Non-Sexually Transmitted Infections

Genital skin problems

  • Problems with the skin in the genital area are very common.
  • Both men and women can complain of redness, itching, and pain of the genital skin.
  • Often these problems are related to the use of perfumed washing products. These products dry the skin out and cause cracks to develop, which become infected with fungal organisms. This causes itch and discomfort. Some creams will improve these symptoms in the short term, but the skin will not get completely better until perfumed washing products are stopped.

If you have any of these symptoms we advise you to change the way you wash as outlined below.

  1. Stop using the products that you presently use to wash your skin.

  2. Use a soap substitute to wash ALL of your body in the bath or shower. If you use a soap substitute to wash the genital skin but your normal soap on other parts of the body you will get some of the soap onto the genital skin and your skin problems will not improve completely.

  3. You can buy soap substitutes from the sensitive skin counter at Boots. Look for:

  • Aveeno
  • Oilatum
  • Boots Own Brand

These brands produce products that can be used instead of soaps and shower gels.

  • Alternatively the dispensary of the chemist will sell you:
  • Diprobase Cream in a 500mls canister
  • Dermol 500
  • Both products can be used to wash your body like a shower gel.
  • Balneum Plus Bath Oil is a suitable product for the bath, and is good to use if the skin is very itchy. However it will make the bath very slippery so use a non-slip mat and warn others who use the same bath. Washing-up liquid is the best way to clean the bath after using Balneum Plus Bath Oil.

These products can also be prescribed by your GP.

  • Never wash your hair in the bath.
  • Never put bubble baths, other perfumed products or essential oils into the bath water.
  • When washing hair in the shower do not stand under the shower, but put your head under the stream of water and keep your lower body out.
  • Do not use fabric softeners, even those marked as sensitive, when washing your clothes.
  • Do not use 2-in-1 products, such as Bold to wash clothes as these contain a fabric softener. The fabric softener stays on towels and underwear and will irritate the skin.
  • Do not use any creams on the genital area unless told to do so by a doctor.
  • Do not use baby wipes to clean the genital skin and do not use coloured toilet tissue as both contain chemicals that can damage the skin.
  • If these guidelines are followed closely for 3-4 months many people will find that their genital skin symptoms will settle completely. However if you continue to have problems and you think that you are doing everything right please ask your GP to refer you for a skin appointment at GUM.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THESE NON-SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED INFECTIONS PLEASE CONTACT THE HEALTH ADVISORS AT GUM NINEWELLS ON 01382 632 600.