Care of genitalia Prepared by : SIG, Dermatology Nursing IADVL

Avoid irritants Excessive washing and use of bathing products irritate the skin and lead to dryness and poor skin integrity. Perfumed products including some scented oils, laundry detergents, perfumed toilet paper, disinfectants and genital deodorants should be avoided. Soaps, creams (moisturising/medicated), oils (tea tree/bath oils) and artificial lubricants can irritate and worsen symptoms. Excessive moisture may also cause irritation and patients should be encouraged to keep the genital skin dry

Reduce trauma friction and rubbing damage the skin which can cause abrasions and micro­abrasions. Genital area should be pat dry and avoid rubbing with a towel or a washcloth. Tight clothing causing friction should be avoided and trauma caused by shaving and waxing should also be avoided

Washing Genital washing with lukewarm/cool water once- a-day is adequate. Patients with irritated or inflamed skin should be advised to use a dilute saline solution (1tsp salt/L water). Pat skin dry rather than rub with towels or washcloths Soaps with an alkaline pH disturb the delicate ecological balance and thus the pH of the vagina and the perineum. It removes the protective acid mantle thus increasing the risk of local infection and irritation

C0NT……. Talcum powder, antiperspirants, deodorants and antiseptics used for better perineal hygiene can/may block the sweat glands and may result in contact sensitization and irritant action and strip the vulva and perineum off its moisture, causing extreme dryness.