Skin Care Guidelines for Vulvodynia

Burning, itching, pain, or raw discomfort at the opening of your vagina (vulva) for more than 3 months? This is called vulvodynia. Good skin care of the perineum and/or groin region can help. This is done by reducing or eliminating chemicals, moisture, and friction. Below are suggestions to help give you relief!

Hygiene

You only need gentle cleansing of the vaginal region by letting warm water run over it, use your hand or pat with a soft cloth, no need to scrub or use soap! Use unscented bath soaps, lotions, body washes, bubble bath, and bath salts. Pat dry or even use a hair dryer on a cool setting if it is too painful to touch. Be sure to use unscented feminine hygiene products, wipes, or sprays. Also, allow hair growth in the vulvar area. Ingrown hairs and skin irritation can occur with shaving.

Additional Tips for Discomfort

Baking soda soaks can soothe vulvar itching and burning. Add 4-5 tablespoons of baking soda to warm (not hot) bathwater and soak for 10-15 minutes.
Change or remove tampons every 4 hours. Do not wear pads or liners everyday to avoid dryness.
Run warm water over the vulva after urinating if it causes discomfort. Then pat dry.
The vagina is self cleaning – that’s what vaginal discharge is for! No need to douche.
You can use A&D ointment, plain vaseline, or extra virgin olive oil externally to protect the skin. Only use other OTC ointments if instructed by your healthcare provider.
Keep skin dry by changing underwear if needed, use cotton fabrics or you can use Gold Bond powder to absorb moisture.

Clothing

Opt for loose-fitting undergarments and pants. Tight clothing can compress or rub against the groin, pelvis, hips, and abdomen causing irritation. If you wear nylons, you can cut out the crotch area to avoid rubbing or wear thigh-high stockings. We also recommend 100% cotton fabric that allows airflow is best for underwear rather than synthetic fabrics or dyed undergarments. And remember, always remove wet clothing such as swimwear or sweaty clothing as soon as you can.

Additional Tips for Laundry & Treating Clothes

Laundering considerations of any clothing that comes in contact with your vulvar region such as underwear, workout clothing, towels, swimsuits, and pajamas.
Use detergents that are free of dyes, perfumes, and other chemicals (look for All Free and Clear on the bottle)
Hang dry these clothing items rather than using fabric softener and dryer sheets.
Ensure any stain-removing products are fully rinsed out of clothing, or they can cause irritation.

Activity

Limit participation in abrasive activities such as biking or horseback riding. Use lubricant during intercourse to avoid friction with dryness & irritation. Water-based products can dry quickly. Do not use lubricated condoms as they can cause burning & irritation, opt for non-lubricated non-spermicidal, and then use your own lubricant. A helpful reminder- change into dry clean clothes after sweating or wet activities.

Having Discomfort With Vulvodynia? Get in Touch With Breathe. PTW!

If these changes do not give you relief, reach out to your healthcare provider or a pelvic floor physical therapist! Don’t hesitate to call Breathe. Physical Therapy & Wellness with locations in Eastern Iowa and Des Moines if you’re experiencing symptoms of Vulvodynia.

Source: Vulvar Skin Lesions- The University of Iowa https://iro.uiowa.edu

Breathe. is unique! Integrative physical therapy for women. Private, personalized care that celebrates client victories, big and small. We believe all women deserve to live energetic, vibrant and active lives and it’s our mission to be a partner in achieving that, by specializing in dry needling, DRA, pants peeing, pregnancy/postpartum pain and recovery, pelvic floor dysfunction, headaches, back pain and other orthopedic concerns.

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