Good Skin Care: One Key to Preventing Vulvar and Vaginal Disorders

When you have pain in your vulva or vagina, it can be deeply unsettling. The discomfort can affect everyday activities – like working out or going to the bathroom – and makes it difficult, if not impossible, to be intimate with a partner.

The good news is that some vulvar and vaginal disorders are common, treatable and even preventable. Taking steps to practice good hygiene can help resolve some common symptoms or lessen your chance of developing vulvar and vaginal conditions like bacterial vaginosis or vulvar dermatitis. Follow these tips to improve your vulvar skin care.

If you’re following all of those tips but still suffering from vulvar rashes, itching or other discomfort, examine other products you may be using to see if they have irritants or allergens you may be sensitive to. Some common ones are:

• Antiseptics (iodine, hexachlorophene)
• Body fluids (semen, saliva or sweat)
• Condoms containing lubricant or spermicide
• Contraceptive creams, jellies, foams, nonoxynol-9, lubricants
• Emollients (lanolin, jojoba oil, glycerin)
• Rubber products, including latex
• Tea tree oil
• Topical anesthetics, like VAGISIL (benzocaine, lidocaine, dibucaine)
• Topical antibiotics, like NEOSPORIN (neomycin, bacitracin, polymyxin)
• Topical antimycotics, like MONISTAT (nystatin)
• Topical corticosteroids
• Vaginal hygiene products, including perfumes and deodorants

When your symptoms are persistent or get worse, consider seeing a vulvar and vaginal disease specialist. The University of Kansas Health System has the only specialized vulvar and vaginal disease care team in Kansas and the Kansas City region. In-person visits with the vulvar and vaginal specialists are at the Quivira Medical Pavilion in Overland Park, Kansas. Virtual consultations are also available.