Why does the skin on the labia peel off? The labia are peeling

• Published by: Laima Jansons

Peeling skin always causes a lot of discomfort. It is accompanied by itching, burning, redness, scratching, and leads to dry skin. However, the most discomfort is caused by peeling in the external genital area. This is due, first of all, to the inability to quietly relieve the painful itching.

Photo 1: Peeling skin in the intimate area in women causes a lot of unpleasant sensations and worries. Source: flickr (Vladimir Ena).

Causes

The following reasons influence the appearance of peeling in the intimate area:

• Poor water quality. The labia are peeling due to problems with water. Chlorinated or unfiltered running water often has negative effects on sensitive skin. This leads to irritation and dryness. The skin peels off over time, and red, sensitive areas remain in the problem area.
• Use of certain medications. Long-term antibiotic therapy leads to the development of adverse reactions in the form of dryness and redness of the vaginal mucosa.
• Unsuitable underwear. Tight underwear made of artificial material causes irritation and subsequently dryness with flaking.
• Use of aggressive detergents. Irritation in the intimate area occurs due to the use of scented detergents or soaps. For such purposes, it is recommended to use hypoallergenic products that do not contain aggressive components.
• Neglect of contraception. Frequent changes of sexual partners and lack of proper contraception lead to the development of sexually transmitted infections. Pathologies are accompanied by discharge, unpleasant odor, itching and dryness in the vagina.
• Avitaminosis. The lack of certain components in the body leads to the development of vitamin deficiency, and subsequently to the appearance of peeling. In this case, dryness is observed not only on the genitals, but also on the entire body.
• Incorrect hair removal. The labia majora often peel due to inappropriate depilation choices. Many women develop allergies due to sugaring or wax strips. This leads to redness of the labia and the development of dryness on them.

Peeling due to pathologies

If, after eliminating the pathogen, unpleasant symptoms continue to bring discomfort, this indicates the development of internal pathologies. Such diseases require careful drug therapy; it is almost impossible to get rid of them on your own.

What pathologies are accompanied by dryness in the labia area:

• Genital herpes. It is transmitted sexually through a carrier of the infection. Herpes does not manifest itself immediately, but some time after the lesion. First, the patient experiences redness in the skin area, then ulcers form that peel and hurt. As the pathology develops, a woman experiences burning and itching when going to the toilet, as well as during sexual intercourse.
• Fungus. Fungal infections, photos of which can be seen on medical websites, develop against the background of the use of other people's personal belongings and close contact with a carrier of the pathology. The fungus manifests itself in the form of redness of the labia, an unpleasant odor and irritation.
• Sexual infections. They develop against the background of promiscuous sex life and neglect of condoms. Such diseases are characterized by abundant yellow, white and brown discharge, dryness, and an unpleasant odor.
• Diabetes. When blood sugar rises, patients experience roughening and peeling of the skin.
• Hormonal disbalance. Against the backdrop of stress, frequent overwork and anxiety, women experience hormonal imbalances, which lead to serious changes in the body. This is how dryness, excess weight, and problems with the thyroid gland appear.

Peeling on the labia can appear during pregnancy or after childbirth, as well as with thrush. This symptom is associated with hormonal changes in the body. In such cases, dryness goes away 2-3 months after the birth of the child.

If a girl notices irritation in the intimate area, which is accompanied by other unpleasant symptoms and does not go away for a long period, you should immediately make an appointment with a doctor.

While waiting for your visit, you can provide first aid to your body: herbal baths, moisturizing gels and ointments. Self-prescribing drug therapy is prohibited.

What to do if your labia are peeling

The first thing to do is check for blistering rashes, plaque or bites. These manifestations indicate the pathological nature of peeling.

It is important! If there is any peeling, itching or redness in the groin area, sexual intercourse should be avoided. Sexual contact can introduce infection and worsen the problem.

To exclude the disease, you need to consult a dermatovenerologist who treats both infectious and non-infectious skin lesions. Including peeling and itching in the groin area.

In addition, you can try treating peeling with homeopathic medicines, which successfully cope with many skin problems. Homeopaths rightly believe that all skin rashes, peeling and itching are just a signal that the functions of some organs and systems in the body are impaired. Homeopathic treatment is aimed at establishing these functions and balancing the interaction of all body systems.

