Diet's Impact on Vaginal Health Explained

Author: Aunt Vadge
Qualified Naturopath | BHSc(N)

Last reviewed: July 4, 2026

Hi Aunt Vadge,

I don’t want to say my age or anything, as I feel embarrassed. It’s not too bad, it just hurts and I don’t know what to do. I’m confused – I don’t do any sexual things, and I don’t know if it’s because of my health, as I eat a lot of unhealthy food.

The cuts went away, but if they come back, what would help it stop hurting? I’m not sexually active and I don’t take birth control. It itches, there’s a burning feeling when I have a cut, and it bleeds sometimes.

Thank you for responding.
Cut

Hi Cut,

You don’t have to tell me your age, and there’s nothing to be embarrassed about – this is a body question, and bodies are exactly what I’m here for.

The important part: cuts that itch, burn, bleed and keep coming back, when you’re not doing anything sexual, really do deserve a look from a doctor. Not because it’s likely to be anything scary – it usually isn’t – but because there’s a good chance it’s a treatable skin condition, and the sooner it’s named, the sooner it stops bothering you.

The one I’d most want checked is a skin condition called lichen sclerosus. It commonly affects girls and young women, it’s often missed, and it causes exactly what you describe – itching, burning, and little splits that crack and bleed in the vulval skin, with nothing sexual involved. It’s very manageable once a doctor spots it. Other possibilities are simple irritation or dermatitis (from soap, bubble bath, wipes or tight clothes) or a yeast infection – all treatable.

So the most useful thing is to see a doctor or GP and show them. I know that feels mortifying when you’re already embarrassed, but they see this constantly – it’s completely routine and private, and a sore, itchy vulva is as ordinary to them as a sore throat. If it feels easier to have a trusted adult help you get an appointment, that’s okay too, and you don’t have to explain anything awkward. ‘I’ve got a sore spot that keeps cracking and itching’ is all you need to say.

While you wait to be seen, some gentle things that often help and cost nothing:

wash with warm water only – no soap, bubble bath, wipes or anything scented on the area
loose cotton underwear, and out of tight or damp clothing when you can
a plain barrier ointment (like plain petroleum jelly) to protect the skin
try not to scratch or pick, even though it’s tempting – it keeps the cracks open

Food does play a part in how well skin heals – protein, vegetables and zinc all help it repair – so adding more of those where you can will support healing. But this isn’t your fault for eating the wrong things, and diet alone isn’t the whole story, so please don’t wait until you’re ‘eating perfectly’ before getting it checked. Fermented foods are a nice gut-and-skin helper too, if you have access to them.

This is general information, not a substitute for personalised medical advice.

You did a good thing writing. Write back anytime.

Warmest regards,
Aunt Vadge