Treatment of Vulvar Eczema

Written by Yan Qiao
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Updated on March 31, 2025
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For the treatment of vulvar eczema, I believe the most important thing is to keep the vulva clean and dry. Regular cleaning of the vulva is necessary, and it should be kept as dry as possible. Additionally, try to avoid using sanitary pads as much as possible, because they can reduce breathability. Our clothing should also be as loose and breathable as possible, and avoid wearing synthetic underwear. Moreover, if there is itching and pain associated with vulvar eczema, topical corticosteroids can be applied to the vulva to relieve these symptoms and help heal the eczema. (The use of medications should be under the guidance of a doctor.)

Other Voices

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Written by Xie Ming Feng
Dermatology
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What is eczema?

Eczema is a type of skin inflammation caused by multiple internal and external factors, characterized by various forms of rashes that usually have a significant tendency to exude fluid, hence the name "eczema." It usually comes with significant itching and is prone to recurrence, causing distress in patients' lives. Infant eczema is a common type of skin disease in babies and is a specific type of eczema. Commonly known as "milk cradle cap" in folk terminology, it is not a fungal disease but, like eczema, is an allergic reaction type of skin disease. Unlike other forms of eczema, however, infant eczema typically diminishes and often disappears as the child ages, with only a small fraction continuing into adulthood.

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Written by Yao Li Qin
Pediatrics
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Is infantile eczema contagious?

Pediatric eczema is a chronic, recurrent inflammatory skin condition that typically presents during infancy and early childhood. Some children may continue to experience symptoms into childhood and even adulthood. It is characterized by skin damage but is not infectious; thus, pediatric eczema is not contagious, which should reassure parents. The causes of pediatric eczema are complex and relate to immune dysfunction or deficiency, and nutritional disorders. External factors also play a role, such as allergies to milk, fish, shrimp, or eggs, as well as mechanical irritation or improper care, all of which can lead to eczema. However, it is not contagious. Poor care can lead to local bacterial infections of the skin, which parents must be careful to avoid.

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Written by Zhu Zhu
Dermatology
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Eczema is caused by what?

The causes of eczema are relatively complex, often resulting from the interaction of internal and external factors. Internal causes mainly include certain gastrointestinal diseases, insomnia, fatigue, emotional stress, and also include infections, metabolic disorders, and endocrine imbalances. External causes, for example, include food, living environment, and climate changes, all of which can lead to eczema. Additionally, external stimuli such as cold, heat, hot water scalding, cosmetics, and synthetic fibers can also trigger eczema.

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Written by Yao Li Qin
Pediatrics
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What should I do about my baby's dry eczema?

Babies with dry eczema still need proactive treatment, as dry eczema can cause local skin flaking and itching, leading to extreme discomfort for the child. The primary treatment for dry eczema consists largely of moisturizing; using a baby-specific moisturizing cream applied thickly three to four times a day typically controls most cases of dry eczema effectively. If this approach doesn't manage the condition, under the guidance of a hospital doctor, the use of mild corticosteroid creams can be considered, alongside dietary controls for the child. If the baby is breastfed, the mother should avoid consuming beef, mutton, nuts, and seafood. If the baby is formula-fed, depending on the severity of the eczema, an amino acid-based formula or a hydrolyzed protein formula can be chosen.

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Written by Yan Xin Liang
Pediatrics
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Can infants with eczema take baths?

Infant eczema is an allergic disease, and its skin can become secondarily infected, especially if cleanliness is not maintained, making it prone to bacterial infection. Therefore, it is crucial to pay attention to hygiene with eczema, and next, some anti-allergy medications should be used. If the body is very dirty, bathing is definitely possible. When bathing, it is important to ensure the water temperature is appropriate. If there are broken areas on the skin, it might be necessary to use boiled water, cooled to around 37 degrees Celsius, for bathing the baby, which is the best. Additionally, eczema can be treated topically with some ointments to promote its subsidence.