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  How to deal with painful or itchy vulva? Download

How to deal with painful or itchy vulva? Genital skin is very sensitive and it is important to prevent it from getting irritated by chemicals or physical means. Consult a doctor as soon as possible if you feel itchy or burning pain over the vulval area. Do not use medications bought over-the-counter without seeing doctor. Clothing and laundry * Wear cotton underwear and loose fitting pants or skirts. * Do not wear pantyhose (wear thigh or knee high hose instead). * Ensure underwear and any clothing that comes into contact with the vulva is rinsed well. * Do not use fabric softener on undergarments because the chemicals will stay in the fabric, causing irritation to the vulval skin. Sexual intercourse * When vulva is itchy, do not use lubricants such as 'KY' jelly or petroleum jelly such as vas vaseline. * Avoid intercourse when there is symptom of pain in the genitals. * Gently apply ice or frozen gel pack wrapped in a towel on the vulval skin to relieve burning sensation, if any, after intercourse. * Urinate to prevent infection and rinse vulva with cool water immediately after intercourse. Hygiene * Do not over wash the genitals. Treat the skin of the genital tract very gently. * Do not use douches. * While you have symptoms, do not use soap for washing but use medication prescribed by your doctor. * When symptoms have resolved, plain water is sufficient for hygiene purposes. * Use soft, white, unscented toilet paper. * Use lukewarm or cool salt baths (saline solution) to relieve burning and irritation. * Avoid getting shampoo on the vulval area. * Do not use bubblebath or any perfumed creams, soaps or feminine hygiene products. * Urinate before the bladder is full and rinse the vulva with water after urination. * Use 100% cotton menstrual pads and tampons. Everyday living * Use a foam rubber ring for long periods of sitting. * If sit all day, try to intersperse periods of standing. * The genital area is affected by emotion and symptoms can appear worse at time of stress. Adequate rest, listening to soft music and performing stretching exercise can help to lessen the severity of vulval discomfort. Physical activities * Avoid exercises that put direct pressure on the vulva e.g. bicycling. * Gently apply a frozen gel pack wrapped in a towel onto vulval skin to relieve symptoms after exercise. * Don't swim in highly chlorinated pools and avoid the use of hot tubs. * Remove wet bathing suits and exercise clothing promptly. Prepared by the Family Health Service, Department of Health
 
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Last revision date: 01 September 2006