tips for vulvar skin care

[Guest guest]

These tips are from Dr. Libby who is a Dermatologist down in Charlotte, NC who treats Vulvar pain patients...(I haven't been to her yet, but I may go in the near future). These irritants are not causing your symptoms, but they could be making them worse. As a woman with a history of vulvar symptoms, you should follow these guidelines to prevent flares -- even when you are feeling well. After your symptoms are under control, you can restart any habits that are important to you... ~Wash the vulva no more than once a day, using water only; do not use a washcloth but only soft fingertips. ~Avoid soap, douches, powders, over the counter medications (especially Vagisil) on this area. ~If any topical medications produce burning, stop using them and call your provider. ~Do not use panty liners, especially the brand "Always." ~With periods, use tampons rather than pads if possible. ~Prevent constipation by adding fiber to your diet; an easy solution is one or two large helpings of a very high fiber cereal such as All Bran or All Bran Extra, with large amounts of fluid. If necessary, use a psyllium product such as Metamucil with several large glasses of fluid daily. ~Apply ice, frozen peas or a frozen blue gel pack (lunch box size) wrapped in a hand towel to relieve burning. But, be careful not to overdo, since frostbite is a real possibility. ~Use a lubricant with sexual activity. Women with vaginal symptoms tent to be dry. (isn't that the truth, Chelle) Astroglide, Slippery Stuff, or vegetable oil (not K-Y) are good choices for a lubricant. (I personally like

Femglide and have used Olive Oil in the past...some use Crisco...Chelle). ~Try applying A LOT of topical anesthetic (Xylocaine, lidocaine - NOT vagisil) 30 minutes before sexual activity if sexual activity is painful for you. ~Contraceptive creams or spermicides, and latex condoms can be irritating. If anybody wants to add something...please do...Chelle

[Guest guest]

Thanks for sending this! I cannot use tampons, they hurt really bad, how about anyone here? I have tried astroglide, it burned very bad. Where can you buy slippery stuff? Has anyone here ever tried veg. oil, I haven't heard of doing that before. I have 2 percent lidocaine, and that does not help at all. Are there other numbing gels that are good?

These tips are from Dr. Libby who is a Dermatologist down in Charlotte, NC who treats Vulvar pain patients.

These irritants are not causing your symptoms, but they could be making them worse. As a woman with a history of vulvar symptoms, you should follow these guidelines to prevent flares -- even when you are feeling well. After your symptoms are under control, you can restart any habits that are important to you...

~Wash the vulva no more than once a day, using water only; do not use a washcloth but only soft fingertips.

~Avoid soap, douches, powders, over the counter medications (especially Vagisil) on this area.

~If any topical medications produce burning, stop using them and call your provider.

~Do not use panty liners, especially the brand " Always. "

~With periods, use tampons rather than pads if possible.

~Prevent constipation by adding fiber to your diet; an easy solution is one or two large helpings of a very high fiber cereal such as All Bran or All Bran Extra, with large amounts of fluid. If necessary, use a psyllium product such as Metamucil with several large glasses of fluid daily.

~Apply ice, frozen peas or a frozen blue gel pack (lunch box size) wrapped in a hand towel to relieve burning. But, be careful not to overdo, since frostbite is a real possibility.

~Use a lubricant with sexual activity. Women with vaginal symptoms tent to be dry. (isn't that the truth, Chelle) Astroglide, Slippery Stuff, or vegetable oil (not K-Y) are good choices for a lubricant. (I personally like Femglide and have used Olive Oil in the past...some use Crisco...Chelle).

~Try applying A LOT of topical anesthetic (Xylocaine, lidocaine - NOT vagisil) 30 minutes before sexual activity if sexual activity is painful for you.

~Contraceptive creams or spermicides, and latex condoms can be irritating.

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