When we talk about irritations in intimate areas, our minds often jump to infections or microbial imbalances. But did you know that entirely different culprits can influence the skin on the genitals?

Recently we started getting a lot of questions about dermatitis on the genitals and we decided to make a full post about it in response to your questions.

– Can you get seborrheic dermatitis on the genital area?

As the title suggests, yes, you can. But let’s start by defining what is genital dermatitis, and how seborrheic dermatitis fits into this category.

Genital dermatitis is a broad term for any inflammation of the skin in the genital area, which includes seborrheic vulvitis, contact dermatitis, eczema, heat rash, and so on. It can be caused by allergies, irritants in hygiene products, or underlying skin conditions. Genital dermatitis occurs in both males and females.

Seborrheic dermatitis on the genitals is called seborrheic vulvitis or Vulvar Seborrheic Dermatitis. It is characterized by a red rash on the vulva, dry itchy vulva skin, and external vaginal itching. There may be dandruff around the vagina (flaky, yellowish scales).
Seborrheic vulvitis is usually a reaction of the skin to the overgrowth of yeast Malassezia globosa, which also causes seborrheic dermatitis on other body parts.

The presence of Malassezia globosa yeast is normal on human skin, as it is part of the natural skin microbiome. Problems arise when there’s an overgrowth of this yeast or heightened sensitivity to its byproducts. 

The overgrowth of M. globosa yeast in the genital area may be caused by:
– Increased sebum production, as Malassezia yeasts thrive in oily environments. Phases that increase sebaceous gland activity include puberty or other hormonal changes, which makes these groups of people more vulnerable to yeast overgrowth. This is also why the use of heavy creams or oils may impact the yeast overgrowth on the genitals – they like moist, oily, and dark places.

– Altered skin barrier. In the normal state, the skin barrier supports a healthy and balanced skin microbiome. When the skin’s natural barrier is altered by harsh intimate care products, chemicals, or health conditions, some microorganisms, including M. globosa, grow more than they should.

– Individuals with weakened immune systems, whether from medications or illnesses, might have a reduced ability to keep the yeast population in check.

The key here is to prevent the overgrowth of M. globosa yeast by supporting the balance of healthy skin flora. It’s also important to keep up with basic hygiene rules, like changing underwear daily, keeping it dry, and wearing natural “breathing” fabrics, as yeast grows in moist and dark environments.

Now what is heightened sensitivity and how does it cause vulvar seborrheic dermatitis?

When Malassezia globosa breaks down sebum, one of its byproducts is oleic acid. While many people have this yeast and its byproducts on their skin without any issues, some individuals’ skin reacts more strongly to the presence of oleic acid, even when there is no overgrowth of M. globosa. 

The symptoms for those with heightened sensitivity are the same: the skin becomes inflamed (red, swollen, warm), itchy, and flaky. This compromises the skin barrier function, leading to further irritation and vulnerability to other external irritants.

The heightened sensitivity to yeast byproducts can be influenced by genetic, immunological, and environmental factors. 

If that’s the case, you’re gonna need to be careful with what you use on the skin. Ideally, only use water in the shower. If just water isn’t enough for you, opt for microbiome-friendly WASH, that does not contain harsh surfactants or other chemicals that might irritate your skin.

And if you have persistent symptoms, see a doctor.

– Why am I getting seborrheic vulvitis?

Why indeed? Let’s look at some triggers of vulvar seborrheic dermatitis in more detail and try to identify if ditching some of them would help you overcome or prevent the problem. 

1. “Fragrance” is an umbrella term that hides hundreds of other ingredients. Brands aren’t required to share the components due to trade secret protections. This lack of transparency allows them to add cheaper chemical ingredients, that can be irritating to sensitive skin, especially the delicate skin of the vulva.  

By the way, that’s why our products are fragrance-free: no chemicals means no irritation on the vulva.

Unfortunately, fragrances are present in way too many products: soaps, toilet paper, wet wipes, lotions, pads, and panty liners. Speaking of which.

2. Your OBGYN must have told you not to use panty liners daily. Interestingly, there seems to be a shortage of publicly available studies that confirm the impact of these products on intimate health. But let’s look at the contents of pads and panty liners to see if they can harm the vulva skin and microbiome.

First of all, the synthetic materials in most pads and panty liners can cause irritation: polyester, polyethylene (often the plastic backing), and rayon (a semi-synthetic material made from processed wood pulp).

These materials are not “breathable”, so they create a moist and warm environment. Trapped moisture facilitates the growth of yeast and bacteria. Additionally, these materials are not as soft against the gentle intimate skin, leading to mechanical irritation.

Second, chemical absorbents in pads and liners, used to absorb moisture, may cause irritation or allergic reactions when in contact with the skin.

Next, glues and adhesives used to make panty liners stick to underwear can sometimes cause irritation, especially if they come in direct contact with the skin.

Why are panty liners so white? Or pink? And green? Because they contain bleaches and dyes. Residual chemicals from the bleaching process and dying can remain in the product and cause irritation or allergic reactions.

Avoid using pads and panty liners if you aren’t on your period. Opt for products made from organic cotton or other natural materials, choose unscented versions, and, if you must wear them, change the liners regularly to prevent bacterial or yeast growth.

By the way, do you use reusable menstrual panties or reusable cotton pads? If yes, how do you clean them? If you ever need a stronger detergent, we have Laundry ENZYMES that remove bacterial biofilms and body odor from clothes and underwear.

