Intimate Skin Care for Women: How to Prevent IAD & Female Itching

Itching and skin irritation in the genital area can be very discomforting and concerning. One of the main causes of this in women is IAD or Incontinence Associated Dermatitis. This is a condition that can cause irritation, female itching in the pubic area. In this article we’ve teamed up with Dr. Alison Macbeth who has advised us on the symptoms, causes and treatments for the condition to help you get the help you need. 

Excess moisture can cause skin irritation and genital itching, but incontinence doesn’t mean you have to put up with sore skin,rashes and female itching. There are several factors that contribute to female itching in the pubic area, including; 

• Dryness 

• Friction 

• Hormonal changes 

• Infection 

You can prevent or reduce the risk of these factors by using the correct products and taking care of your intimate skin. TENA Women products use advanced moisture-reducing technologies that securely locks urine into the core of our incontinence pads and liners, leaving the surface dry and fresh. This helps you to manage leaks and prevent odors and genital itching. If you are already suffering from sensitive skin caused by urine leaks, you might want to use gentler cleansing and care products to keep irritation to a minimum. 

Preventing damage to your skin is the best way to take care of it and ensure you stay comfortable when dealing with incontinence. 

1. Choose breathable fabrics 
    
   Wearing tight nonbreathable fabrics, especially if they are synthetic, can trap heat and moisture which are key cause of irritation. Opting for breathable cotton underwear allows your skin to stay dry and well ventilated. 
    

2. Avoiding harsh soaps and fragrances 
    
   Using harsh soaps and hygiene products with strong fragrances in the intimate region can disrupt the delicate natural balance that your body wants to maintain. Many soaps and hygiene products are not suitable for use in this sensitive area, and can upset this balance, leading to dryness, itching and irritation. Try using pH-balanced, fragrance-free cleansers designed specifically for use in sensitive areas.  
    

3. Stay dry 
    
   Moisture is a key cause of irritation. Moisture can build up due to exercise, washing/bathing, swimming or sometimes even just being too hot. Remember to dry yourself thoroughly after washing or bathing, and changing in to dry, clean clothing afterwards. When drying your intimate areas, it’s also best to pat instead of rubbing as the friction caused by this can damage sensitive skin. 
    

4. Stay hydrated 
    
   Staying hydrated is good for your general health but also helps keep your skin hydrated and less prone to dryness or itchiness. 
    

5. Use moisturisers designed for intimate skin care 
    
   Gentle, hypoallergenic moisturisers which are designed specifically for intimate skin are the best way to sooth intimate skin while managing moisture levels and avoiding harsh ingredients. 
    

6. Dress for comfort 
    
   Tight clothing such as leggings or skinny jeans can rub against your skin, and this friction can lead to itching and irritation. Loose fitting clothing are the best way to prevent this and create room for your skin to breathe. 
    

7. Take extra care during your period 
    
   During menstruation, change sanitary products regularly and opt for breathable products that prevent excess moisture build up. 
    

8. Consult your doctor 
    
   If you are regularly or repeatedly experiencing itching in the intimate skin it or skin rash in your groins, perineum or upper inner thighs  then  it is recommended to speak with your doctor or healthcare provider. They can help identify other potential underlying causes or health issues that could be causing irritation, such as infections or skin conditions., and suggest some alternative treatments. Sometimes you can have a skin infection such as a fungal infection that would need antifungal skin creams or treatments. Other causes are lack of estrogen in the vulval and vaginal tissues causing genitourinary syndrome of menopause that may require vaginal estrogen.  

Genital itching and female itching can have many potential causes. If the cause is unclear, your doctor will likely need to examine your skin or even take a sample to get an accurate diagnosis. You may also be asked a series of questions about where the itchiness or sensitivity is occurring specifically and how intense it is. You may also be asked about your sex life, periods/ hormones and other potential lifestyle changes that could have affected your intimate skin. 

The treatment you are offered will depend on the diagnosis you receive and can vary a lot depending on this, so we wouldn’t be able to list specific treatments here. 

You may wonder if there are any home remedies for itching in private parts in females. We do not recommend using home remedies such as rubbing alcohol or essential oils as these may not treat the specific cause of your irritation and may worsen your symptoms. It is always best to speak to your doctor and have an examination to confirm the correct diagnosis.  

By taking care of your intimate skin, you can minimize female itching and reduce the chance of developing incontinence associated dermatitis helping you can enjoy greater comfort every day. You can also learn more, as understanding urinary incontinence could also help you take care of your intimate skin. You can also use our product selector to ensure you get products that perfectly support your needs. 

Management of the underlying cause of the incontinence is important as prevention is better than cure!  See your doctor to rule out causes of incontinence such as diabetes or certain medications. Work on doing your pelvic floor exercises and you can ask for a referral to a women’s pelvic floor physio.