Do you sometimes feel an itchy, burning sensation in the area around your vagina, that is, the external genital area? Maybe this is worse at night, or maybe this discomfort is made worse by some of the clothes you wear. This is actually a topic that many people have, but are a little embarrassed to talk about. But it is very important to be aware of this. Today, we will talk about this condition called (Vulvar Dermatitis ) in a simple way that you can understand.

What is Vulvar Dermatitis?

Simply put, (Vulvar Dermatitis) is an inflammation or irritation of the skin around your external genital area . The word vulva refers to the folds of skin around the vagina, that is, the parts that are visible from the outside. In this condition, your skin in this area can become dry and itchy . Sometimes this (Dermatitis) condition can also occur on the skin around the anus or between the buttocks, which is also called (Parianal Eczema ). There are two main types of (Vulvar Dermatitis). One is (Atopic Dermatitis) (also called (Vulvar Eczema)), and the other is (Contact Dermatitis). In both of these, the skin in your vagina starts to itch, either because something in your environment has damaged it or because it has an allergic reaction.

Who is affected the most by this situation?

Anyone with a vulva can develop vulvar dermatitis. However, if you are not yet a woman (i.e., have not started menstruating ) or are postmenopausal , you are more likely to develop this condition. This is because during this time, your levels of the hormone estrogen are lower than they would be during a normal menstrual cycle. When estrogen levels drop, the skin in the vulva becomes dry, thin, and easily damaged and irritated.

What are the symptoms of (Vulvar Dermatitis)?

The most common symptom is itching in the vaginal area (vulvitis). This itching can be mild for some people, but can be unbearable for others. In addition, there may be symptoms such as:

The skin feels like it's burning, stinging, or injured .
Some areas of the skin feel thicker than the surrounding skin.
Depending on your skin tone, some areas may appear red or darker than the surrounding skin.
The vaginal area feels wet because the skin is damaged and a liquid-like substance (weeping) comes out of it.
Pain in the vaginal area during sexual intercourse, when using a tampon, or when a doctor inserts a speculum during a pelvic exam.

Sometimes your symptoms may get worse during these times:

At night.
When having sex.
On your period days.
When you're sweating profusely.

What are the causes of Vulvar Dermatitis?

Did you know that the skin in the vaginal area is more sensitive than the skin on the rest of our body? This means that it can be easily damaged by harmful substances in the environment, allergens. The skin can become irritated or allergic to some product you use. For example, some people experience this condition when they use scented soaps, use certain detergents on their clothes, or wear underwear made of certain synthetic fabrics. Here are some things that can cause (Vulvar Dermatitis):

Soap, bubble bath, shampoo, conditioner.
Deodorant, perfume, douching liquid, talcum powder.
Underwear made of synthetic fabrics like nylon.
Laundry detergent, dryer balls.
Sanitary pads, panty liners, tampons.
Food preservatives.
Toilet paper (some scented and colored).
Tea Tree Oil - Some people may be allergic to this.
Spermicides.
Some medications.
Nickel - Found in some jewelry and clothing buttons.
Dyes - used to color clothes.

Another thing is, if you have difficulty controlling your bowels or urine (fecal or urinary incontinence), that is, if you pass urine involuntarily, you are more likely to develop Vulvar Dermatitis''. This is because urine and feces can remain on the skin and irritate it.

How is this condition (Vulvar Dermatitis) diagnosed?

This is a bit complicated, because the symptoms of (Vulvar Dermatitis) are similar to those of many other conditions. That's why it's important to see a doctor for an accurate diagnosis . A doctor will rule out other conditions before finding the cause of your itching. Here are some other conditions that can cause itching, burning, and inflammation in the vaginal area:

(Lichen Planus)
(Lichen Sclerosus)
( Psoriasis ) ( Scalp )
(Seborrheic Dermatitis)
Vaginal Atrophy (dryness of the vagina )
Vaginitis (inflammation of the vagina)
Vulvar Cancer in the vaginal area - this is very rare, but must be ruled out)
Vulvitis (inflammation of the vagina)
Vulvodynia (long-term pain in the vaginal area without a cause)
(Yeast Vulvitis) (Inflammation caused by a yeast infection)

