Is plaque on the labia normal?

White plaque on the labia often indicates the presence of a pathological process. It all depends on the accompanying symptoms of the disease.  Moreover, a whitish coating can be observed at any age and even in newborn girls. This condition is dangerous during pregnancy, as it often indicates the presence of a disease. A white coating between the labia that does not cause an unpleasant odor, itching or burning will be considered normal.

White plaque on the labia - causes

White plaque on the labia often appears as a result of the presence of genital candidiasis or thrush, as it is colloquially called. This is a fungal infection that causes a cheesy coating on a woman's genitals.

The main reasons for the development of this disease can be the following circumstances:

1. Sexual contact with a sick person.
2. Hormonal imbalance, often associated with age-related changes in teenage girls.
3. Disturbance of the microflora of the external genitalia in connection with the onset of sexual relations.

Where does plaque come from between the labia?

As mentioned above, a white formation on the labia can appear as a result of the physiology of the female body or as a result of illness.

Physiological reasons

Vaginal microflora can react to internal or external changes. During the period of hormonal changes in the body, girls aged 12 to 14 years may develop plaque on the genitals. Similar cases can be recorded during the period of bearing a child.

The beginning of a sexual relationship can also affect the condition of a woman’s genital organs. For example, in some cases, in this way, a woman’s organs are protected from foreign microflora of the sexual partner.

Other non-pathological factors can also cause white formations:

• lack of vitamins;
• tight underwear;
• errors in nutrition;
• failure to comply with personal hygiene rules;
• Low quality body cosmetics.

If such factors are eliminated, the plaque will disappear on its own, without additional treatment. Such a plaque in infants is called a sexual crisis and is considered normal. Because this is how the body cleanses itself after childbirth. After 7-9 days, this condition usually goes away.

Plaque caused by natural causes should not be eliminated. It protects the normal microflora of the vagina and also fights pathogenic microorganisms. Smegma (the so-called white formations between the labia) is associated with the functioning of the sebaceous glands. Remove it with a cotton swab and vegetable oil. You can also moisten it with water. But you should not use various aromatic soaps and gels, so as not to irritate the delicate skin of the labia.

Pathogenic factors

If, along with plaque, additional signs appear - burning, itching, redness, pain, etc., then this may indicate the onset of a disease.

These include the following pathologies:

• infections associated with human genitalia;
• sexual diseases;
• fungus.

Among these pathologies, the following diseases are the most common:

1. Thrush (candidiasis) and other fungal infections.
2. Vulvovaginitis and vaginitis.
3. Genital herpes.
4. STDs such as syphilis, gonorrhea, etc.

There is no need to guess where the plaque on the genitals came from; it is better to immediately visit a gynecologist. Through examination and additional tests, he himself will understand the causes of this condition. To avoid catching candidiasis, you should use a condom if you are not sure about your sexual partner.