Free Book Excerpt from "The V Book: A Doctor's Guide to Complete Vulvovaginal Health"

Clothing

The simplest reason for itching comes from moisture trapped under tight layers of clothing. I've mentioned this before, but it bears repeating here because my patients are surprised to discover that some irritation problems can be eased simply by changing the way they dress. Just think about how many layers could cover your vulva in a given day. Many women wear a panty liner, with a moisture-trapping adhesive backing, every day. On top of this go underpants, which may be synthetic or fit snugly. On top of these may go panty hose (perhaps a tightly woven control-top kind) and a skirt or jeans or pants… These may be replaced during the day with tights or other exercise clothes of spandex for vigorous activity.

Remember, the V area is one of the key places on the body where we perspire. If locked under many layers, this moisture has nowhere to go. Moisture alone, or the combination of moisture plus friction plus chemicals left in the fabric after laundering, may irritate the skin and leave you feeling the need to scratch…