Blue Waffles Disease
What is Blue Waffle Disease?
Blue Waffles Disease is a term that describes the infection and inflammation of the vagina, which results in a bluish discoloration of the area. It is a sexually transmitted disease, causing a bluish-coloration of the labia and smelly discharge from the genital organs. Blue waffle disease affects both men and women, however it is mostly seen in women.
The symptoms of this condition are similar to vaginitis, and it can also be caused by untreated vaginitis. Blue waffle disease is a severe infection, particularly the most severe form of vaginitis. The term “Blue waffle” comes from the blue color of vagina when it is affected with the disease, and waffle refers to female sex organs. Blue waffle disease became a topic of interest in 2007, but it is not a proper medical term [1,3].
How do you get Blue Waffles Disease?
Blue waffles disease can be acquired through unsafe sex and a result of various sexual transmitted diseases. Severe infection in the vagina results in the unpleasant appearance of the vulva with several additional symptoms. Also read about vesicovaginal fistula.
This condition mainly affects women who engage in dangerous sexual behavior. Risk factors for this condition are:
Weak Immune System (local and general)
Persons who are immunocompromised have a greater risk of developing this condition. Vaginal area is very sensitive and has a local immune system that fights bacteria and other organisms. Exposure to sexually transmitted diseases can weaken local immune system and cause the progression of the infection. Disruption of the vaginal microflora causes accumulation of bad microorganisms, thus causing an infection.
Poor hygiene
unprotected sex is the most common reason for blue waffle disease. Having sexual intercourse with multiple partners without using protection is one of the biggest concerns. Also, use of unclean sex toys, having sex in unsanitary circumstances and other improper sex practices can lead to bruising and cuts, which allows the bacteria to infect sex organs. Lack of daily hygiene (not washing, wearing tight and unclean underwear) further increases the risk. Poor hygiene can also result in condition called Trench Foot.
Unbalanced diet
Improper diet can also be a cause for changes in the vaginal immune system. The pH of vagina is normally 3.5 to 4.5. Diet can cause fluctuations in this number, causing loss of proper immune protection. Also, lack of minerals and vitamins, lack of sleep and consumption of alcohol and drugs can lead to weakening of immune system.
Mental stress
Mental stress is a factor that can further aggravate certain diseases by impairing immune system. Poor mental status can also play a role in making possibly dangerous decisions, like having unprotected sex with multiple partners.
PathoPhysiology
Blue waffle disease usually starts out as a sexually transmitted infection. The irritation and bruising leads to the infection entering deeper tissue. Not treating the initial condition and continuing the same sexual behavior leads to acquirement of other infections, both bacterial and fungal [2].
Symptoms and Signs
Discolorations in the vagina
The main symptom of Blue waffles disease is the bluish discoloration of the vagina, which gave rise to the name. The discoloration results from the constant bruising of the infected vagina by a penis or other device. The presence of discoloration signifies a severe form of vaginal infection.
Presence of vaginal secretions
Along with infection, there is also the presence of purulent vaginal secretions that constantly drain from the vagina. These secretions may be foul and contain bacteria, which may spread to sexual partners.
Foul smelling vagina
The presence of secretions and swelling also contributes to the presence of unpleasant odor in the vagina.
Vaginal Itching
Accumulation of secretions causes the vagina to become itchy. Scratching the area further aggravates the condition.
Burning sensation or intense pain in the vagina
The presence of infection stimulates the inflammatory response in the area. As a result, there is pain in the area even without contact. In addition, the nerves may also be affected, leading to a burning or tingling sensation inside the vagina.
Sore genitals or swelling in the vulva
The vaginal inflammation causes blood vessels to dilate and increase in the leak of fluid from the blood into the interstitial space, giving rise to swelling.