Photo 2: If peeling occurs, it is necessary to change personal hygiene products, replace underwear with cotton ones that do not cause unpleasant reactions, and temporarily stop depilating the bikini area. Source: flickr (Muhamad Arifin).

Treatment

After receiving the research results, the gynecologist prescribes therapy suitable for the individual patient.

What does it consist of:

• anti-inflammatory foods;
• antibiotics;
• antifungal drugs;
• antihistamines;
• moisturizing emulsions;
• antiseptic drugs.

In addition to drug therapy, the patient must adhere to the following rules:

1. Avoid sexual intercourse during treatment.
2. Monitor the hygiene of the problem area, wash the intimate area at least 2 times a day. For water procedures, you need to use special intimate hygiene gels that contain hypoallergenic substances.
3. Wear seamless cotton underwear that does not rub the skin and does not cause dryness.
4. Drink more water per day, it is recommended to consume at least 2 liters of liquid.
5. Monitor nutritional standards. Some foods can aggravate the condition of various infections, as well as increase their symptoms. This applies to fried and spicy foods. Therefore, during treatment it is worth focusing on plant-based and natural foods. The diet should include vegetables, fruits, legumes, cereals, herbs, and white meat.

Homeopathy for peeling skin of the labia

It is important to choose a drug that is suitable not only for symptoms, but also for personal characteristics. The following remedies help with itching and flaking:

1. Lycopodium (Lycopodium clavatum). This drug is suitable for those women who are tormented not only by peeling and itching, but also by burning. All symptoms intensify in the evening and during the cold season.
2. Hydrocotyle asiatica. The product should be used by women whose skin is prone to the formation of scales, thickening and rashes in various areas, including the labia. Among the personal characteristics, such women are characterized by frequent drowsiness and low mood.
3. Ignatia amara. This drug is intended for women who are subject to rapid mood swings. Great for those whose symptoms arise after extreme stress or fear.

Before taking homeopathic remedies, you should consult your doctor.

Symptoms

• Irritation and pimples. It is necessary to pay attention to the nature of the resulting rashes. If acne occurs with red or blue pus, we can talk about an inflammatory process in the sebaceous glands. When white pimples appear, inside of which there is a whitish watery content, we are talking about molluscum contagiosum. This disease is very common, as it can easily be contracted when visiting a swimming pool.
• A rash localized in the bikini area, pubis, and anus indicates the development of sexually transmitted diseases. It is often accompanied by severe itching in the perineal area.
• Dryness. In addition to burning in the intimate area, symptoms such as hyperemia and dryness of the labia are often observed. Upon examination, redness of the labia and dryness in the intimate area are noticeable. Symptoms indicate a hormonal disorder caused by surges in estrogen. Thanks to this hormone, normal blood supply to the vagina, mucus production, and the creation of an acidic environment, which is favorable for microflora, are ensured.

The development of such a clinical picture can be caused by factors that at first glance are not related to the reproductive system. For example, excessive physical activity. However, there are other provoking factors: taking certain medications, as well as oral contraceptives.

A woman’s hormonal levels are affected by alcohol consumption, nicotine addiction, and prolonged stress.

Vaginal dryness is often observed in women during menopause, as hormonal changes occur at this time.

Genital herpes as a cause of peeling

Genital herpes is a very common disease among humanity. Many people suffer throughout their lives from rashes on the body, lips and genitals. There are two types of herpes virus infection: I and II. Experts were confident that the virus of the first type affects only the mucous membrane of the lips, and the second - the genitals. However, research has shown that this is not entirely true.

Herpes virus type II

Affects the genitals. From the medical name it is clear that the signs of the disease mainly appear on the genitals.

Genital herpes in women is especially unpleasant due to the fact that:

• Diagnosis is difficult, but complete cure is impossible; as mentioned above, peeling, itching and rashes can be not only a sign of herpes, but also candidiasis, microbial infections or vulvaginitis;
• genital herpes during pregnancy can lead to undesirable consequences, no one is immune from it; Both initial herpes and chronic herpes are dangerous.

“Why does herpes appear again and again after the initial occurrence?” - a question that many women ask. This virus belongs to the group of DNA-containing ones, therefore, after a single infection, it permanently settles in the body. Has an affinity for nerve ganglia.

