Allergic contact dermatitis on the vulva

TL;DR

Vulvar allergic dermatitis is an inflammation of the vulva skin caused by a hypersensitivity reaction to allergens such as perfumes, preservatives, and metals. Symptoms include itching, redness, and blistering, with treatments focusing on removing the allergen and soothing the skin with oatmeal baths, ice packs, and hypoallergenic creams. Understanding the common allergens and preventive measures is key to managing this condition.

Vulvar allergic dermatitis results from contact with a hypersensitivity reaction resulting in inflammation after contact with an allergen directly to the skin of the vulva.

This agent must have already caused a reaction in this person at least once before, with the reaction developing across the day (12-24 hours) after contact.

Symptoms of allergic contact dermatitis

  • Itchy vulva
  • Possible general allergy symptoms elsewhere in the body (rashes, swelling, etc.)
  • Redness
  • Blistering

Typical allergens list

  • Perfumes (balsam of Peru)
  • Preservatives (paraben, imidazolidinyl urea)
  • Nickel in zips, snaps, jeans
  • Topical antibiotics (neomycin, clindamycin, tetracycline, sulfonamides, nifuratel
  • Topical anaesthetics (benzocaine, lidocaine, prilocaine, pramoxine)
  • Topical antiseptics (hexachlorophene)
  • Dyes in clothing
  • Moisturisers including lanolin
  • Nail polish
  • Plants (poison ivy)
  • Rubber, latex (condoms, gloves, diaphragms)

Treatment for allergic contact dermatitis

Remove the cause if you can find it, then soothe the skin with oatmeal baths, ice packs and a vagina and vulva-friendly soothing cream or aloe vera to reduce itching (and scratching), and calm the area down.

Oral antihistamines may help to reduce the itch. The point of treatment is to reduce the inflammation and irritation as soon as possible.

Leave the area alone, wash only with warm water with the hand, use hypoallergenic laundry detergent, and if you are unsure what the cause was, you are now charged with that responsibility.

It could be obscure, so be diligent in your detective work, and don’t exclude any single thing, including water, that touches your vulva.

References

Marfatia YS, Patel D, Menon DS, Naswa S. Genital contact allergy: A diagnosis missedIndian J Sex Transm Dis AIDS. 2016;37(1):1-6. doi:10.4103/0253-7184.180286

Margesson LJ. Contact dermatitis of the vulva. Dermatologic Therapy. 2004;17(1):20-27. International Society for the Study of Vulvovaginal Disease



Jessica Lloyd - Vulvovaginal Specialist Naturopathic Practitioner, BHSc(N)

Jessica is a degree-qualified naturopath (BHSc) specialising in vulvovaginal health and disease, based in Melbourne, Australia.

Jessica is the owner and lead naturopath of My Vagina, and is a member of the:

  • International Society for the Study of Vulvovaginal Disease (ISSVD)
  • International Society for the Study of Women's Sexual Health (ISSWSH)
  • National Vulvodynia Association (NVA) Australia
  • New Zealand Vulvovaginal Society (ANZVS)
  • Australian Traditional Medicine Society (ATMS)
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