How to care private parts - cleaning private parts

Private parts cleaning tips

Do not use sponges or cloths:

You can use a microfiber cloth or a cleaning brush as an alternative to using rags or sponges. Surfaces may be cleaned with microfiber cloths without leaving lint or streaks behind. Cleaning brushes can be reused and utilized for more difficult cleaning chores. For a more practical choice, you might also think about utilizing disposable cleaning wipes.

Avoid soap that are irritating or scented:

It is advised against using soaps that are overly fragrant or abrasive on the skin. Instead, choose mild, fragrance-free soaps designed especially for sensitive skin. Furthermore, it's crucial to thoroughly rinse the skin with lukewarm water to get rid of any soap residue that may still be present.

Avoid cleaning inside that vagina or douching:

Douching or cleaning inside the vagina should be avoided because they can upset the pH and bacterial balance in the vagina. This could make infections and other complications more likely. Instead, it is advised to wear breathable cotton pants and to clean the external genital area with mild soap and water. It is best to speak with a healthcare provider if you are concerned about vaginal odor or discharge so that you can receive the proper diagnosis and care.

Do not rub the area to dry:

It's important to avoid rubbing the genital area dry when drying it because doing so can irritate and discomfort. Instead, use a clean, soft towel to gently pat the area dry. As bacteria and moisture can cause infections, it's also crucial to make sure the towel is clean and dry. Wearing loose-fitting clothing is also advised; tight clothing should be avoided as it can irritate and discomfort in the genital area. It is best to speak with a healthcare provider if you have any strange symptoms or pain so they can properly assess and treat you.

Use 'feminine' deodorants, perfumes, and sprays away from your vulva:

Thank you for getting in touch. The vulva is a delicate area, and using feminine sprays, perfumes, or deodorants can upset this pH balance, causing irritation, infection, or other health problems. The vulva should only be cleaned with water and mild, unscented soap. For proper diagnosis and treatment, it is best to speak with a healthcare professional if you are in any discomfort or experiencing an unusual discharge.

If it itches, don't scratch it:

I appreciate your message. Numerous conditions, such as allergies, infections, and skin conditions, can all have itching as a common symptom. Even though scratching might temporarily stop the itching, it can also irritate the skin and make the problem worse. The best course of action is to refrain from scratching and instead try non-irritating remedies like applying a cool compress, taking a lukewarm bath, putting on moisturizer, or taking an over-the-counter antihistamine. For a proper diagnosis and course of action, it is best to speak with a healthcare professional if the itching is persistent or is accompanied by other symptoms.

Avoid douching:

I appreciate your message. Douching, which entails cleaning the vagina with a solution, is not advised because it can disturb the normal balance of bacteria in the vagina and raise the risk of infection. The vagina self-cleans; douching or other specialized cleaning agents are not necessary. The vulva should only be cleaned with water and mild, unscented soap. For proper diagnosis and treatment, it is best to speak with a healthcare professional if you are in any discomfort or experiencing an unusual discharge.

Wear loose-fitting white underclothes made entirely of cotton:

I appreciate you sending me this. It can be beneficial to wear loose clothing and white, 100% cotton pants to encourage good vaginal health. Cotton is a breathable material that aids in moisture absorption and lowers the risk of itchiness and infection. A breeding ground for bacteria and yeast can be created by tight-fitting clothing, especially if it is made of synthetic materials. It's also important to avoid wearing restrictive or too-tight clothing, as well as to change out of wet or sweaty clothes as soon as you can. By adhering to these recommendations, you can maintain good vaginal health and lower your risk of irritation and infection.

Avoid wearing thongs or pantyliners:

I appreciate you sending me this message. Thongs and pantyliners should generally not be worn frequently as they raise the risk of irritation and infection. Thongs can chafe and irritate the sensitive skin around the vulva, while pantyliners can hold moisture and serve as a haven for bacteria and yeast. If you do decide to wear these things, it's crucial to change them frequently and pick breathable, unscented options. To aid in absorbing moisture and lower the risk of infection, it is also advised to wear knickers with a cotton crotch. It is best to speak with a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and treatment if you are in any discomfort or experiencing an unusual discharge.

Wherever you have menstrual bleeding, use unscented tampons:

I appreciate you sending me this. It's crucial to pick menstrual supplies that are both safe and comfortable for your body. Many people prefer unscented tampons because they are made to absorb menstrual blood without irritating or inconveniencing anyone. To decrease the risk of infection and prevent leaving a tampon in for longer than 8 hours, it is crucial to change your tampon every 4 to 8 hours. To give your body a break and prevent using tampons overnight, it's also advised to switch between tampons and pads on a regular basis. It is best to consult with a healthcare provider for an accurate diagnosis and treatment if you are in any discomfort or bleeding that is unusual.

When bathing and taking a shower, use gentle, unscented soap:

I appreciate you sending me this. Use gentle, unscented soap when bathing and showering to prevent irritability and preserve good vaginal health. The pH balance of the vagina's natural environment can be upset by harsh soaps, scented body washes, and bubble baths, which raises the danger of infection. It is advised to wash the vulva with gentle, unscented soap and water rather than using any products inside the vagina. In order to remove all soap residue, it's crucial to thoroughly rinse. The risk of irritation and infection can be decreased by using these suggestions to help maintain good vaginal health.

Avoid using fabric softeners, dryer sheets, and detergents with fragrance:

I'm grateful for your letter. It's important to choose gentle laundry products free of harsh chemicals and perfumes. Fabric softeners, dryer sheets, and fragranced detergents may contain irritants that result in allergic reactions, itching, and irritation. It is suggested to use gentle, unscented laundry detergent and to completely avoid using fabric softeners and dryer sheets. If you experience any discomfort or irritation, it is best to switch to fragrance-free laundry detergent and avoid wearing clothing that has been cleaned with scented detergent. These suggestions will assist you in maintaining the health of your vagina and reduce your risk of irritation and infection.