burning, soreness) and frequent false urges join the symptoms. Fixed erythema on the background of drug allergy leads only to limited reddening of the skin, itching, and other subjective manifestations are absent. The duration of the course is very different in different forms of genital allergy, depending on the duration of contact with the allergen. Usually, skin disorders disappear within 2-3 days after the elimination of the provocative substance.

To eliminate contact with a provocative allergen, its precise definition is necessary. In most cases, genital allergy is characterized by a favorable prognosis –– after the elimination of the allergen, the manifestations disappear without a trace. In some cases, cicatricial changes occur in the genital area, leading to the development of synechiae. Among other consequences, there may be problems with conceiving a child in women with hypersensitivity to seminal fluid and damage to the urinary tract. Allergy prevention is reduced to the exclusion of contact with provocative products or medicinal substances and the correct selection of contraceptives and underwear.