Читать книгу Ridley's The Vulva - Группа авторов - Страница 178

It is important to ask about hygiene practices as these can vary with cultural influences and personal preference [1]. Many women feel the need to clean the vulva several times a day as they are often worried that a lack of hygiene on their part may have contributed to their vulval symptoms. Transepidermal water loss from the thinner vulval skin is greater than that from the forearm and is therefore more susceptible to the irritant effects of any application.

Simple washing once daily is required to wash away secretions and sweat. Soap removes the natural lipids produced by epithelial cells that have an important role in the integrity of the skin barrier, and so using an emollient as a soap substitute is encouraged. A bland ointment‐based emollient such as emulsifying ointment is preferred because of the low allergenic potential with this substance. Creams and lotions often contain preservatives which can be irritant and may sting if the skin is fissured. Several over‐the‐counter products can affect L. crispatus counts, which will alter the normal microbiome and increase the likelihood of inflammation [2]. The use of these products is widespread, with over 50% of post‐menopausal women questioned reporting use of at least one product [3].