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Is your vagina shedding skin? If yes, here’s all that you need to know

If your vagina is shedding skin at frequent intervals, it’s time to diagnose the cause before it’s too late. After all, it’s better to be safe than sorry!
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Find some answers to your vagina queries! Image courtesy: Shutterstock
Geetika Sachdev Published: 5 Sep 2021, 18:00 pm IST
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Our vaginas are precious, ladies. After all, they have superpowers like no other! That’s exactly why even if there’s a slight change down there, our brains go into a tizzy. We’ve often heard of vaginal infections and irritation, but did you know some people also lose skin from their vagina? Oh no, we aren’t kidding! More often than not, there’s no cause for worry. It’s generally an intermittent occurrence, but if you witness persistent peeling, it’s better to see a doctor. Because it could be a case of vaginal skin peeling! 

But why does it really happen?

There are several causes as to why vaginal peeling could take place:

1. Yeast infections: These are extremely common, and let’s just say almost everyone must have faced this, at least once in their life. These infections happen due to overgrowth of the fungus Candida. Let’s break it to you that candida is a part of your vaginal flora, so there’s nothing to worry about. The problem arises when its balance is disturbed, and there’s overgrowth. Some common signs of a vaginal yeast infection include itching, irritation, burning while peeing, pain during sex, and whitish-gray, clumpy, cottage cheese-like discharge.

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2. Contact dermatitis: This is a rash that generally develops after your vaginal area comes in contact with an irritant or allergen, including soaps, fragrances, laundry detergent, lubricants, and latex. Some of the common signs of contact dermatitis include appearance of a red rash, itching, blisters, peeling and swelling.

3. Eczema: “It could also be due to an inflammatory skin condition called atopic dermatitis. In most cases, the flare-ups happen on the arms and behind the knees, but it can happen elsewhere too. Some of the common symptoms include itching, dryness, bumps, flaking, fissures and peeling skin,” says Dr Sandhya Maheshwari, a renowned gynecologist.

4. Bacterial vaginosis: This happens when a certain type of bacteria grows in excess in the vagina. Some activities are responsible for changing the pH balance of the vagina — these include sexual intercourse, using fragranced soaps, and frequent douching.

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5. Lichen sclerosus: “This condition is mostly seen in women who have reached the menopausal age, and sometimes in young girls, who have just hit puberty. It generally occurs in the form of white patches around the genital area, and is characterised by itching, discomfort and skin tears,” says Dr Maheshwari.

How can it be diagnosed?

This is a challenge because vaginal skin peeling can be a symptom of several issues. That’s why it is essential to visit a doctor and figure out what’s wrong. In most cases, the condition can be easily diagnosed. If not, your doctor will ask you to get a blood test done. 

Most doctors prescribe an antifungal treatment, antibiotics, antivirals, and oral corticosteroids.

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Can you treat vaginal skin peeling at home?

You can treat vaginal skin peeling in various ways: 

1. Use OTC antifungal creams for yeast infection;
2. Go for anti-itch creams;
3. Apply a cold compress to reduce itching;
4. Do not sit around in damp clothes;
5. Wear breathable clothing;
6. Avoid douching.

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About the Author

An independent writer and journalist, Geetika loves sharp and fresh humour, just like her coffee! If not writing, you'll find her cafe-hopping and raiding the best book stores in town. ...Read More

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