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Navigate: FAQ Home Page > Genital skin concerns > Dry skin around vagina
Posted on: 04/03/2007
Question
i use the dove bar soap to clean my vagina when i shower and i noticed that my skin around my genital area becomes itchy. as i scratch it becomes dry and one day i noticed that i had pimples. could it be too much scratching and the soap all together? my skin is now dry and i was wondering if their was a certain type of lotion i can use to stop the dryness? my discharge is okay and i do use protection when i have sexual intercourse.
Answer
It is hard to figure out what an "itch" or rash is from without an exam, but there are a few good possibilities. You may be sensitive to something you are cleaning with. Dove soap (especially unscented) is typically pretty gentle and also moisturizing, but it is possible that you may be sensitive to that. You may want to switch to the unscented version, if you are not already using that, and make sure you rinse well with water so that there is no residue. You should not use any perfumes, deodorant sprays, douches, powders or anything else in that area until you figure out what's going on. If you are using condoms, that's great, but you may also be sensitive to the spermicide or latex. Try switching to a non-spermicidal condom, and possibly to a non-latex condom if that seems to be the culprit. Clothing items that rub against your vagina can also be irritating, so make sure you wear cotton underwear and clothes and make sure your pants are not too tight. If you have a tendency to get eczema, or a dry, itchy, flaky rash, anywhere else on your body, this could be something similar. You mentioned that your discharge is normal, but you may still have a yeast infection that is irritating your skin. You can try over the counter hydrocortisone cream for the itching/rash twice a day for up to two weeks. If you are not better by then you should definitely see your doctor.