What Is Vulvar Dermatitis?

Vulvar dermatitis is a common cause of irritation of the skin of the vulva. The vulva is the external female genetalia.

The most common symptom of vulvar dermatitis is itching. Scratching the vulva can cause broken skin which can cause stinging, burning, or pain during sex and urination.

The skin condition dermatitis is an irritation of a skin by an allergen. Vulvar dermatitis is dermatitis of the vulva, which is irritation of the skin of the vulva. Irritant dermatitis is a term that is sometimes used to refer to vulvar dermatitis.

The common irritants that can cause vulvar dermatitis are soaps and chemical contents of toilet paper and sanitary pads. Latex condoms, spermicide and underwear can also irritate the skin of the vulva.

It is important to identify the substance that caused the irritation to prevent more irritation or future episodes. If a new product, such as a soap or feminine hygiene product, was used in the vulvar region prior to the vulvar dermatitis, that is likely to be the cause of the vulvar dermatitis.

Like other forms of dermatitis, a hereditary predisposition to dermatitis can make a woman susceptible to vulvar dermatitis. Many times, people describe a hereditary inclination to eczema or dermatitis as having sensitive skin.

Mild corticosteroid cream and antihistamines are common treatments for vulvar dermatitis. Strong corticosteroids can make the dermatitis worse, Cool compresses are often used to soothe the skin.

Preventing vulvar dermatitis means avoiding things that may irritate the skin of the vulva. Wearing cotton only and not using soap in the vulvar region are common recommendations for preventing vulvar dermatitis.

Vulvar dermatitis takes time to heal. The woman should avoid things that can cause further irritation. The vulvar dermatitis can become infected. If the woman with vulvar dermatitis experiences an increase in pain and irritation, she should seek medical attention.