Vulvar dermatitis is a skin condition that affects the skin of the vulva. The vulva is the external female genitalia, which includes the lips, clitoris and vaginal opening.
People with vulvar dermatitis may experience redness, burning, itching and irritation around the vulva. These symptoms can be mistaken for a sexually transmitted infection (STI); however, vulvar dermatitis is not contagious.
Vulvar dermatitis is often caused by irritants such as scented soaps, sweat, heat and friction from sanitary napkins. Approximately 20-30% of people who seek medical attention for vulvar concerns have vulvar dermatitis.
There are three main types of vulvar dermatitis. Although the symptoms for all three are similar, the causes of each are somewhat different. The three types of vulvar dermatitis are:
Atopic dermatitis
Atopic dermatitis — a type of eczema — is caused by a combination of genetic (inherited) and environmental factors. People with atopic dermatitis usually have a personal or family history of eczema, hay fever or asthma.
Irritant contact dermatitis
This type of dermatitis develops when a skin irritant, such as the friction of pads, tampons, condoms, or sweat, causes inflammation. Irritant contact dermatitis does not mean that you are allergic to the irritant.
Allergic contact dermatitis
This type of dermatitis is caused by an allergic reaction to a substance around the vulva area. It can occur due to an allergy to scented soaps or deodorants.
Dermatitis around the vulva can be uncomfortable, especially because the skin of the vulva is sensitive. If you have vulvar dermatitis, you may experience the following symptoms around the vulva:
- Itching
- Burning
- Irritation
- Red, dry patches
- Scaling
- Cracking of the skin, sometimes with oozing of fluid
- Blisters on the skin
- Stinging
Some of these symptoms may raise concerns about an STI. It is important to know that vulvar dermatitis is not a contagious condition. If you’re not sure what you’re dealing with, a healthcare professional can evaluate your skin and tell you if it’s vulvar dermatitis or something else.
Vulvar dermatitis is inflammation of the skin of the vulva. The skin represents an important barrier between the internal female genitalia and the environment. The skin can sometimes become irritated or inflamed, leading to symptoms of vulvar dermatitis.
There are various reasons why your vulva can become irritated or inflamed. What causes your skin to become irritated may depend on what type of vulvar dermatitis you have.
If you have atopic dermatitis, your genetics may play a role. People with atopic dermatitis are more likely to have a family history of allergic rhinitis (hay fever) and asthma. People with atopic dermatitis may also have problems with their skin’s ability to form a protective barrier, making them more susceptible to irritants.
For people with irritant or allergic contact dermatitis, their skin reacts to an irritant, such as friction from wearing pads, or an allergen, such as a fragrance.
Risk factors
There are several risk factors that make you more likely to develop vulvar dermatitis. These factors include:
- Family history of hay fever, asthma and atopic dermatitis
- Frequent sweating in the groin area
- Use of products that irritate the skin or prevent ventilation of the area
If you have symptoms of vulvar dermatitis, talking to your doctor is a great first step. They will likely ask about your medical history and examine the skin around your vulva.
Your doctor can probably diagnose vulvar dermatitis based on your symptoms and a physical exam. They may also want to rule out other health conditions such as yeast infections, other types of skin diseases, and STIs with additional tests.
If you have allergic contact dermatitis, your healthcare provider can do tests to determine what you’re allergic to that’s causing your symptoms.
Treatment of vulvar dermatitis generally involves avoiding the irritant that causes the symptoms. Potential vulvar dermatitis irritants that you may want to avoid include:
- Frequent sweating in the groin area
- Shaving and waxing
- Tight clothing and underwear
- Hygiene products with fragrances, such as deodorants
- Hygiene products such as tissues, pads or tampons
- Certain lubricants and condoms
- Frequent rinsing or excessive washing of the area
In addition to lifestyle or habit changes, other treatments for vulvar dermatitis include allergy medications (antihistamines), moisturizers to improve the skin barrier, and anti-inflammatory medications.
The best way to prevent the symptoms of vulvar dermatitis is to reduce your exposure to the common irritants associated with the condition. Some strategies include:
- Take a shower after exercising or swimming and dry yourself completely
- Do not shave or depilate irritated skin
- Wear loose, breathable clothing
- Use unscented products
- Try different types of lubricants and condoms (such as latex-free)
- Avoid rinsing
If you have identified any specific product allergies, avoiding those products will also help prevent vulvar dermatitis.
Scratching the vulva in an attempt to relieve itching can lead to complications. Scratching can wear away the top layer of your skin, and this damage to the skin can sometimes create an environment where a yeast or bacterial infection can develop. You can develop Staphylococcus aureus (staphylococcus), Streptococcus pyogenesor Escherichia coli (E. coli).
If you repeatedly scratch the area, your vulvar skin may become thicker and look like leather. This change is known as lichenification. Continuous scratching can also make the folds of your labia appear swollen and your pubic hair appear broken or thinly spaced.
Vulvar dermatitis is a non-contagious skin condition that causes itching, redness, burning and irritation around the vulva, which is often mistaken for an infection.
There are three types: atopic dermatitis (related to genetics and allergies), irritant contact dermatitis (triggered by friction or sweat), and allergic contact dermatitis (triggered by allergens such as scented soaps).
Diagnosis includes a physical examination and possibly allergy tests. Treatment focuses on identifying and avoiding irritants and lifestyle changes.