Once a day, the genital area should be washed with a pH neutral care product. Washing several times a day with soap, intimate lotion or disinfectant destroys the natural acid mantle of the skin. Pure water dries out the skin, frequent washing irritates the skin.
It is recommended to use disposable washcloths.
Showering is better than bathing (softening the skin).
Wash hair separately to avoid wetting the vulva with shampoo.
Drying the skin dabbing with a soft absorbent towel or a cool hair dryer held far away.
Putting on underwear only when the skin is absolutely dry.
Underwear should be changed daily and be breathable (cotton materials).
Synthetic materials impermeable to air create an ideal breeding ground for pathogens.
Apply grease and or moisturizers possibly cooled several times a day.
Use of plain, non-colored toilet paper.
Use of non-perfumed sanitary napkins or panty liners.
Clothing:
Avoiding moisture, sweating, heat (possibly reinforcing vulvitis, ideal breeding ground for pathogens) by wearing wide, breathable cotton underwear (preferably 100%).
Avoiding nylon or other synthetic underwear.
Avoiding tight-fitting clothing (leggings, pants, tights, bike shorts); skirts and dresses allow air to circulate better
Daily change of underwear
Refrain from wearing underwear, for example, at night, at home.
Detergent or fabric softener can cause intolerance, irritation, allergy and vulvitis, if necessary trial change.
Vaginal douches
Proven to be effective:
In the case of unconscious nocturnal scratching, the wearing of cotton gloves.
In case of sleep disturbance due to nocturnal pruritus (itching) the use of antihistamines with sedative effect.
In case of recurrent infections, the partner should also be treated
Aim for normal weight!Determination of BMI (body mass index, body mass index) or body composition by means of electrical impedance analysis and, if necessary, participation in a medically supervised weight loss program.
BMI ≥ 25 → participation in a medically supervised weight loss program.
Review of the newly used medication as well as the permanent medication due topossible effect on the existing disease or pruritus (allergic reaction) Note: Also drugs and their ingredients (eg antibiotics) can release, among other things, the messenger substance histamine, which triggers the itching.
Review of food in particular food additives also allergenic or pseudoallergenic effect (see psuedoallergy).
Avoidance of psychosocial stress:
Psychosomatic stress
Stress
Avoidance of environmental stress:
Occupational contact with carcinogens
Conventional non-surgical therapy methods
Vaginal fractional CO2 laser therapy (Vulvovaginal CO2 laser therapy) – innovative, minimally invasive, non-surgical and non-hormonal procedure for the treatment of vulvovaginal dysfunctions, mostly recurrent, difficult to treat, especially concerning sexuality and diseases in the intimate area. Predominantly women in premenopausal/menopausal or other estrogen deficiency situations (e.g. pruritus vulvae due to estrogen deficiency) suffer from it. Mild forms of urinary incontinence, urge symptoms, chronic recurrent cystitis and descensus complaints may also improve. Particularly noteworthy are the excellent results in the treatment of lichen sclerosus, usually eliminating the need for cortisonetherapy.Impressive is the minimal rate of side effects and the absence of complications with this method, as well as the possibility of use after chemotherapy or radiation therapy. However, evaluation by controlled studies is currently still lacking.For details see chapter: “Vulvovaginal CO2 laser therapy“.
Regular check-ups
Regular medical checkups
Nutritional medicine
Nutritional counseling based on nutritional analysis
Nutritional recommendations according to a mixed diet taking into account the disease at hand. This means, among other things:
Daily total of 5 servings of fresh vegetables and fruits (≥ 400 g; 3 servings of vegetables and 2 servings of fruits).
Once or twice a week fresh sea fish, i.e. fatty marine fish (omega-3 fatty acids) such as salmon, herring, mackerel.
Observance of the following special dietary recommendations:
Diet rich in the omega-6 fatty acid gamma-linolenic acid (GLA). GLA-rich foods are fats and oils such as evening primrose, black currant seed and borage seed oil.
For dietary intake of gamma-linolenic acid is recommended to use a suitable dietary supplement.
Selection of suitable food based on the nutritional analysis
See also under “Therapy with micronutrients (vital substances)”.