Abdominal filling
The Blue waffles condition may also cause intense swelling in the vulva and the pelvic area. This causes the person to feel abdominal fullness along with rectal and vaginal fullness. Some women may experience severe swelling, which makes the vagina very tense and inflamed. More severe cases also lead to tumor formations in the area and more distention.
Dry skin on the vagina
Dryness of the skin around the vulva is also a result of lack of lubrication because of the affectation of the Bartholin’s gland on the vaginal opening.
Pain during intercourse
Swelling, inflammation and lack of lubrication all contribute to pain during intercourse or clinically termed as dyspareunia.
Limited motions in the lower extremities and hips
The intense swelling and pain causes the person to limit movement in order to prevent aggravation of pain in the area.
Additional symptoms
- Fever
- Nausea, vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- Fatigue
- Trouble sleeping (can be due to pain)
- Depression, low self-esteem
- Changes in menstrual cycle, loss of menstruation
- Infertility [1,4]
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of Blue Waffles disease is primarily done by physical examination and pelvic examination. The characteristic look of the vagina may ascertain the diagnosis. Other diagnostic tests include:
Pelvic examination
Pelvic examination is done by looking into other organs such as the cervix and inner vagina to look for spread of the disease. Pelvic examination assesses other affectation in the pelvic organs.
Smearing
Pap smear or vaginal smears are taken to check for the specific microorganism that caused the infection. This test also allows doctors to choose the right treatment depending on the causative microorganism.
Treatment and Cure of Blue waffles Disease
Treatment for Blue Waffles Disease includes:
Antibiotic therapy
Patients with bacterial infection in the reproductive tract may require antibiotics for a certain course, depending on the severity of the infection. The most common antibiotics used are doxycycline and penicillin. Patients should complete the whole course to prevent drug tolerance and aggravation of the infection.
Antifungal medications
Antifungal creams or oral preparations may also be given because of subsequent yeast infections. A sore vagina with secretions usually invites yeast to grow in the area and causes secondary fungal infections. Read about Fungal rash here.
Proper perineal hygiene
Perineal hygiene is also important to keep the vulva clean and dry. A moist environment allows for further growth of microorganisms. Perineal care may require the use of mild cleansers or feminine wash, which contain lactic acid, to enhance the normal acidity of the vagina and prevent further infection.
Wear Loose undergarments
Wearing undergarments that allow for air circulation prevent further irritation of the vulva. Also, choose cotton underwear to allow efficient absorption of secretions [5].
Prevention
Prevention is the most effective treatment for blue waffles disease. It involves proper perineal hygiene, safe sex practices, and being monogamous. Prostitutes should also go for monthly http://www.acog.org/Patients/FAQs/Your-First-Gynecologic-Visit-Especially-for-Teens to prevent and treat sexually transmitted diseases.
Images of Blue Waffles Disease
Images, Pictures n photos of blue waffles disease.
Image 1 – Infection & Inflammation (bluish discoloration)
Image 2- Blue Waffle on Face in men
Image 3 – Diagrammatic Representation of Blue Waffle over genital organs
Image 4 – Bluish coloration on female ext.genital organ i.e Vagina
References
- www.healthguidances.com/blue-waffle-disease/
- healthypair.net/blue-waffles-disease-causes-symptoms-treatment-and-pictures
- medsymptoms.org/blue-waffle-disease-causes-symptoms-and-treatment.html
- diseasespictures.com/blue-waffles-disease-pictures/
- https://books.google.co.in/books?id=yjK2BQAAQBAJ&pg=PA108&dq=blue+waffle+disease&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwj2mYDujIHPAhUIuI8KHdW6AZoQ6AEINzAD#v=onepage&q=blue%20waffle%20disease&f=false
- www.nydailynews.com/news/national/n-councilwoman-victimized-blue-waffle-disease-prank-article-1.1307832
- healthresource4u.com/blue-waffle-disease-causes-symptoms-and-treatment.html
- bluewafflesdiseases.com/2016/04/blue-waffles-disease-images-pictures-symptoms.html