3. The above also applies to synthetic underwear.  Panties made of nylon or polyester, as well as tight underwear, trap moisture, creating an ideal environment for the growth of M. globosa yeast and other microorganisms. This can lead to underwear rash in females and males and may exacerbate genital dermatitis.
Opt for underwear made of natural fabrics, or at least make sure your panties have a cotton gusset.

4. Laundry detergents can be also irritating for the vulva. They often contain chemicals, fragrances, brightening agents, or dyes that aggravate genital dermatitis.

Residues from these detergents can remain on clothes after washing and cause irritation when in contact with the skin.

Fabric softeners can also leave residues that cause external vaginal itching and a red irritated vulva.

According to studies, it may take years of exposure before the first symptoms appear. So even if you haven’t recently changed your detergents, make sure you rinse your clothes with clean water not leaving any residue behind. You can run the rinse cycle twice, just to make sure there are no chemicals left on the fabrics. 

– Can you get contact dermatitis in the genital area?

Contact dermatitis can occur on any body part that comes into contact with an irritant or allergen.
It may look like redness, itching, swelling, or blistering on the vulva, groin, perineal, or perianal skin.

The most common triggers include harsh soaps, phthalates in fragrances, parabens, latex, some fabrics, and certain topical medications. Most ingredients stay on the epidermis – the top layer of the skin. However, some ingredients have tiny molecules that can go deeper and reach the dermis. This layer contains immune cells which detect and respond to bacterial invaders and harmful ingredients. Plus, harsh chemicals break the natural skin barrier which also leaves the dermis more exposed. This is how you get irritations and allergies.

It’s rather easy to prevent contact dermatitis in the pubic area: identify what ingredient or material triggers it and avoid it.

If you already have a strong reaction though, it’s recommended to see a doctor.

– Can you get a heat rash on your pubic area?

Heat rash on the genital area (or vulva heat rash) is caused by blocked sweat ducts (yep, we have sweat glands and pores down there too). When sweat can’t escape through the ducts, it becomes trapped under the skin, causing irritated labia and inflammation around the genitals. It most commonly occurs in areas where skin touches the skin, like the folds of the vulva.

Heat rash on the genital area can be prevented by keeping the skin clean and dry, avoiding tight synthetic underwear, and definitely not using sprays or deodorants on your genitals and around them. 

Clean your genital area with mild products, like WASH, that support healthy flora. Make sure that you keep the area dry and wear breathable fabrics.

Avoided using wet wipes for wiping, as they frequently contain irritating chemicals, like fragrances or preservatives. Plus, the synthetic material of a moist wipe is harsh on irritated skin. We suggest a microbiome-friendly alternative – WipeGel with 30% witch hazel that gently cleans the skin and soothes irritations.

And if you notice body odor caused by sweat from your groin, use CREAM on the groin and skin folds. It will create an unfavorable environment for odor-producing bacteria with acids, and feed beneficial skin bacteria with prebiotics. 

– Сan I get eczema on my vulva?

Atopic dermatitis (eczema) can also appear in the pubic area. The symptoms of genital eczema in females and males include scaly patches, redness, itching, and oozing – the same as eczema anywhere on the skin.

Eczema is caused by genetic predisposition, environmental factors, allergens, and skin barrier defects. This condition should be treated by a doctor.

– Can I get psoriasis on my vulva?

Inverse psoriasis appears in skin folds, which include the genital area, under the breasts, and in the armpits.
It looks like smooth, red patches in skin folds, and is caused by genetics, immune system factors, friction, and sweating.

It is recommended to keep skin folds dry and reduce friction. But you’ll have to see a doctor anyway.

– Why do I have lesions on my vulva?

Lesions on the vulva may signal about other types of genital dermatitis. 

Lichen sclerosus primarily affects the genital and perianal areas, but it may also appear on the upper body, breasts, and upper arms.
It creates white, shiny spots on the skin that can become larger patches. It also causes skin thinning, itching, pain, and possible blisters.

The exact cause of lichen sclerosus is unknown but may be related to an overactive immune system or hormonal imbalances.

This skin condition must be treated by a healthcare specialist only. 

Lichen simplex chronicus can develop on any skin surface that is frequently scratched or rubbed, which makes the genital area prone to it.
Symptoms include thickened or leathery skin, itching, and possible skin discoloration.

For those with lichen simplex chronicus it is crucially important to choose comfortable underwear made of natural fabrics and avoid using any irritating or chemical products on the skin.

This condition should also be treated by a doctor.

Lichen planus appears on the skin, mouth, and genitals. 

The symptoms are purple, flat-topped bumps; itching; and possible lacy-white lesions.

Lichen planus may be caused by immune system response, certain medications, and stress.

Immediately consult your doctors if you have any of the symptoms above.

Note, that any hormonal or other health-related issues that trigger any type of genital dermatitis should be discussed with your doctor. 

Summary:

Let’s sum up the dos and don’ts when it comes to genital dermatitis.

1. Opt for fragrance-free products, from laundry detergents to intimate care products.

2. Choose natural, breathable underwear.

3. Always rinse your underwear thoroughly to ensure no detergent residue remains. Consider using hypoallergenic laundry detergents.

4. Keep the genital area dry and clean. Use mild, fragrance-free cleansers, like WASH, that are gentle enough for the skin with high sensitivity

5. If you notice any symptoms of genital dermatitis, consult a doctor.

Have more questions about skin, microbiome, or body odor? Ask in chat or email us.

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