Reasons for relapse:

• hypothermia of the body;
• weakened immunity, acute respiratory diseases of infectious and viral nature;
• menstruation (cause an exacerbation of the disease);
• pregnancy;
• acclimatization;
• cancer, autoimmune diseases, AIDS, HIV infection, etc.

Peeling due to allergies

Genital allergies are quite common and are characterized by various manifestations: rash, irritation, peeling. The disease can be pronounced or occur in an erased form without unpleasant symptoms.

Causes of genital allergies in women:

1. Sperm from sexual partner;
2. Condoms, lubrication gels;
3. Oral contraceptives;
4. Hygiene items – soap, creams, tampons, pads;
5. Too chlorinated water;
6. Medicines containing iodine, sulfonamides;
7. Synthetic underwear;
8. Worm infestation.

Among the symptoms of an allergic reaction, in addition to peeling of the lips, women may experience redness, swelling of the genitals, itching, skin irritation, vaginal discharge, and burning during urination. The longer the allergen is exposed, the more pronounced the symptoms appear.

If the skin on the labia is peeling due to an allergic reaction, you need to consult a specialist to identify the allergen, as well as to treat the accompanying inflammation. After the treatment measures are taken and contact with the allergen is avoided, peeling, irritation and itching disappear without leaving a trace.

Preventive measures

Genital herpes is transmitted sexually. As a rule, if symptoms are present, intimacy should be excluded, because it causes pain and discomfort for the woman.

It is also important to observe the rules of personal hygiene - the infection is easily transmitted through household means. You should visit saunas, steam baths, swimming pools, and fitness centers with caution.

If a herpetic infection occurs on the lips and other parts of the body, then there is a risk of spreading it into the genitals with your hands (so-called self-infection). You can also become infected during oral sex.

During pregnancy and lactation, transmission of infection to the child is possible. Therefore, if you decide to get pregnant, it is better to first undergo a course of therapy to protect yourself and your unborn child. During the lactation period, you need to see a doctor and take appropriate medications. The herpetic virus is extremely dangerous for newborns.

Dear women, be attentive to your body to prevent unwanted consequences.

Peeling of the skin in the labia area is an alarming sign that may signal the development of some disease in the female reproductive system. Peeling of the genital organs can be accompanied by redness, itching, and noticeable pain, which cause serious discomfort for every representative of the fair sex. Experts advise women not to leave this phenomenon without due attention - after all, this can clearly signal the development of a certain infectious disease in the female body. Why does the skin of the external genitalia peel off and what disease may this phenomenon indicate?

Peeling Outer Lips: Common Causes

If you are faced with such a delicate problem, you need to urgently visit a doctor; you should not self-medicate or let things take their course. Many infectious gynecological diseases are accompanied by identical symptoms, so you need to undergo a series of tests that will help make a correct diagnosis.

A fairly common cause is a deficiency of vitamin B2 in the body, which provokes vitamin deficiency. A woman may also be bothered by other symptoms: damage to the oral mucosa, peeling and redness of the nasolabial fold, eyelids, and seborrhea in the hair. Such signs appear due to an imbalance of energy and protein metabolism in the cells of the body, caused by a lack of animal products in the diet.

If you have protein deficiency, you should add to your diet:

Additionally, the doctor may prescribe vitamin complexes to maintain the balance of the latter at normal levels.

In addition to vitamin deficiency, there may be other causes of peeling of the labia:

• allergy to tap water, which contains a high concentration of bleach;
• synthetic, low-quality underwear; narrow and cramped;
• various gels, soaps and scrubs;
• intimate hygiene products containing chemicals and condensates.

In a situation where intimate areas are peeling, you should use only natural soaps, showering and hair washing products. You can also use solutions based on medicinal herbs to wash the genitals.

If peeling skin is combined with other symptoms, such as itching and burning, this may indicate vaginosis, thrush, or another vaginal infection. In this case, you need to urgently contact a specialist - he will prescribe the necessary antibacterial therapy.

Treatment methods

Therapy compiled by a dermatovenerologist or gynecologist helps to get rid of itching in the groin in women.

• do not engage in active sports;
• treat the affected area with powder;
• give up smoked and spicy foods;
• Eat fresh vegetables and fruits daily.

To reduce unpleasant consequences, you should give up bad habits and take medications prescribed by your doctor.

