Intimate irritations can affect any woman, at any age, and the reasons behind these inconveniences are as varied as they are common.
Understanding the main causes can help prevent their occurrence. However, it is important to consult a healthcare professional if you experience persistent or severe intimate irritation, in order to determine the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment.
Here are the 10 most common causes of intimate irritation in women:
Fungal infections
Also known as vaginal thrush or candidiasis, yeast infections are extremely common and often result from an imbalance in the natural flora of the vagina. Typical symptoms include severe itching, irritation, redness around the vaginal area, and vaginal discharge.
Treatment is most often based on antifungals in the form of ovules or capsules to be introduced into the vagina.
Bacterial infections ðŸ¦
Bacterial vaginosis occurs when the natural bacterial flora in the vagina becomes unbalanced, leading to an overgrowth of bacteria. Symptoms include gray or white discharge, unusual odor, itching, and irritation.
Treatment involves antibiotics.
Sexually transmitted infections
Some STIs, such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, and genital herpes, can cause symptoms such as abnormal discharge, itching, and pain.
Treatment varies depending on the STI and may include antibiotics or antivirals.
Irritating hygiene products 🧴
Using scented hygiene products such as soaps, sprays, wipes, and shower gels can cause irritation in the vaginal area. Products containing soap or alcohol can dry out the skin and disrupt the natural pH. You should also avoid washing too often, as this damages the skin's protective barrier, and douching should be avoided.
It is recommended to choose unscented products designed specifically for intimate hygiene and to limit intimate hygiene to 1 time per day.
Hormonal changes
Hormonal fluctuations can affect the balance of vaginal flora and make the vaginal mucosa more vulnerable to irritation. This is particularly common during pregnancy, breastfeeding, and menopause. Before menstruation, a change in the pH of the vagina can encourage the installation of microscopic fungi and yeast, thus causing itching.
Allergies and sensitivities
Allergic reactions to products such as latex condoms, lubricants and personal care products can cause redness, itching and sometimes rashes. Similarly, sensitive skin can be affected by chemicals in laundry detergents, fabric softeners, sanitary towels and even scented toilet paper, increasing the risk of intimate irritation.
So, choose allergy-free intimate care products like Intima Rescue .
Friction and pressure 👖
Wearing tight clothing, synthetic underwear and engaging in certain activities can cause irritation due to friction. Opt for loose-fitting cotton clothing that allows for better ventilation, thus reducing the risk of irritation and maceration in the intimate area.
Vaginal atrophy
Vaginal atrophy, often linked to menopause, involves a thinning of the vaginal walls, making the vagina drier and more susceptible to irritation. Hormonal treatments, as well as local moisturizing treatments such as Intima Rescue are effective.
Skin conditions
Skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, or lichen sclerosus can also affect the genital area, causing irritation, plaques, and sometimes scarring. Treatment depends on the specific condition and may include steroid creams, immunomodulators, or other medications, to be combined with a local healing and anti-inflammatory treatment such as Intima Rescue treatment oil.
Shaving 🪒
First, the hair removal process can cause skin irritation due to the repeated friction of the blade or wax on the delicate skin of the genital area. Additionally, shaving and waxing can cause micro-cuts or tiny skin injuries, which exposes the skin to greater sensitivity to external irritants and infections. Additionally, hair regrowth can cause itching and discomfort. Finally, products used during shaving or waxing, such as depilatory creams or after-wax lotions, may contain ingredients that can irritate the sensitive skin of the genital area.
Intimate irritations can have multiple origins, often preventable or treatable. Good hygiene, the choice of suitable products, and particular attention to the body's signs can help prevent these inconveniences. In case of persistent symptoms, consultation with a health professional is recommended for an appropriate diagnosis and treatment.
How to treat intimate irritations?
The most commonly recommended solutions:
Appropriate personal hygiene
Proper intimate hygiene, carried out daily with specific products such as gels, foams or wipes adapted to the vaginal pH, is essential to prevent irritation and infections. It is important to use gentle, fragrance-free cleansers specially formulated for this area, favoring lukewarm water when washing.
A suitable hygiene routine, without excess, is crucial to maintaining intimate health.
Vegetable oils
Using natural, unrefined vegetable oils, such as coconut, calendula, borage, evening primrose, and sweet almond, can be beneficial for moisturizing and soothing irritation in the intimate area thanks to their anti-inflammatory and moisturizing properties.
Products like Intima Rescue Oil are specially formulated for this purpose. It is important to perform a skin test before application to avoid allergic reactions.
Intimate care or creams
Soothing treatments or creams specially designed for intimate hygiene, such as Intima Rescue , contain active ingredients suitable for application to the genital area. Their main function is to restore the hydrolipidic barrier that protects the skin from friction and external aggressions.
Although these various options are available without a prescription, it is advisable to consult a doctor if symptoms persist or reappear.
FAQ:
What is the vulva?
The vulva refers to the external organs of the female reproductive system, this includes:
The mons pubis, the outer labia, the inner labia, the external part of the clitoris and its hood, the orifice of the urethra, the vestibule of the vagina and the glands.
What is lichen sclerosus?
Lichen sclerosus is a chronic inflammatory skin condition of autoimmune origin , occurring mainly in the genital area. Although predominantly in women, it can also affect men.
To find out more: https://www.womanologyfrance.com/blogs/actualites/le-lichen-sclereux-comment-le-reconnaitre-et-le-traiter
How to relieve vulvar pain?
To relieve vulvar pain:
- use gentle, fragrance-free products for personal hygiene, and dry the area thoroughly after washing.
- Wear cotton underwear 🩲 and loose clothing to reduce irritation.
- Avoid irritating products, and use specific moisturizers for the intimate area.
If you experience severe pain, consult a doctor for appropriate treatment. These tips may provide relief, but a medical consultation is recommended to address the specific cause of the pain.