To prevent pruritus vulvae, particular attention must be paid to reducing risk factors.
Behavioral risk factors
- Diet
- Micronutrient deficiency (vital substances) – see micronutrient therapy.
- Physical activity
- Mechanical stress e.g. tight clothing, cycling, horseback riding, etc.
- Psycho-social situation
- Stress
- Overweight (BMI ≥ 25; obesity).
- Intimate hygiene
- False (wiping after defecation from back to front).
- Excessive (deodorants, disinfectants, rinses, washes, etc.).
- Uncleanliness
- Sexual practices
- Sexual intercourse (e.g., changing from vaginal to anal or oral coitus).
- Promiscuity (sexual contact with relatively frequently changing different partners).
Environmental pollution – intoxications (poisoning).
- Epithelial damage caused by:
- Chemical exposure e.g. deodorants, disinfectant solutions, intimate sprays, vaginal douches, ablutions.
- Maceration (softening of the tissue) of the skin e.g. fluorine, fistulas, menstrual blood, sweat, secretion (urinary, fecal incontinence, carcinoma secretion).
- Mechanical irritation: e.g. tight pants, sanitary napkins, underwear
- Toxic contact dermatitis (e.g., drugs, detergents, insecticides, cosmetics, oils, rinses, wash over, detergents).