Even if symptoms are eliminated on your own, it is worth contacting a gynecologist, since they can return under the influence of unfavorable factors. It is impossible to determine the causes and treatment of itching on your own, so you need to consult an experienced doctor.

A solution of crushed oak bark is used to add to the bathroom. It is necessary to fill 1 kg of material with 4 liters of water. The composition is boiled for 20 minutes.

The dry string is filled with water (1 l). The solution is kept in a water bath for 10 minutes. The broth is infused for 40 minutes and then poured into the bath. The composition is used for 5 days twice a day.

Tablets and suppositories

The fight against fungal infection is carried out under the supervision of a specialist to prevent the disease from becoming chronic. Basic treatment includes:

• taking antiallergic drugs – Desloratadine and Cetirizine;
• use of antimycotic medications;
• in special cases, systemic medications are prescribed.

Taking hormonal drugs without the supervision of a specialist can result in serious damage to the genital mucosa.

When discomfort is caused by infection, the doctor prescribes antiviral or antibacterial medications. You won’t be able to figure out how to treat unpleasant sensations on your own.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u8vKA6A9gIE

Popular suppositories that help relieve itching in the groin:

• Gynoflor. The product is produced in the form of suppository tablets. No more than 2 pieces are required per day. The course of treatment is 2 weeks.
• Klion-D has a wide spectrum of action. Able to treat trichomonas and candidiasis. The drug cannot be used during pregnancy.
• Clindacin – has a bacteriostatic effect. The drug is successfully used to combat various types of infections. The maximum course of treatment lasts 1 week.
• Terzhinan. This remedy is gentle, but a possible side effect is disruption of intestinal function.
• Fluomizin is able to kill infections of various types, cleansing the intimate area of ​​harmful microorganisms.
• Pimafucin is an effective antibiotic.
• Livarol suppositories can eliminate the symptoms of thrush.
• Hexicon - it is used when itching is a symptom of a sexually transmitted disease.

Tablets and suppositories are the main means of relieving itching.

External agents are divided into symptomatic and those that eliminate the cause. Among the effective ointments for itching in the perineum for women are:

• Boromenthol. Refers to ointments with a distracting effect. The product contains menthol, which cools the skin and relieves irritation. Thanks to the anti-inflammatory and antiseptic effect, the itching goes away, and the bacterial and fungal infection does not progress.
• Nezulin. The ointment heals wounds, soothes the skin and eliminates itching. The product can relieve swelling and resist the growth of bacteria.
• Gistan. It has antifungal, protective and antibacterial effects. The skin quickly recovers and stops peeling.
• Fenistil. Eliminates redness and relieves itching. The product does not contain hormonal components.

Boromenthol is an ointment with a distracting effect.
Among hormonal ointments, Prednisolone, Flucinar, Dermovate, Momat are distinguished. These products relieve irritation and redness in various skin diseases.

It is worth remembering that ointments based on glucocorticoids reduce immunity. Their uncontrolled use can provoke the development of infection.

Antimicrobial ointments are used for diseases caused by bacterial or fungal microflora. They reduce the manifestations of unpleasant symptoms and are used for scabies and lice. For maximum effect, you must always know the exact diagnosis, so self-medication with ointments is not allowed.

Peeling of the labia as a symptom of the disease

Peeling skin of the external reproductive organs can be a symptom of many diseases that develop in the female body. For example, severe hormonal imbalance often negatively affects the condition of the epidermis in the bikini area. Also, the appearance of flaky particles on the skin of intimate organs can be caused by diabetes mellitus or other diseases of the endocrine system.

Women's skin is very delicate and sensitive, especially in the bikini area. This intimate place often reacts to various allergens: itching, irritation, burning, and pain appear. When the skin on the labia peels off, ladies experience inconvenience, discomfort when wearing underwear, swimwear, and embarrassment during sexual intercourse. Peeling may be harmless or pathological. Before you panic, you should figure out what causes this condition of the labia.

Peeling in the groin with lichen planus and lichen rosea of ​​Zhiber

The causes of these two diseases are a decrease in the protective properties of the body.

