Vulval soreness, pain, dryness and irritation are very common conditions. Vulval skin is very sensitive and can be easily irritated by every day products including soap, bubble bath, shower gel, talcum powder, wet wipes, panty liners, perfumes, deodorants, antiseptics, fragranced washing powders and fabric conditioners.
It can be embarrassing and uncomfortable when the vulval skin becomes sore, irritated or dry, but there are some things that you can do to improve matters.
- Avoid all irritant products to the vulval area as listed above.
- Do not wash too often (once a day is usually enough) as this may aggravate dryness and cause irritation. Avoid vaginal douching and hair removal.
- Use a soap substitute for washing; washing only with water can aggravate dryness. It is preferable to use an unscented emollient as a soap substitute (see more information later). Wash your vulval skin gently either using your hands or a soft flannel or cloth. Alternatively apply the soap substitute before entering the bath or shower. Do not use wet wipes.
- Dry skin thoroughly after a bath or shower - even use a cool hairdryer.
- After washing apply an emollient to moisturise and soothe the vulval skin. Emollients can be applied frequently throughout the day as required to soothe the skin and also to act as a protective barrier prior to passing water or opening your bowels. Although aqueous cream is often prescribed, there are better emollients available. Some people may have a reaction to aqueous cream used as an emollient, and it has a high water content, making it less effective than other products as a leave-on emollient.
- Emollients do not cause serious side effects. Occasionally they may irritate or sting if your skin is sensitive then try an alternative product. If you develop a rash or your skin condition worsens after using an emollient, stop using it and consult your doctor as you may be allergic to one of the ingredients but this is unusual.
- If you are using other treatments to the skin such as a steroid cream do not use this as the same time as the emollient as it may dilute their effect. Leave an interval of 15-30 minutes between moisturising and applying other treatments.
- Avoid tight fitting clothes such as jeans or leggings and avoid tights - stockings are better. Always wear loose cotton underwear.
- Scratching should be avoided at all costs as it can damage the skin further. If this is a problem at night wear light cotton gloves and keep nails short. If irritation is unbearable, pinching is preferable to scratching, as it is less likely to break the skin surface.
Types of emollients
There is not a single emollient product which suits everyone, sometimes you may need to try a range of products to find one which suits you. Emollients come in different forms which include lotions, creams, ointments, wash gels and bath additives.
Emollient creams are less greasy than emollient ointments. They are easy to spread and absorb easily into the skin. Because they do not absorb easily, ointments are generally better to use on vulval skin.
Below is a list of products in alphabetical order available from the local chemist.
- Cetraben
- Dermol
- Diprobase
- Doublebase
- Epaderm
- Emulsifying Ointment
- Hydromol
- Zeroderm Ointment
Vaginal dryness
Vaginal dryness is more common in older people, especially around the time of the menopause, but may also occur in younger people at certain times in your life. This may affect your interpersonal relationships and sexual function. There are a number of products which may be helpful.
- Vaginal moisturisers are absorbed into the vaginal skin and can be used regularly to relieve dryness. Available products include:
- Replens
- Sylk
- Yes
- Personal lubricants are used to relieve dryness in association with sex. They may be water based or silicone based. Available products include:
- Astroglide
- KY jelly
- Pjur
- Yes
References and further information
NHS Choices on Emollients
www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Emollients/
British Association of Dermatologists
www.bad.org.uk
British Society for the Study of Vulval Disease
www.bssvd.org/patient-information/
If you or the individual you are caring for need support reading this leaflet please ask a member of staff for advice.
How to contact us:
Obstetrics and Gynaecology
Cotswold Outpatients Department
Southmead Hospital
Bristol
BS10 5NB
0117 414 6769
© North Bristol NHS Trust. This edition published March 2020. Review due March 2022. NBT002509