Tulvariskin

Tulvariskin, or vulvar skin, refers to the skin that covers the external female genitalia, including the labia majora and labia minora, the clitoral area, and surrounding folds. This skin is relatively thin and highly innervated, and it contains hair follicles, sweat glands, and sebaceous glands. It acts as a protective barrier against moisture, friction, and pathogens while contributing to sensation and temperature regulation.

The vulvar skin is designed to be resilient yet sensitive. It can be irritated by soaps, detergents, fragranced products, dyes, or tight clothing, and it may react to allergens. Because of its sensitivity, the vulvar skin is prone to dermatitis, itching, burning, and redness. Common conditions that involve the vulvar skin include irritant or allergic contact dermatitis, lichen sclerosus, lichen planus, psoriasis, candidiasis (yeast infection), and, less commonly, infections such as herpes or human papillomavirus–related lesions.

Diagnosis is typically based on history and a clinical examination. If infection is suspected, swabs or cultures may be taken. In persistent or unclear cases, a skin biopsy or patch testing for allergies may be performed to guide treatment.

Treatment aims to relieve symptoms and protect the skin. Approaches include avoiding irritants, using gentle, fragrance-free cleansers and moisturizers, and applying prescribed medications such as topical corticosteroids, antifungals, or, for chronic conditions like lichen sclerosus, long-term management under medical supervision.

Prevention focuses on gentle hygiene, breathable underwear, and avoiding known irritants. Seek medical care for persistent redness, itching that lasts more than a few days, ulcers, bleeding, or severe pain, as these may indicate a condition requiring professional evaluation.