Dry, flaky skin around the vagina can result from allergies, infections, or a skin condition such as psoriasis or dermatitis. Hair removal products and tight clothing can also cause skin damage.
Sometimes, a person may experience dry, flaky skin in their pubic area. The area may be itchy, flushed, or scaly. There may be patches of skin that look and feel irritated. Treatments can depend on the underlying cause.
The right treatment will depend on the cause of the problem.
The use of binary terms such as “male” and “female” or “men” and “women” in this article reflects the language of the sources we’ve used. Unless otherwise noted, it’s unclear whether the research we reference included participants with expansive gender identities.
People can have dry skin anywhere on the body, including the pelvic area.
To stay soft, supple, and stretchy, the skin needs water and oils that the body makes naturally. Without them, skin can dry out, leading to symptoms such as:
- patches of itchy or scaly skin
- flaky skin with a rough texture
- skin that stings or burns
- peeling skin
- itchy skin
The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) has stated that some individuals are more susceptible to dry skin than others. They include:
- people over the age of 40 years
- people with brown, black, or fair skin, as opposed to a medium complexion
- people with a diagnosis of diabetes, thyroid disease, HIV, or kidney disease
- people who live in cold climates
- people who smoke
Drinking plenty of water and moisturizing the pubic area regularly can help heal dry skin. A person can also increase their intake of certain vitamins to help get rid of dry skin, including:
Psoriasis is a long-term skin condition that can affect any part of the body, including the pubic area. It is very common. In fact, up to 63% of people with the condition develop it on their genitals at some point.
It can cause patches of flaky, inflamed skin and itching. In people with light skin, the patches might look red with a silvery sheen. For individuals with dark skin, the patches may appear purple, gray, or dark brown.
People with genital psoriasis typically have patches elsewhere on their bodies as well. The symptoms of psoriasis tend to fluctuate in severity.
Depending on the severity of the condition, doctors may recommend creams, lotions, and ointments that help moisturize the skin and alleviate itching. In some cases, doctors may prescribe oral medications, such as biological drugs, to help control inflammation.
Sometimes, a person can have an allergic reaction to a certain product, such as:
- hygiene products
- douches
- scented sanitary pads
- piercings
- barrier contraceptives
- lubricants
Doctors call this allergic contact dermatitis. It is a form of eczema that causes dry, itchy rashes. The rash can break out anywhere on the body that comes into contact with an allergen, including the skin on the pubic area.
These rashes can be very itchy. Sometimes, if a person scratches the rash, it will break open and ooze fluid.
Doctors may recommend creams and ointments, including steroid creams, to treat contact dermatitis. They may also advise people to use soap-replacement products and avoid scrubbing the area harshly.
The pubic area may be more susceptible to irritation than other parts of the body. This may be because this area is more prone to sweating, comes into contact with tight clothing, and may cause friction between the skin surfaces.
The problem will usually get better if the person removes the cause of the irritation.
Products that people use in the pubic area may also cause skin irritation, such as:
- soaps
- bubble baths
- shower gels
- talcum powder
- baby wipes or feminine wipes
- perfumes
- personal deodorants
- hemorrhoid treatments
- antiseptics
Urine and feces can also irritate the skin. If a person experiences incontinence, they should avoid trying to manage it using wipes and pads and seek specialist treatment.
If irritation persists, a person should contact their doctor.
Vaginal infections or inflammation, or vaginitis, can result in itchy, flaky skin on the vulva and pubic area. The
As well as itchy, flaky skin, vaginal infections can cause:
If a person notices any of the signs listed above, they should consult their doctor. A person with a vaginal infection may require treatment in the form of antibiotics that they can take as a tablet or apply as a cream.
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) may also cause dry, flaky skin in the pubic area. One example is pubic lice, small insects that live on humans and
The correct treatment will depend on the type of infection. Doctors will carry out a test to find out which type a person has. They will then prescribe antibacterial or antiviral medications.
Lichen sclerosus is a skin condition that, in females, most commonly affects the skin of the vulva.
Doctors do not know what causes it, but it may have links to a fault in the immune system. It is not contagious, and a person cannot spread this condition during sex.
Lichen sclerosus may cause patches of skin to look white and shiny. Sometimes, small cracks and blisters may appear in these patches.
Other symptoms include:
- tightening of the skin
- itching
- discomfort during urination or defecation
- discomfort during sex
Lichen sclerosus is a chronic condition, meaning there is no cure. However, people can use medications to manage the symptoms. Treatment options include prescription-strength steroid creams and moisturizers.
If a person experiences persistent dry, flaky skin in their pubic area, they should consult their doctor. Many of the causes of dry, flaky skin require medical treatment.
There are things people can do at home to ease the symptoms and help prevent them from coming back, including:
- drinking plenty of water to keep the skin hydrated
- avoiding caffeine and alcohol, which can dry out the skin
- applying a cold compress to ease the itching
- moisturizing the area regularly
A person can avoid the following activities:
- wearing tight-fitting clothing, pantyhose, or underwear
- rubbing the vulva dry after washing
- taking long, hot baths or showers
- douching or using harsh intimate cleaning products
- using irritating self-care products and scented sanitary pads
Several conditions and factors can cause dry, flaky skin in the pubic area, and treatment will depend on the underlying cause. Some conditions may worsen over time, and a person may risk transmitting conditions such as STIs to others as well.
A person should always consult a doctor if they notice dry, flaky skin in their pubic area that does not improve. This is particularly true if the symptoms are interfering with everyday life.
A person who feels embarrassed should remember that lots of these causes are common in females.
A person should consult a dermatologist to develop a treatment plan for pubic psoriasis. The treatment plan may include topical ointments such as corticosteroid creams and mild coal tar. A person may require stronger medications such as cyclosporine.
A person’s pubic area may be dry and flaky due to dry skin. Other causes include psoriasis, dermatitis, lichen sclerosis, and infection.
A person may mistake psoriasis for a fungal infection. A fungal infection on the pubic area that can appear similar to psoriasis includes tinea cruris.
Allergic reactions, skin conditions, and vaginal infections can all cause dry, flaky skin. Close-fitting clothes and intimate cleaning products can irritate the skin, causing similar symptoms.
The most effective treatment will depend on the underlying cause of the issue. While many conditions will require medical attention, there are steps people can take at home to help alleviate symptoms.
Anyone who suspects they have a vaginal infection or a skin condition should contact a doctor.