FAQs

Genital skin is in an area of transition from typical hair-bearing skin to mucosal skin. Located at the intersection of the urinary, gastrointestinal, and genital tracts, genital skin is uniquely exposed to warmth, moisture, and friction. As a result, genital skin conditions often appear different from the same condition on the torso or extremities.

Itching, irritation, burning, and pain of the genitals are the most common symptoms prompting patients come to our center. For women, these symptoms usually appear on the vulva. For men, these symptoms usually appear on the scrotum and/or penis.

Patients also are referred from primary care providers for evaluation and treatment of skin growths and skin conditions that are not responding as expected to treatment. Common genital skin disorders we see:

• Eczema and atopic dermatitis
• Contact dermatitis
• Lichen simplex chronicus
• Psoriasis
• Vulvovaginitis
• Fissures (cracks in the skin)
• Lichen planus
• Lichen sclerosus
• Hidradenitis suppurativa
• Folliculitis
• Abscesses
• Pigmented skin lesions
• Skin growths
• Ulcers
• Vitiligo
• Molluscum contagisoum
• Gential warts
• Genital herpes
• Mucous membrane (cicatricial) pemphigoid
• Pemphigus
• Genital involvement of systemic inflammatory conditions including Crohn’s disease, systematic lupus erythematosus,

The vulva is the external part of the female genitals—the part that you can see from the outside. The vulva consists of several components that cover and protect the sexual organs and urinary opening.

The fleshy outer lips of the vulva are called the labia majora. The labia majora are covered with pubic hair and contain fat that helps cushion the area.

Inside the labia majora are the thinner flaps of skin called the labia minora. Unlike the labia majora, the labia minora do not have fat or hairs. The skin is smooth, moist, and pink and has sebaceous and sweat glands. The labia mia minora join at the top as the clitoral hood to enclose the erectile tissue of the clitoris.

The area between the two flaps of the labia minora is called the vestibule. The vestibule contains the opening to the urethra and the opening to the vagina (the introitus) as well as glands, which produce lubrication. The urethral opening is a small slit located closest to the clitoris; through this opening urine is excreted. Below the urethral opening is the larger, vaginal opening.

Commonly, the vulva is confused with the vagina. The vagina (the birth canal) is not part of the vulva. Rather, the vagina is internal and extends from the vulva to the cervix, which is at the base of the uterus. assume that the symptoms are caused by a yeast infection or an allergic reaction to clothing, a cleansing product, or a personal hygiene product. Additionally, social taboos associated with medical conditions affecting the vulva keep many women from seeking care. Genital skin symptoms often trigger concerns of poor hygiene, sexually transmitted infections, or undiagnosed cancer, all of which can cause embarrassment, fear, and anxiety.

By the time a woman seeks help from a medical provider, she has likely already changed her hygiene routine, tried multiple home remedies or over-the-counter treatments, and become frustrated and anxious due to the effect these symptoms have had on her daily activities, exercise, and sexual relationships.

Although most women with vulvar symptoms initially seek help from primary care providers or gynecologists, the cause may actually be a skin condition rather than a gynecologic disorder. In these cases, a dermatologist with special knowledge of the vulvar skin can collaborate with other medical providers to care for the patient.

No, you are not alone. Vulvar symptoms such as itching, irritation, burning, and pain are a common problem for women. Many women delay seeking care from medical providers, as they 3. What is the cause of my vulvar skin condition?

There are many causes of vulvar skin conditions. Determining the exact origin of a vulvar skin condition can be difficult, as there are often multiple factors that contribute to a particular problem. Usually, clues that help narrow the cause are found in knowing the details of how the condition started and how the condition responded to previous treatments as well as from how the skin appears on examination and lab results.

At your first meeting, you can expect the physician to review your complete medical history and the particular history of your symptoms. Keep a written history of your symptoms and bring it with you to your appointment. Include information such as when your symptoms started, what makes your symptoms better or worse, what treatments you have tried, and whether or not the treatment helped.

Portal Tab – Having obtained your history, the physician will carefully examine your skin. Sometimes lab studies of vaginal secretions and tissue (a biopsy) may be needed. A biopsy is a minor procedure that removes a small amount of skin. Biopsies are done in the office with local anesthesia. The biopsy specimen is sent to a pathologist who specializes in skin to help determine a diagnosis. The physician will review the findings from the exam and discuss diagnoses, treatment options, and follow-up with you.

Women who have sensitive skin, itching, or irritation need to clean the vulva gently. Over-washing and harsh products can make symptoms worse.

• Wash the vulva no more than once daily with plain water and soft pressure from your fingertips. Avoid using washcloths or buff puffs as even the most minor rubbing can cause irritation or trigger the urge to scratch.
• Use a towel to pat the skin dry gently without rubbing or scratching. If the skin feels dry, apply a tiny amount of petroleum jelly (Vaseline). Avoid common skin irritants including soaps, douches, all ‘wet wipe’ products, powders, deodorants, perfumes, alcohol, and any over-the-counter medications such as Vagisil products, benzocaine, antibiotic creams/ointments, and anti-fungal creams.
• Use unscented tampons as needed for menstrual bleeding. Avoid using panty liners and pads, especially products with fragrance.
• Work to keep from scratching or picking at your skin. If you feel a disturbing itch or burning sensation, try distracting yourself with an activity or applying a cool gel pack.
• Use a lubricant with sexual activity. Astroglide, Slippery Stuff, and vegetable oil are good choices. Avoid K-Y jelly, which can be an irritant for those with sensitive or irritated skin.
•  Wear loose, cool clothing, as heat can trigger itching and sweat can irritate sensitive skin.