{"id":1777,"date":"2023-05-15T11:06:28","date_gmt":"2023-05-15T11:06:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/myobgynoffice\/?p=1777"},"modified":"2026-02-02T05:13:54","modified_gmt":"2026-02-02T05:13:54","slug":"vulvar-dermatitis-main-reasons-remedies-for-this-condition","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/myobgynoffice\/vulvar-dermatitis-main-reasons-remedies-for-this-condition\/","title":{"rendered":"Vulvar Dermatitis &#8211; Main Reasons &amp; Remedies for This Condition"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The outer part of the female genitalia is called a vulva. The vulvar area consists of labia majora (outside), labia minora (inside), part of the clitoris, and the urethral and vaginal openings. The primary role of the vulva is to offer protection for the internal parts of the female reproductive system. Having an inflamed vulva can cause different issues within the system as well, so it is crucial to practice regular <\/span><a href=\"\/myobgynoffice\/services\/gynecological-care\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">gynecological care<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and speak to your doctor if you notice unusual symptoms.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dermatitis as a skin condition includes skin irritation, rash, hives, etc., which can be caused by different factors, from genetics, infections, and allergies to the immune system and its reactions to different external stimuli.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Vulvar dermatitis is quite a frequent skin condition affecting the portions of the skin on and around the vaginal opening. It most often occurs in the places where the skin folds or on the skin between the buttocks. Although most cases of vulvar dermatitis can be treated quite simply, do not forget to consult with an expert on these topics, such as the <\/span><a href=\"\/myobgynoffice\/providers\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">doctors at the Women\u2019s Health Partners<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, and receive proper diagnosis and guidance.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>What Is Vulvar Dermatitis?<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As previously explained, vulvar dermatitis is a skin condition that occurs in the region of the vulva, especially in the places where the skin is folded. This type of condition is often referred to as vulvitis or inflammation, and it can include two types:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Atopic dermatitis or vulvar eczema and<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Contact dermatitis on the vulva<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In both of these cases, the symptoms can include vulvar itching, which signals that an external factor has caused vulvar skin damage or an allergic reaction.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Symptoms can vary from person to person, but generally, they include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Mild or severe itching\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Swelling in the vulvar area\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Thick white skin patches<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fluid coming from the vulva<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Burning sensation\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Vulvar tenderness<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Irritation\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Redness of the vulvar area<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pain during sexual intercourse, tampon, or speculum insertion\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Discomfort during sexual intercourse<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Experts say that the symptoms can worsen at night, when you are having sexual intercourse, or when you are on your period.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>The main Causes Vulvar Dermatitis<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1779\" src=\"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/myobgynoffice\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/240\/2023\/05\/Main-Reasons-for-Vulvar-Dermatitis-.jpg\" alt=\"Doctor and Patient Discussing Current Health Examination While Sitting in Clinic\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/myobgynoffice\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/240\/2023\/05\/Main-Reasons-for-Vulvar-Dermatitis--200x133.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/myobgynoffice\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/240\/2023\/05\/Main-Reasons-for-Vulvar-Dermatitis--300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/myobgynoffice\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/240\/2023\/05\/Main-Reasons-for-Vulvar-Dermatitis--400x267.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/myobgynoffice\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/240\/2023\/05\/Main-Reasons-for-Vulvar-Dermatitis--600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/myobgynoffice\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/240\/2023\/05\/Main-Reasons-for-Vulvar-Dermatitis--768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/myobgynoffice\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/240\/2023\/05\/Main-Reasons-for-Vulvar-Dermatitis--800x534.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/myobgynoffice\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/240\/2023\/05\/Main-Reasons-for-Vulvar-Dermatitis-.jpg 1000w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In general, the vulvar skin is very sensitive, so that damage might occur often. Although the vulva is seen as a protector and a barrier, it is quite fragile when it comes to protecting the system from allergens and irritants. Considering that vulvar dermatitis is seen as a consequence of contact dermatitis on the vulva, it is clear that having contact with external factors such as heat, moisture, different products, allergens, etc., causes the symptoms mentioned above.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Substances seen as potential causes of vulvar dermatitis are:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Deodorants<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Perfumes<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Douches and other feminine hygiene products\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Soaps<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Shampoos and hair conditioners\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Laundry detergents\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pads, tampons<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Synthetic underwear materials\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Food preservatives\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Excessive washing\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Medication\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Rubber products (gloves, condoms, etc.)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Spermicide\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dyes\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Urinary incontinence, which causes low control over urination or defecation, leaving residue\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Contact dermatitis on the vulva can be either the irritant or the allergic type, depending on whether the external substance is irritating the outer layer of the skin or it is causing an allergic reaction.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Be aware that vulvar dermatitis can sometimes last for a few weeks, sometimes up to one month, so make sure you are in contact with an experienced professional who is guiding you through your treatment path.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>Diagnosis of Vulvar Dermatitis\u00a0<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Vulvar itching can also be caused by vaginal eczema, different infections, psoriasis, pubic lice, lichen planus, vaginal cancer, vulvodynia, yeast, etc., so it is essential that you schedule an appointment with your chosen doctor and discuss your particular symptoms to eliminate some other potential diagnoses.