What’s Safe Care for Vulvar Skin Conditions (Eczema, Psoriasis, Lichen Sclerosus)?

 Keep care external, simple, and fragrance-free. For vulvar eczema or psoriasis, use lukewarm water, a mild fragrance-free cleanser (sparingly), and a bland barrier like petrolatum or zinc oxide. Lichen sclerosus requires clinician treatment (usually a prescription steroid). See a clinician for severe itch, tearing, pain, bleeding, or skin changes.

 

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TL;DR

• External-only routine: water → mild fragrance-free cleanse (optional) → thin layer of petrolatum or zinc oxide.
  
  

• Avoid fragrance, dyes, harsh surfactants, essential oils, scrubs, powders, and deodorant sprays on the vulva.
  
  

• Moisture and friction management are as important as products.
  
  

• Lichen sclerosus (LS) is medical—get diagnosed and treated, then use bland emollients as supportive care.
  
  

 

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Why the Vulva Has Different Rules

Vulvar skin is thinner, highly innervated, and easily irritated. Heat, sweat, friction, urine, pads/liners, detergents, and fragrance can tip it into a flare—especially with eczema or psoriasis. For LS, the skin is fragile and prone to tearing; delaying medical care risks scarring and architectural changes.

 

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Eczema vs. Psoriasis vs. Lichen Sclerosus (At a Glance)

 

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Your Safe Daily Routine (External-Only)

Cleanse: Lukewarm water is enough most days. If you prefer a wash, choose fragrance-free, pH-considerate, and use sparingly—hands only. No loofahs or scrubs.
Dry: Pat—don’t rub. If needed, a cool hairdryer setting can help keep folds dry.
Barrier: Apply a thin layer of petrolatum or zinc oxide to protect irritated skin, especially after bathing or urination.
Fabrics: Wear breathable underwear (cotton gusset), avoid tight or synthetic layers, and change out of sweaty or damp clothing quickly.
Bathroom habits: Blot with soft tissue or rinse with a peri-bottle; avoid fragranced or alcohol-based wipes. If a wipe is necessary, use a gentle, alcohol-free one and only externally.

Add internal links:
• “Fragrance-free, pH-considerate cleanse (external-only)” → Yoni Washes: Sensitive / Seedless / OG
• “On-the-go external refresh” → Individually Wrapped Wipes (alcohol-free)
• “Friction comfort (external only)” → Femme Rejuv Oil (avoid on broken/irritated skin)

 

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Ingredients: Use vs. Avoid (Pin-able quick guide)

Good bets (patch test first):

• Petrolatum (occlusive barrier)
  
  

• Zinc oxide (soothing barrier)
  
  

• Hypoallergenic emollients: glycerin, squalane, dimethicone
  
  

• Colloidal oatmeal (only if dermatologist/clinician okays; patch test)
  
  

Skip on the vulva:

• Fragrance / parfum (including strong essential oils)
  
  

• Menthol/camphor/warming or tingling agents
  
  

• Harsh preservatives (e.g., MI/MCI) and dyes
  
  

• Acids/actives (AHAs/BHAs/retinoids), benzoyl peroxide
  
  

• Tea tree or potent botanical blends
  
  

• “Feminine deodorant” sprays and powders (can irritate, trap moisture)
  
  

Sometimes, with clinician guidance:

• Hydrocortisone (low potency) short-term for eczema/psoriasis flares on external skin—not for LS unless directed.
  
  

• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatories for sensitive plaques (provider decides).
  
  

• For LS: high-potency steroids are standard—this is not DIY.
  
  

 

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Moisture & Friction Management (Underrated but Huge)

• Change out of workout wear quickly; consider a thin petrolatum layer on friction zones before exercise.
  
  

• Sleep without underwear if comfortable.
  
  

• Avoid daily pantyliners; they trap humidity.
  
  

• Choose breathable, non-abrasive fabrics; avoid seams that rub.
  
  

 

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Sex & Shaving Considerations

Sex: Low-estrogen states (postpartum, lactation, menopause) and skin conditions can make tissues more sensitive. Use a simple, water-based lubricant (glycerin-light if prone to irritation). Skip warming/tingling/fragrance. If sex is painful or causes tearing, stop and get evaluated—especially to rule out LS.
Shaving: If you shave, use a sharp single blade, shave with the grain, and apply petrolatum after. Better yet, trim or use guarded clippers to minimize micro-tears. Avoid chemical depilatories on sensitive vulvar skin.

 

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When to See a Clinician

• Severe or persistent itch, pain, tearing, fissures, or bleeding
  
  

• Porcelain-white patches, skin color/texture changes, narrowing, or architectural change
  
  

• Dyspareunia (pain with sex), burning that doesn’t settle, non-healing cracks
  
  

• Recurrent “yeast infections” with negative tests or poor response to treatment
  
  

• Any suspicion of lichen sclerosus—don’t wait
  
  

 

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FAQs

What moisturizer is actually safe on the vulva?
Plain petrolatum or zinc oxide. Hypoallergenic emollients can help, but patch test first and avoid fragrance.

Can I use hydrocortisone down there?
Short-term low-potency hydrocortisone may be okay externally for eczema/psoriasis if your clinician agrees. Lichen sclerosus needs prescription-strength therapy—don’t self-treat.

Are essential oils safe for vulvar skin?
Generally no. Even “natural” oils can irritate thin, sensitive vulvar skin.

What cleanser should I use?
Water alone works. If you prefer a cleanser, pick fragrance-free, pH-considerate, and use sparingly, externally only.

How do I manage sweat and chafing?
Breathable underwear, fast changes out of damp fabrics, and a thin petrolatum layer on friction zones.

 

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TL;DR (for skimmers)

• External-only. Keep it fragrance-free, bland, and gentle.
  
  

• Barrier matters. Petrolatum or zinc oxide protect irritated skin.
  
  

• Friction & moisture drive flares—manage both.
  
  

LS = medical. Get diagnosed and treated; use emollients only as support.