The following manifestations are characteristic of lichen planus:

• a flat papular rash of bright red color (with an admixture of purple or crimson tint) appears in the groin area
• on the surface the rash shines and there is slight peeling with poorly detachable scales
• sometimes the rashes are similar to psoriasis

Symptoms of pityriasis rosea often develop after a cold, against the background of reduced immunity:

• one papule up to 2 cm in diameter (maternal plaque) of a pink hue is formed in the groin
• after some time, yellowness and slight peeling appear in the center of the papule
• after 2-3 days, pink spots up to 1 cm in diameter form throughout the body
• Over time, the spots begin to peel off

As a rule, the two diseases described above are diagnosed without much difficulty by visual examination.

For lichen planus, a histological examination of tissue taken from the affected area is prescribed.

Sedatives and antihistamines are prescribed.

Corticosteroid drugs are prescribed.

Zinc ointment is prescribed and applied 2 times a day to the affected areas of the skin.

In the first 7-10 days after the development of symptoms, bathing and showering are excluded.

Ultraviolet irradiation is used in a course of 7 procedures and vitamin therapy with a high content of vitamin C.

Excessive cleanliness and sex

External factors should not be excluded either. The use of antibacterial hygiene products disrupts the balance of flora and leads to drying of the mucous membrane, as well as vaginal douching and the use of spermicides to protect against unwanted pregnancy and STDs leads to the washing out of healthy flora and the development of an imbalance.

Sex might even be to blame. A woman’s psychological tightness in front of her sexual partner does not allow the mucous membrane to quickly moisturize, and if we add to this the lack of foreplay and insufficient arousal during sexual intercourse, then the situation turns out to be completely deplorable. Particularly loving girls can also experience dryness: with frequent sexual intercourse, moisture becomes less each time.

How to relieve irritation in the intimate area?

Of course, running to the doctor every time a new pimple appears, even in the groin area, is not a wise decision. In most cases, we ourselves are able to determine the cause of irritation in the groin, especially if hair removal has recently been performed or new underwear has been purchased. If improvement does not occur within 5-7 days and additional symptoms are added (itching, peeling, enlargement of lesions), it is still recommended to make an appointment with a dermatovenerologist.

If irritation occurs after shaving, it is recommended to immediately:

• treat the affected area with Chlorhexidine solution;
• treat the affected area with Miramistin solution or ointment;
• let dry;
• treat with baby powder or cream.

If irritation is accompanied by redness and swelling, you can try Metrogyl gel, which is very helpful in treating mild skin infections and is perfect as a prophylactic for regular skin injuries. You can also use the following drugs:

• Erythromycin ointment;
• Dalatsin;
• Panthenol;
• Advantan;
• Enterosgel.

If irritation in the intimate area appears due to a fungal disease, then it is necessary to undergo tests to determine the culture of the fungus (maybe epidermomycosis or dermatomycosis). The most commonly prescribed drugs are:

1. Clotrimazole – externally 2 times a day for 2 weeks;
2. Terbinafine – 2 times a day for a week;
3. Mifungar – 1 time per day for a week;
4. Zalain – 1 time per day for a month.

Peeling due to fungal infection

Most often, a woman's genitals are affected by the Candida fungus. The disease it causes is popularly called thrush because of the characteristic cheesy discharge that accompanies the infection.

Mostly the process develops in the vagina, but can spread to the external genitalia. Normally, the fungus is present on the skin, but for certain reasons its increased proliferation begins.

Factors influencing fungal growth:

1. Decreased immunity;
2. Excessive consumption of sweet foods;
3. Lack of vitamins, minerals, fluids in the body;
4. Impaired metabolism;
5. Stress, insomnia;
6. Pregnancy;
7. Long-term use of medications.

Thrush is not a sexually transmitted disease, but is transmitted sexually. In addition, there is a household method of infection through household items, dirty vegetables and fruits; transmission from mother to child is possible.

At the first stage, there may be no symptoms, but with the active proliferation of the fungus, the vaginal microflora changes, and yeast-like fungi begin to predominate over the beneficial flora. As a result, the following symptoms develop over time:

The skin of the lips suffers, it swells and turns red. If the labia are peeling, it means that the fungus has begun to multiply not only inside, but also outside the organ. Constant scratching leads to irritation of the epidermis, cracks, and painful wounds on the skin of the labia.

To treat thrush, complex measures are used: local treatment with ointments, vaginal suppositories, tablets should be combined with oral antifungal drugs and restorative therapy.