Causes of vulval pain and discomfort — non-infectious vulval skin problems

A woman's vulva can also be affected by skin problems that are not infectious and cannot be passed on to sexual partners. Soap, disinfectants and detergents used for washing underwear can easily irritate vulval skin. It is also possible to have an allergic skin reaction to the preservatives and other ingredients in vulval creams.







Vulval skin problems can be difficult to diagnose and you may want to ask to be referred to a dermatologist or specialist vulval clinic. Treatment often includes using a corticosteroid cream and emollients. Emollients are bland creams and ointments that should be free of skin irritants. They can be used to soothe and hydrate sore and cracked skin and as a soap substitute to clean the vulva. They are available as creams, lotions and bath additives, and are available from chemists without a prescription. Examples are Aqueous Cream, E45 and Epaderm ointment. There are also a number of things you can do yourself to alleviate symptoms.