Vulvar eczema may cause dry, itchy skin on the vulva and other parts of the genital area. It’s usually caused by irritants like soaps, chaffing, and wearing tight clothing. Treatments may relieve symptoms.
Eczema refers to a group of inflammatory skin conditions that cause dry, itchy, and scaly patches on the skin.
Vulvar eczema refers to eczema that affects the vulva, which is the external area around the vagina. It could also affect the anal opening and the area between the buttocks.
Symptoms of vulvar eczema can be similar to other conditions, such as yeast infections and sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
Although treatments are available for vulvar eczema, many people don’t seek treatment due to possible feelings of embarrassment. Vulvar eczema can be very itchy and could greatly impact your quality of life.
If you experience eczema symptoms in your genital area, speak with a healthcare professional. They can examine your symptoms and develop an appropriate treatment plan.
Keep reading to learn more about the symptoms, causes, and treatments for vulvar eczema.
What types of eczema cause vulvar eczema?
According to the National Eczema Society, several types of eczema may cause vulvar eczema:
Symptoms of vulvar eczema are similar to other types of eczema. These may
- dry, scaly patches
- itching, which may be severe
- skin discoloration
- irritation
- inflammation
- oozing or crusty wounds
Some people with vulvar eczema also experience pain, tight skin, or a burning sensation in the genital area.
The exact cause of eczema is unknown, but researchers believe it’s related to a
Several genetic, environmental, and immunological factors may affect the skin barrier function and trigger eczema symptoms. In vulvar eczema, symptoms are usually caused by coming into contact with an irritant or allergen.
According to the National Eczema Society, common irritants of vulvar eczema include:
- soaps
- detergents
- deodorants
- bubble baths
- sweating
- chaffing
- wearing tight clothing
- adult/baby wipes
- panty liners
- urine (usually from urinary incontinence)
- feces (usually from stool incontinence)
- spermicides or lubricants
- fragrances
- latex
If you experience eczema symptoms after coming into contact with one of these irritants, try avoiding them.
Avoid these if you have vulvar eczema
In order to keep your vulvar skin as healthy as possible, there are some irritants you should avoid. This helps to reduce the risk of flare-ups. These irritants include:
- fabric softener and dryer sheets
- deodorant tampons and pads
- perfumed bath soaps and gels
- laundry detergents with enzymes and brighteners
- douches
- condoms prepackaged with lubricant or spermicides
- colored or perfumed/aloe toilet paper
- adult/baby wipes
This is not a comprehensive list. Talk with a doctor about other irritants or things you should avoid and about alternatives.
Speak with a healthcare professional if you’re experiencing any symptoms that affect the vagina or genital area. This may include symptoms like a rash, itchiness, a burning sensation when you pee, and vaginal discharge.
In most cases, you can make an appointment with a general practitioner. If you feel more comfortable, consider asking for a female practitioner.
A general practitioner can usually examine your symptoms and provide a diagnosis of eczema. However, they might refer you to a dermatologist or vulva specialist if they think you need more specialist testing or treatment.
There’s no specific test for vulvar eczema, but a doctor can usually diagnose it just by looking at it.
A healthcare professional will first examine your symptoms and ask you about your medical history. This may include questions about irritants you may have encountered or medications you may be taking.
They may also perform a skin patch test to determine whether allergens or irritants are causing your symptoms.
In some cases, a doctor may do other tests to help rule out other conditions that can be causing your symptoms, such as STIs, yeast infections, or nutrient deficiencies. These tests may include:
They may also do a vulvoscopy, which is when the doctor looks at the vulva with an instrument that magnifies the skin, with a light attached.
These tests could help a healthcare professional develop an appropriate treatment plan for you.
There’s no official guidance on how to treat vulvar eczema, but researchers and healthcare organizations suggest:
- avoiding irritants, such as soaps, tight clothing, and detergents
- applying a mild topical corticosteroid or emollient
Apply a corticosteroid once daily or as prescribed by a doctor. You can apply an emollient more frequently during the day to help prevent dryness and itching.
It’s recommended to speak with a healthcare professional before trying any home remedies, as they can prescribe a topical medication that won’t irritate your genital area.
If your itching is severe and prevents you from sleeping at night, a doctor may also recommend an antihistamine. This can be used short term to help you sleep. However, it’s not a treatment for eczema itself.
Maintaining proper genital hygiene is also important for relieving and preventing symptoms. The National Eczema Society recommends gently washing the area with a fragrance-free emollient, warm water, and a soft cloth.
It’s also important to avoid scratching, as this may contribute to a condition called lichen simplex chronicus which can further exacerbate the itching sensation
Several physical, environmental, and psychological risk factors may contribute to worsening eczema symptoms. These may include:
- emotional stress
- contact with physical irritants, such as soaps, detergents, clothing, and sweat
- family history of eczema
A doctor can help you identify other possible risk factors.
How long can vulvar dermatitis last?
There’s no single timeline for the duration of vulvar eczema because it affects every individual differently. Like other types of eczema, symptoms may last from several days to months. Limiting your exposure to irritants, managing your stress, and using topical emollients can help you manage your symptoms and prevent flare-ups.
Is Vaseline good for vulvar dermatitis?
Some healthcare organizations recommend applying petroleum jelly like Vaseline to dry, irritated skin on the vulva. It could help strengthen the skin barrier, which could keep your skin moisturized for longer and prevent symptoms. That said, it’s best to speak with a doctor before trying home remedies.
Vulvar eczema may cause dry, itchy, and inflamed skin in the vulva and surrounding area that could be very uncomfortable.
If you experience symptoms, speak with a healthcare professional. They could examine your symptoms, provide an accurate diagnosis, and develop a treatment plan that’s right for you.
They could also help you identify possible triggers and recommend ways to limit your exposure to them to prevent future flare-ups.