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In most cases, the medical provider will speak to you about your medical history and current lifestyle routines, as well as your symptoms and their severity. Tests that are often done to find the proper diagnosis include a physical (pelvic) exam, testing the vaginal discharge and urine, patch testing, and a biopsy. Patch testing is used to identify potential allergens causing the itching, and a biopsy is done when the provider suspects that you might be suffering from cervical dysplasia, vulvar cancer, and other problematic conditions.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>Vulvar Dermatitis Treatment\u00a0<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Regarding treatment tactics for vulvar dermatitis, there are a few paths your provider can recommend. First, it would be quite useful if you are able to recognize what triggers your condition so that you can avoid exposure to those factors. This is where your doctor plays a significant role, so do not miss this step.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">After you have a proper diagnosis and you have started working on eliminating triggers, here are some other options you can try:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><b>At-home remedies:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> using a cold cloth on the irritated area, washing clothes regularly with mild detergent, washing the vulvar area with very mild soap and lukewarm water once a day (not more) using your fingers, not a cloth, patting the area with a clean towel every time, wearing 100% cotton underwear as well as loose-fitting clothes, avoiding douching and usage of scented female hygiene products as well as baby wipes, using unscented toilet paper and cotton sanitary pads, avoiding shaving the vulva, and alike.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><b>Medication:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> various creams, pills, and ointments are available for vulvar dermatitis treatment, such as anti-itch medication, corticosteroid ointments, or anti-itch emollients.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sexual intercourse with vulvar dermatitis is safe in the context of the condition not being contagious. This said it is essential to underline that you might feel more extensive pain and discomfort if you are practicing sexual relations while having this condition.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It is recommended that you let your body heal before going back to intimate relations, but if you do decide to engage in sex when going through vulvar dermatitis, here are some tips to help you out:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Do not use spermicide-containing or scented and flavored condoms<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Instead of artificial lubrication, use natural oils such as coconut oil<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Avoid using scented or perfumed care products<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Soaps (especially those with deodorants, colors, or perfumes)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pads (especially when worn everyday)<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><b>Can Vulvar Dermatitis Be Prevented?<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Unfortunately, if genetics is the reason why you developed vulvar dermatitis, then there is not much you can do about risk reduction. But, if you discover that you are allergic to certain substances or they cause vulvar irritation, refrain from using them, and that is the best prevention tactic for this condition, regardless of whether it is vaginal eczema or contact dermatitis on the vulva.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>When Should I Call a Doctor?<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1780\" src=\"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/myobgynoffice\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/240\/2023\/05\/When-Should-I-Call-a-Doctor.jpg\" alt=\"Concerned Beautiful Female Medicine Doctor Listening Carefully Patient Complaints.\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/myobgynoffice\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/240\/2023\/05\/When-Should-I-Call-a-Doctor-200x133.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/myobgynoffice\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/240\/2023\/05\/When-Should-I-Call-a-Doctor-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/myobgynoffice\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/240\/2023\/05\/When-Should-I-Call-a-Doctor-400x267.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/myobgynoffice\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/240\/2023\/05\/When-Should-I-Call-a-Doctor-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/myobgynoffice\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/240\/2023\/05\/When-Should-I-Call-a-Doctor-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/myobgynoffice\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/240\/2023\/05\/When-Should-I-Call-a-Doctor-800x534.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/myobgynoffice\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/240\/2023\/05\/When-Should-I-Call-a-Doctor.jpg 1000w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Although vulvar dermatitis is not seen as a severe condition, and the symptoms improve quite fast, certain signs should be taken into consideration when deciding whether or not to call a doctor.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you start experiencing an increase in swelling, pain, or burning, or you start noticing a fever, as well as a faulty-smelling<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mayoclinic.org\/symptoms\/vaginal-odor\/basics\/causes\/sym-20050664\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> vaginal discharge<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, contact your doctor immediately!<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>We Are Here!\u00a0<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Suffering from different inflammations, infections, and conditions of the vulva and the vagina is nothing to be ashamed of. Our specialists are trained and educated to help patients with whatever they may need, so feel free to pick up the phone and call us today! Your health is important to us.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The outer part of the female genitalia is called a vulva. The vulvar area consists of labia majora (outside), labia<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":1778,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":"","_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"categories":[16],"tags":[136,135,133,134,137],"class_list":["post-1777","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-gynecology","tag-contact-dermatitis-on-vulva","tag-vaginal-eczema","tag-vulvar-dermatitis","tag-vulvar-dermatitis-treatment","tag-vulvar-itching"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/myobgynoffice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1777","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/myobgynoffice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/myobgynoffice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/myobgynoffice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/myobgynoffice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1777"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/myobgynoffice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1777\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/myobgynoffice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1778"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/myobgynoffice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1777"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/myobgynoffice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1777"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/myobgynoffice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1777"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}