Eczema in the intimate area of the woman
Eczema in the genital area can spread over the entire genital area in women. The extent of the spread depends on the cause of the eczema. Often in women it is contact eczema, which is an exuberant response to certain chemical stimuli.
In women, it is usually either condoms or intimate washing lotions or creams that cause these symptoms. Intimate washing lotions should therefore always be as free as possible from perfume and other additives. Tampons or panty liners can also cause intimate eczema.
In addition, a coil (intrauterine device), which can be used for contraception, can cause a skin reaction. Creams that are used for medical reasons can also cause contact dermatitis in the intimate area. These include, for example, ointments containing antibiotics.
Such skin reactions occur more frequently in menopausal women because the lack of estrogen makes the vagina drier and the skin more susceptible to irritation. The risk of superinfection of eczema with bacteria or viruses is also higher for these women.But bacteria, viruses or fungi can also cause symptoms very similar to those of eczema. However, these infections are often accompanied by additional abnormalities such as blistering or purulent discharge.
Eczema in the genital area of the man
In men, eczema in the genital area usually does not affect the entire genital area, but is limited to the skin of the scrotum. Contact eczema is also common in men and is triggered by the ingredients of intimate washing lotions or creams. If the penis is also affected, or if blisters form, a bacterial or viral infection must be considered. This can also be transmitted through sexual intercourse.
Eczema in the genital area during pregnancy
Many women suffer from eczema associated with itching, burning and discharge in the genital area. Often a fungal infection is responsible for this. During pregnancy a lot changes in a woman’s body, especially the hormonal changes can lead to various problems.
For example, a hormonal imbalance can lead to severe mood swings. These hormones can also cause an imbalance of skin bacteria. Useful ones are displaced by harmful bacteria in the vagina, itching, foul-smelling discharge or pain during sexual intercourse.
If a smear is taken from the eczema in the genital area during pregnancy, in most cases a fungal infection can be diagnosed. Eczema can also be caused by mechanical irritation of the sensitive skin in the genital area during pregnancy. Severe itching in the genital area is not uncommon, as water is stored in the tissue during pregnancy and the blood circulation is slowed down. This can lead to itching, which causes frequent scratching and can irritate the skin until eczema appears. In addition, small wounds caused by scratching facilitate the penetration of fungi or bacteria, which can also cause eczema in the intimate area.