Your doctor will do the following to diagnose Vulvar Dermatitis: 1. Medical History and Symptoms: Ask if anyone in your family has skin diseases, asthma, or autoimmune diseases. Ask about your symptoms, how long they have been present, and when they get worse. Ask about the medications you take, your lifestyle, and what you do to keep your vagina clean. 2. Physical Exam: The doctor will examine your vulva and vagina to check for any damage to the skin or inflammation. They may also check your vaginal discharge. Vaginal itching can often be a sign of an infection. This test can help determine if you have a yeast infection or a bacterial infection. 3. Patch Testing: This involves applying a small amount of different allergens to your skin to see if you have a reaction to them. This can help determine if something in your environment is causing your dermatitis. 4. Biopsy: If your condition is changing rapidly or getting worse despite treatment, your doctor may recommend a biopsy. This involves taking a small piece of skin and examining it under a microscope. This can help rule out other conditions that have similar symptoms, such as vulvar cancer or cervical dysplasia.

What is the treatment for this?

Most of the time, you can get rid of this condition by avoiding things that cause itching and keeping the vaginal area clean . There are also medications that can help control the pain and itching until the dermatitis heals.

Lifestyle changes

The first thing you need to do is stay away from anything that you think might cause an allergy or skin irritation. In the meantime, you should also make sure to gently cleanse the vaginal area. Choose clothes that allow your skin to breathe. For example, you can do these things:

Don't wash your vaginal area more than once a day. When washing, use a mild, unscented soap and lukewarm water .
When washing the vaginal area, use your hand and fingers instead of a washcloth.
When you're done washing, pat dry with a clean towel , but don't rub vigorously.
Wear 100% cotton underwear instead of synthetic fabrics. Or, sometimes (especially at night), it's better to go without underwear.
Wear loose cotton clothes instead of tight underwear or jeans.
Wash your clothes.Use unscented, mild detergents .
Avoid douching and using feminine hygiene products that contain fragrances or chemicals that can irritate the skin.

The most important thing to remember when cleaning your vaginal area is "less is more." Washing too often, scrubbing too hard, and using too many products can make your dermatitis worse.

Medicines

If you can't stop scratching and are unable to stop scratching, a doctor may prescribe pills, creams, or ointments to help prevent skin damage. These may include:

Medications that reduce itching and help you sleep: Antihistamines such as Hydroxyzine and Doxepin.
Corticosteroid Ointments: These reduce inflammation. Examples: Hydrocortisone, Desonide, Triamcinolone, Clobetasol Propionate, Betamethasone Dipropionate. These should only be used in the amount and for the duration prescribed by a doctor.
Anti-itch emollients: Examples: Balneum Plus®, E45 Itch® or Dermacool®.

If you have something else besides itching, such as an infection, the doctor will prescribe other medications that are appropriate for that.

How can the risk of this situation be reduced?

If you are genetically predisposed to developing Vulvar Eczema, there is little you can do to reduce your risk. However, everyone can prevent the condition from developing by avoiding exposure to irritants or allergens , which involves taking good care of the vaginal area. It is important to follow the lifestyle changes mentioned above.

How long will it take for this condition to heal?

The time it takes for your dermatitis to heal depends on what caused it. For example, contact dermatitis can take about two weeks to a month to heal after you remove the offending substance. If you have an infection along with dermatitis, it may take a little longer.

When should I see a doctor?

Always consult a doctor before using over-the-counter (OTC) medications to relieve your itching. Vaginal itching is a common symptom of many conditions that require different treatments. Without a proper diagnosis, the medication you are taking could contain something harmful to you.

Don't be embarrassed. Itching and burning in the vaginal area are common reasons why many people visit their doctors.

What does vulvar inflammation look like?

Your labia, the folds of skin around your vagina, may appear swollen, red, or darker than the surrounding skin. Some areas of your skin may also appear thicker than the surrounding skin.

What does Vulvar Eczema look like?

In (Vulvar Eczema), the vaginal area may appear swollen, red, or darker than the surrounding skin - just like (Vulvar Inflammation). In addition, there may be patches of inflamed skin that appear as blisters on the skin, and may turn white like a coral.

What is the best cream for itching in the private area?

It's hard to give a single answer to this. A doctor can prescribe a Corticosteroid cream to control your itching, or an Antihistamine to help you sleep at night. But the medicine you need will depend on what's causing your itching . Therefore, it's best to see a doctor to find out the exact cause of your symptoms.

Finally, things to remember

Vaginal itching and irritation can be really annoying. But don't try to treat it yourself. Using the wrong over-the-counter cream or ointment can actually make things worse. So, it's important to get an accurate diagnosis and get the treatment (and relief) you need. Once you know what's bothering you, you can take steps to avoid it. Get healthy!