"Girl, Yo' Pu$$y On Fiyah!"
Experiencing any type of vulvar irritation can make the best of us vulva owners crumble in pain. When I received a referral to a professional vulvar specialist for abnormal skin irritation #DownThere, no signs could’ve led me to believe that the pubic region could be prone to irritation without having a yeast infection or STI. Although the specialist couldn’t find a definite source of the problem after testing samples, she offered a medicated prescription ointment to heal the skin along with educational material sharing medical guidelines for improving vulvar skin care. I was surprised to hear that such a thing existed!
Applying healthy vulvar skincare practices isn’t as simple as spraying face toners and applying hydrating serums onto the crotch but rather incorporating some systematic changes and professional recommendations to make your vulva happier each day. I’ll be sharing vulvar skin care guidelines directly pulled from the SLU Care Female Pelvic Medicine & Reconstructive Surgery department below, but guidelines are very similar across other hospital systems; as always, take what you need, and leave the rest:
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Guidelines for Vulvar Skin Care
Please refer to the full list of guidelines here, as I will highlight only a few special tips for each category.
“Our goal is to promote healthy vulvar skin and decrease or relieve vaginal and vulvar symptoms. This is accomplished by the avoidance of potential contact irritants, chemicals, moisture, or rubbing (friction). These guidelines are based upon past success!”
Laundry Products
One of the first things to do after purchasing new clothes is to wash them, and the detergent we use matters!
“Use a detergent free of dyes, enzymes, and perfumes.”
This includes any clothing that comes into direct contact with your vulva:
Underwear
Gym Clothes
Hygiene Tools + Towels
Pajama Bottoms
If your response to this tip is “Well, now do I have to get two types of detergent?”, I challenge you to rethink the idea of “brand loyalty.” Loving a brand for the fragrant smell means nothing when yo’ coochie skins’ peace is at stake! Additionally, detergents marketed for babies are usually scented with fragrances and should also not be used.
“Do not use a fabric softener in the washer or dryer on these articles of clothing.”
Haven’t you seen all those TikToks by now about how fabric softener has just been a money-making marketing scheme that only ruins your machines and clothes over time? Fabric softener is SO OUT for 2024.
White vinegar may also be used in the washer as a natural softener, and dryer balls are a sustainable alternative to help combat static. (Consult your machine’s handbook before adding anything other than detergent to your washing routine)
Limit stain-removing products. Bleach or stain removers are not recommended for your underwear.
FYI: Vaginas emit odor, secrete fluids, and regulate fertility cycles. It’s OK for underwear to have stains; just make sure they’re clean!
Photo by engin akyurt on Unsplash
Clothing
Wear whatever brings you joy, but when vulvar skin irritation strikes, fabric breathability, dyes, and tightness play a significant factor in reducing the “itch that hurts to scratch.”
If you wear underwear, strive to find all cotton underwear with a white crotch lining.
Cotton allows air in and moisture out. Nylon underwear with a cotton crotch is the next best thing.
Sleeping without underwear is advised, loose-fitting pajama pants or boxers are acceptable if you sleep naked, even better!
It is OK to get bigger underwear sizes and cotton thongs! Any underwear that digs into your butt or inner thighs may irritate vulvar skin folds over time.
Avoid full pantyhose. Wear thigh-high ‘hoses and socks, or try mock garters for a stylish look without entrapping that heat between those thighs.
Avoid tight clothing, especially clothing made of synthetic fabrics. Remove wet bathing and exercise clothing ASAP.
Keep an extra pair of underwear with you in a small fabric or plastic bag and change if you become damp during the day at work/school.
Limit the use of Spanx-type garments, especially after genital hair maintenance sessions like waxes and shaving
Bathing and Hygiene
“Head-shoulders-vulva-toes?” Don’t skip over bathing hygiene practices that may reduce vulvar skin irritation.
Wash your hands before and after touching vulvar and pubic genitals.
Washing the vulva with your hands is adequate for good cleaning, but remember to clean and replace used washcloths and towels frequently.
Pat dry rather than rubbing with a towel or use a hairdryer on a cool setting to dry the vulva.
Bidet toilet attachments and irritant-free toilet paper are heaven-sent; I haven’t looked back at that “ultra soft” brand in years!
Avoid bath soaps, bubble baths, bath salts/bombs, scented oils, lotions, gels, period products, etc. that contain perfumes. These may smell nice but can cause skin irritation and flare-ups. This even includes many baby and feminine hygiene products marked "gentle" or "mild."
A few of my bar soap recommendations include all-natural olive oil soap, Trader Joe’s Oatmeal & Honey soap, and Dr. Bronner’s unscented soap.
Small amounts of extra virgin olive oil, coconut oil, or Crisco (yes, the shortening) may be applied to your vulva and other skin folds as often as needed to reduce skin friction and moisturize.
NOTE: Oil-based lubricants may affect the integrity of condoms and other barrier methods when used for birth control or prevention of sexually transmitted diseases.
Inserting organic tampons, menstrual cups, or wearing cotton period underwear during a menstrual cycle can reduce the amount of vulvar skin irritation one may experience wearing full-size pads or adult diapers for hours at a time.
Photo by Jakayla Toney on Unsplash
Birth Control Options
All hormonal contraceptives affect vaginal secretions, but should not cause vaginitis.
Flavored lubrication, contraceptive jellies, creams, or sponges may cause vulvar and vaginal itching and burning. Ask your sexual healthcare provider for information on topical alternatives or Long-acting Reversible Contraception (LARCs).
Using organic, unscented lubricants and nitrile or lambskin condoms during sex is still very effective at preventing unintended pregnancy and/or STI transmission when used consistently and correctly. Water-based products tend to dry before intercourse is over, so keep an ample supply of lube ready to use throughout sex.
Photo by Reproductive Health Supplies Coalition on Unsplash
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