What Is Vulvar Dermatitis?
Eczema around your vagina, known as vulvar dermatitis, happens when the soft folds of skin around your vagina become painful, red, and itchy. It causes thin cracks, red patches, vaginal weeping, and crust formation. This condition is treatable with medication and home treatments.
How long does vulvar dermatitis last?
Vulvar dermatitis may last a few weeks to a month or longer, depending on the cause. However, dermatitis from a reaction to an irritant often goes away about a month after you stop being exposed to what's causing the condition.
Dermatitis vs. Herpes
Herpes is an infection caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). It spreads from person to person through direct physical contact with infected body fluids such as saliva. Herpes doesn’t always cause symptoms, but when it does, it involves sores, blisters, itching, and pain in the affected area.
Dermatitis, on the other hand, is a skin irritation that often occurs when you have direct contact with something that causes an allergic reaction or irritation, such as poison ivy, tea tree oil, or perfume. Dermatitis may also happen due to dry skin, an infection, or immune system problems.
Although herpes and dermatitis symptoms may seem similar, herpes symptoms often show up on the mouth, face, or genital area, while dermatitis symptoms only affect the irritated body part. Also, while herpes can spread from person to person, dermatitis isn’t contagious.
Causes of Vulvar Dermatitis
Eczema can happen from a reaction to irritants. You’ll usually notice burning or stinging right away. This may happen from:
- Soap, bubble baths, bath salts, shampoo, conditioner, or detergent
- Panty liners
- Wipes
- Nylon underwear or other chemically treated clothing
- Douches
- Vaginal discharges, pee, or sweat
- Perfume, baby powder, or deodorants
- Lubricants or spermicides
- Alcohol or astringents
Some known allergens can also cause vulvar dermatitis. But symptoms might not appear until many days after exposure. They include:
- Latex (which is in condoms and diaphragms)
- Tea tree oil
- Fragrances
- Propylene glycol (a preservative used in many products)
- Imidazole antifungal
- Chlorhexidine (which is in K-Y Jelly)
- Benzocaine
- Neomycin
But sometimes it’s not possible to discover the cause of your dermatitis.
Symptoms of Vulvar Dermatitis
You may notice symptoms of eczema around your vagina suddenly or more gradually as they get worse over time. Warning signs include:
- Redness and swelling on your vulva
- Mild to severe burning or itching on your vulva
- A raw feeling from vulvar irritation
- A wet or damp feeling from weeping on the irritated skin (you might mistake this for vaginal discharge)
- Pain when using a tampon, speculum, or during sex
Vulvar Dermatitis Diagnosis
If you think you may have vulvar dermatitis, schedule an appointment with your doctor. During your visit, they’ll ask you about your symptoms, if you have a history of eczema, any allergies you have, what your vulvar cleaning habits are, and what products you use around your vagina.
Then, your doctor will do an exam of the skin around your vagina. They’ll look for skin changes such as cracking, thickening, redness, or scaling. They may also test a sample of your vaginal discharge to rule out infection.
Vulvar Dermatitis Treatment
If your doctor finds that you have eczema on your vulva, they’ll suggest the next steps for treatment. It’s best to go with your doctor’s recommendations rather than over-the-counter methods since these might have additional allergens or irritants in them.
Your doctor might prescribe a cream to treat your eczema. You should apply the cream to your vulva as often as instructed by your doctor. While you use it, you’ll want to keep stronger soaps and cosmetic washes away from your vaginal area.
Your doctor may also give you a topical steroid. The skin on your vulva will absorb this medication quickly, so it’s important that you use it carefully and as directed. Usually, you should only use these medications once or twice a day. Sometimes, your doctor will prescribe an antibiotic with your steroid cream as well. Make sure you follow the directions to avoid further eczema flares.
Vulvar Dermatitis Remedies
In addition to your medication, there are some things you can do at home to keep yourself comfortable. Always talk to your doctor before you begin any at-home treatments such as:
Baking soda soaks. You can soak in lukewarm bath water with 4 to 5 tablespoons of baking soda to help soothe your vulvar irritation. Do this one to three times a day for 10 minutes.
Gold Bond or Zeasorb Powder. You can sprinkle these on your underwear to control dampness. Don’t use other forms of powder or cornstarch.
To get the best treatment outcome, follow these care instructions:
- Don’t wash your vaginal area more than once a day. Only use cool water with or without a mild soap.
- Don’t douche or use sprays on your vulvar area.
- Use unscented sanitary pads or tampons during your period.
- Don’t have sex until you feel better.
- Try sleeping without any underwear.
- Wear loose clothing. Stay away from nylon or other fabrics that trap heat and moisture.
Waxing With Vulvar Dermatitis
If you have vulvar dermatitis, it’s best to stop waxing the area until the dermatitis goes away. Waxing could cause more irritation to your vulvar, making your symptoms worse or take longer to heal. You could use a shaving stick and a mild, gentle soap or hair conditioner to remove hair from your vulvar area.
Takeaways
Vulvar dermatitis is a common skin condition that occurs when the vulvar area comes in contact with something that irritates it, such as panty liners, alcohol, and wipes. Your doctor may recommend medicines that you apply to your vulva to relieve and get rid of your symptoms. Try to continue following personal hygiene, washing your vaginal area with cool water and mild soap if you like. You can pause on having sex till your symptoms go away, wear loose-fitting clothes, and sleep without underwear. Also, don’t scratch the area.
Is vulvar dermatitis an STD?
No, vulvar dermatitis is not an STD and doesn’t spread from person to person. However, it can be a sign of an infection from bacteria, viruses, or yeast.
How do you heal vulvar skin?
You can heal vulvar skin by using the treatments your doctor prescribes. Stop doing things that may slow healing or worsen your symptoms, such as waxing or shaving with a shaving cream. Care for your skin by wearing loose, breathable underwear, and cleanse the area with a gentle cleanser.
What can be mistaken for vulvar dermatitis?
Vulvar dermatitis may be mistaken for conditions that affect the vulva such as Lichen planus and psoriasis.
What cream is best for vulvar dermatitis?
Your doctor will likely recommend applying corticosteroid cream twice daily for 2-4 weeks and then less often until your symptoms disappear.
Can vulvar dermatitis cause itching around the vulva and anus?
Yes, vulvar dermatitis causes itching around the vulva and anus. Dermatitis can also appear between the folds of your butt cheeks.
