Contact allergy in the vulva – when something meant to protect becomes a problem
Have you ever experienced itching or stinging in the vulva after using a new detergent, pad, or perhaps an intimate product? Then you are not alone. Contact allergy in the vulva is a problem that can affect both younger and older women and can easily be mistaken for other conditions like yeast or infections. But what exactly is contact allergy and why does it occur?
WHAT IS CONTACT ALLERGY?
Contact allergy means that the skin reacts to substances it comes into contact with and does not tolerate. The vulva is a particularly sensitive area because the skin is thinner and the mucous membranes more receptive. The body perceives these substances as a threatening danger, even though in most cases they are not harmful to us, and responds with a "fire brigade response" – in the form of inflammation, redness, swelling, and a burning sensation.
A common cause is perfume and preservatives often found in both intimate washes and regular soaps. But even things you don't think about, like the elastic material in panties, detergents, pads, and panty liners, can be culprits.
CAUSES OF CONTACT ALLERGIES IN THE VULVA
Some common allergens that can affect the vulva are:
🌺 Perfume and fragrances: Found in everything from shower creams and intimate products to pads.
🌺 Preservatives: Used to prevent bacterial growth in products, but can irritate sensitive skin.
🌺 Latex and certain synthetic materials: Found in underwear and condoms.
🌺 Dyes: Found in both products and certain textiles.
🌺 Metals like nickel: Can be found in buttons, zippers and other accessories near the genital area.
WHAT DOES THE RESEARCH SAY?
Studies show that about 20% of all women at some point suffer from contact allergy in the vulva or vagina. According to a comprehensive study conducted by the Swedish Society of Dermatology, perfumed products were one of the biggest culprits, with up to 35% of the women examined reacting to these. Many also do not know they have an allergy because the symptoms are often vague and easily confused with other conditions such as yeast infections or bacterial imbalance.
HOW DO YOU KNOW IF YOU HAVE CONTACT ALLERGY?
It can be difficult to determine, but if you often get symptoms like redness, burning, itching or small cracks after using a certain product or after washing your underwear with a certain detergent, it may be worth considering whether it is contact allergy.
WHAT CAN YOU DO ABOUT IT?
First and foremost: eliminate suspected allergens. Try switching to perfume-free and fragrance-free products and use detergent without strong chemicals. Here are some concrete tips:
🌺 Replace your intimate products with fragrance-free and mild alternatives. VagiVital Moisturizing Cleanser intimate wash is completely free from perfume, specially adapted for sensitive mucous membranes and of course 100% soap-free.
🌺 Avoid panty liners and pads with fragrance. These can contain both perfume and other substances that can trigger a reaction.
🌺 Wash your underwear with an allergy-friendly detergent at at least 60 degrees and avoid fabric softeners.
🌺 Choose underwear made of natural materials like cotton, which allow the skin to breathe and reduce the risk of irritation.
Discover our 100% perfume-free & soap-free VagiVital V Cleanser intimate wash
– click here to buy now.
SUMMARY
Contact allergy in the vulva is a common but often overlooked problem that can affect your daily life and quality of life. By being aware of what products you use and how your skin reacts, you can avoid many of the most common allergens. Remember that the vulva is a sensitive part of the body – give it the same care as you give the rest of your skin ❤️
Do you want to know more about how to take care of your sensitive areas? Follow our blog for more tips and advice based on research and women's own experiences here.
Take care of yourself & Stay Pussytive ❤️
/Fanny Falkman Grinndal
Business Manager Nordics
Peptonic Medical AB
fanny.falkman-grinndal@peptonicmedical.se
WHAT IS CONTACT ALLERGY?
Contact allergy means that the skin reacts to substances it comes into contact with and does not tolerate. The vulva is a particularly sensitive area because the skin is thinner and the mucous membranes more receptive. The body perceives these substances as a threatening danger, even though in most cases they are not harmful to us, and responds with a "fire brigade response" – in the form of inflammation, redness, swelling, and a burning sensation.
A common cause is perfume and preservatives often found in both intimate washes and regular soaps. But even things you don't think about, like the elastic material in panties, detergents, pads, and panty liners, can be culprits.
CAUSES OF CONTACT ALLERGIES IN THE VULVA
Some common allergens that can affect the vulva are:
🌺 Perfume and fragrances: Found in everything from shower creams and intimate products to pads.
🌺 Preservatives: Used to prevent bacterial growth in products, but can irritate sensitive skin.
🌺 Latex and certain synthetic materials: Found in underwear and condoms.
🌺 Dyes: Found in both products and certain textiles.
🌺 Metals like nickel: Can be found in buttons, zippers and other accessories near the genital area.
WHAT DOES THE RESEARCH SAY?
Studies show that about 20% of all women at some point suffer from contact allergy in the vulva or vagina. According to a comprehensive study conducted by the Swedish Society of Dermatology, perfumed products were one of the biggest culprits, with up to 35% of the women examined reacting to these. Many also do not know they have an allergy because the symptoms are often vague and easily confused with other conditions such as yeast infections or bacterial imbalance.
HOW DO YOU KNOW IF YOU HAVE CONTACT ALLERGY?
It can be difficult to determine, but if you often get symptoms like redness, burning, itching or small cracks after using a certain product or after washing your underwear with a certain detergent, it may be worth considering whether it is contact allergy.
WHAT CAN YOU DO ABOUT IT?
First and foremost: eliminate suspected allergens. Try switching to perfume-free and fragrance-free products and use detergent without strong chemicals. Here are some concrete tips:
🌺 Replace your intimate products with fragrance-free and mild alternatives. VagiVital Moisturizing Cleanser intimate wash is completely free from perfume, specially adapted for sensitive mucous membranes and of course 100% soap-free.
🌺 Avoid panty liners and pads with fragrance. These can contain both perfume and other substances that can trigger a reaction.
🌺 Wash your underwear with an allergy-friendly detergent at at least 60 degrees and avoid fabric softeners.
🌺 Choose underwear made of natural materials like cotton, which allow the skin to breathe and reduce the risk of irritation.
Discover our 100% perfume-free & soap-free VagiVital V Cleanser intimate wash
– click here to buy now.
SUMMARY
Contact allergy in the vulva is a common but often overlooked problem that can affect your daily life and quality of life. By being aware of what products you use and how your skin reacts, you can avoid many of the most common allergens. Remember that the vulva is a sensitive part of the body – give it the same care as you give the rest of your skin ❤️
Do you want to know more about how to take care of your sensitive areas? Follow our blog for more tips and advice based on research and women's own experiences here.
Take care of yourself & Stay Pussytive ❤️
/Fanny Falkman Grinndal
Business Manager Nordics
Peptonic Medical AB
fanny.falkman-grinndal@peptonicmedical.se
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