Maintaining a healthy vulva and vagina will help prevent infections
and discomfort. Unusual changes in vaginal discharge is a sign that there might
be an issue.
What are some tips for vulvar care?
- · Use warm water to wash the vulva. Dry thoroughly with a clean towel. (If the vulva is very irritated, you can try drying it with a blow dryer set on cool.)
- · The vagina cleanses itself naturally in the form of normal, vaginal discharge. Avoid using douches unless prescribed by your physician. These products can upset the natural balance of organisms.
- · Wear only white, 100 percent cotton underwear. Avoid wearing nylon, acetate, or other manmade fibers if you have delicate skin or are prone to vulvar irritation.
- · Avoid wearing thongs.
- · Rinse underclothes carefully after washing or double-rinse. Avoid using too much laundry detergent.
- · Wash new underclothes before wearing.
- · Use a mild soap (such as Woolite®) for washing underclothes. Avoid fabric softeners (including dryer sheets) and detergents with enzymes (amylase, lipase, protease and cellulose).
- · Use soft toilet tissue (white only).
- · Use tampons instead of sanitary napkins to control menstrual bleeding. (Do not use deodorant tampons.) Do not leave tampons in for a long period, due to toxic shock syndrome. Do not leave tampons in all night.
- · Take sitz baths daily, if prescribed by your healthcare provider.
- · Don't scratch.
- · Avoid wearing nylon pantyhose or panty girdles. They trap heat and moisture, providing an ideal breeding environment for organisms. When nylons or leggings are required, wear cotton or nylons with a cotton panty.
- · Avoid these feminine hygiene products, which can irritate the vulva: sanitary pads, feminine spray and deodorants, scented oils, bubble baths, bath oils, talc or powder.
·
What over-the-counter products can be used for vaginal
lubrication?
·
Vaginal moisturizers can be used for dryness, if
needed. These can be water or silicon-based products.
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