Genital Skin Care

Genital skin is very sensitive. Genital skin is the skin on and around the penis, vulva/vagina and anus – these areas need special care to keep healthy.

Washing the genital area too often can make the skin sore and irritated. Although irritation is often thought to be caused by infection, it is commonly due to washing habits and hygiene products.

There is no need to use special genital cleaning products. These can contain ingredients that may irritate the sensitive skin in this area.

How should I wash genital skin?

Use warm water alone and/or:

• wash with a PH balanced wash for sensitive skin such as Dermaveen®, Aveeno® Cetaphil®, QV®,
• use an unperfumed moisturiser such as aqueous cream or sorbolene, on the vulva, penis and around the anus.
  Never use these products inside the vagina or anus – warm water only should be used here.

After washing, gently pat the area dry rather than rubbing, as the skin is very sensitive.

What should I avoid?

Avoid rubbing or scrubbing the genital area.

Do not use: 

• Perfumed soaps, shower gels or body washes
• Products inside the vagina (douching)
• Cleansing wipes e.g. hygiene wipes, baby wipes
• Disinfectants (which may also be included in some washing detergents)
• Tea tree oil
• Paw paw ointment
• Bubble baths/bath bombs
• Medicated skin treatments (unless prescribed by your clinician)
• Perfumed laundry detergents or fabric softeners (choose hypoallergenic products instead).

It is also best to avoid:

• Daily use of panty liners or pads (unless during your period)
• Staying in wet or sweaty clothing for long periods
• Scratching the area
• Hair removal, including shaving or laser treatment
• Tight clothing.

Sexual activity and genital skin care

Friction during sex can sometimes irritate the genital area. Using a lubricant (lube) can help reduce this, especially during vaginal or anal sex.

If you are using condoms, choose a water-based lube, as oil-based products can weaken condoms and make them less effective.

If condoms are not being used, then oil-based lube can be used. This can include vegetable oils such as olive, coconut or almond oil.

After sex or masturbation, it is recommended to urinate (wee) and gently rinse the genital area with warm water, then pat dry. This can help reduce irritation.

Vaginal discharge

The vagina contains lots of good bacteria called lactobacilli which thrive in this acidic area. Lactobacilli are essential for keeping the vagina healthy and protected.

Vaginal discharge is a normal fluid made by the vagina. It can be clear, white, creamy or slightly yellow in colour but should not have a strong smell or cause itching. The amount of discharge varies from person to person and can also change during the menstrual cycle (the time between your usual periods).

Discharge can also change with age  and hormone levels, including changes during the menstrual cycle or when using hormonal contraception. Sometimes discharge can be caused by irritants, such as soaps or perfumed products used in the vaginal area. These can upset the natural balance.

Sometimes, just by stopping douching or using perfumed wash products this discharge will resolve without the need for medication but it’s a good idea to get it checked  if it does not improve.

Vulval/vaginal irritation and infection

The skin of the vulva is very sensitive, so irritation is common. Irritation can sometimes be a sign of infection. It’s a good idea to see a Clinician if you’re experiencing vulval/vaginal symptoms such as itch or a new discharge.

Overgrowth of bacteria

An overgrowth of bacteria will often cause a change in discharge which can become watery and may have a fishy smell to it. This is called bacterial vaginosis, see SHINE SA’s Bacterial Vaginosis Fact Sheet for more information.

Thrush/Overgrowth of yeast

Sometimes yeast in the vagina can overgrow and cause an infection called thrush. This can lead to changes in discharge, which may be white and thick or sometimes thin, and is often associated with itching.

The vulva can become irritated when it comes into contact with this discharge. Wearing panty liners may make this irritation worse, as they can keep the discharge in contact with the skin for longer.

There are treatments for thrush that you can buy from the chemist. If these don’t work or you’re finding you need to use them regularly, the symptoms you have may not be thrush and you should see a clinician. See SHINE SA’s Vaginal Thrush Fact Sheet for more information.

Other causes of irritation

Genital irritation can also be caused by sexually transmitted infections (STIs) including herpes, chlamydia, gonorrhoea, trichomoniasis and genital warts.

Skin conditions can also be the cause of irritation including lichen sclerosis, lichen planus, dermatitis and eczema.

If you do experience any vulval or vaginal irritation, it’s a good idea to speak to a clinician or visit a sexual health clinic to find the cause of the irritation.

Penis hygiene

The skin on the penis and scrotum is on the outside the body, so it is naturally cooler and drier than internal areas. The head of the penis (the glans) can produce a white substance called smegma.

Smegma is made up of dead skin cells, oils and sweat. It is harmless, but it can build up, especially under the foreskin where warmth and moisture can collect. If this happens, it may cause irritation, develop an odour, and allow bacteria to grow. This can lead to inflammation called balanitis. It may also cause the foreskin to stick to the head of the penis which will make erections painful.

Balanitis

Symptoms of balanitis can include redness, swelling, an itch, discharge, an unpleasant smell and a blotchy red rash on the head of the penis. This is not sexually transmitted. It is more likely to occur if you have not washed for a few days, particularly if there has been sexual activity.

Balanitis is best managed with good hygiene habits. It should not need any medication. Good hygiene habits include washing the penis once a day, with warm water alone or using soap substitute as mentioned in the What is the best way to wash genital skin? section above.

If you have a foreskin, gently pull it back to wash the head of the penis and, very importantly, allow to dry completely before replacing the foreskin. You should also pull back the foreskin when you are urinating. This will prevent urine from touching the foreskin which can sit on the head of the penis and cause irritation. If your foreskin is tight and does not pull back easily, you should see your clinician to discuss. Never forcibly pull back on the foreskin as this can cause scarring.

Where can I get more information?

• You can visit SHINE SA for further information, testing and treatment.

You can also:
• Make an appointment with your local doctor, nurse practitioner, health care provider or Aboriginal Health service.
• Contact Adelaide Sexual Health Centre: drop in or phone.
260 Currie Street, Adelaide
Call: 7117 2800