Free tool
Vulva Care Routine
Gentle vulva care is simple: rinse the outside with warm water, use plain fragrance-free soap only if you want it, pat dry, and wear breathable cotton. Skip douches, sprays, wipes, powders and perfumed pads. If itching, burning, pain or skin changes do not settle, see a clinician.
How to use it
- Work through the routine table below one area at a time: washing, products, clothing and periods.
- Change one product or habit at a time so you can tell what helps.
- If you have mild irritation, ACOG suggests stopping soap on the inner vulva and washing with clear water.
- See a clinician if itching, burning or pain continues, or you notice new bumps, sores or color changes.
Reference
| Area | Do | Skip | Why |
|---|---|---|---|
| Washing | Rinse the vulva with warm or lukewarm water. Plain fragrance-free soap on the outer areas is optional. | Soap on the inner vulva when it feels irritated; scrubbing. | ACOG says clear water is perfectly adequate. The Office on Women's Health notes even mild soaps can dry sensitive skin. |
| Drying | Gently pat dry. | Rubbing with a towel. | ACOG recommends patting, not rubbing, to protect vulvar skin. |
| Inside the vagina | Nothing. The vagina cleans itself by making mucus. | Douching, vaginal steaming, feminine sprays and deodorants. | Douching can upset vaginal bacteria and acidity, and MedlinePlus warns steaming may raise infection risk. |
| Products | Unscented, uncolored toilet paper and fragrance-free products. | Wipes, talcum powder, perfumed soap, and lotions on the inner vulva. | ACOG lists these among products to avoid; soaps, fabrics and perfumes can cause contact dermatitis. |
| Clothing | Underwear with a cotton panel and pants that are not tight. | Tight pants, and pantyhose without a cotton crotch. | ACOG advises letting air circulate; MedlinePlus notes cotton increases airflow and reduces moisture buildup. |
| Periods | Pads or tampons that are deodorant-free and have no plastic coating. | Scented pads, tampons and liners. | ACOG advises deodorant-free products; the Office on Women's Health says scented ones may raise the chance of infection. |
| Toilet habits | Wipe from front to back. | Scented toilet paper. | ACOG and MedlinePlus both recommend wiping from front to back. |
Less is more
ACOG's vulva care guidance is mostly about what to stop using: douches, sprays, powders, perfumed soaps and scented products. The vagina cleans itself.
If skin gets irritated
ACOG describes contact dermatitis from soaps, fabrics or perfumes. Avoiding the trigger lets skin heal, and a cold compress or a thin layer of plain petroleum jelly can protect it.
When to see a clinician
Changes in vulvar skin color, new bumps, sores or swelling, or itching, burning or pain that does not go away are reasons to contact a gynecologist, according to ACOG.
How this tool works
This is a fixed checklist built from ACOG patient guidance on vulvovaginal health and vulvar skin problems, plus MedlinePlus and Office on Women's Health advice. It has no inputs and gives no result. Each row pairs a daily habit with what the guidance says and why.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best way to wash my vulva?
Rinse the outside with warm or lukewarm water and gently pat dry. ACOG says plain, fragrance-free soap is fine on the vulva, but if you have any irritation, stop using soap on the inner parts, since clear water is perfectly adequate.
Do I need a feminine wash?
No. The vagina cleans itself by making mucus, and the vulva needs only water or plain fragrance-free soap. ACOG advises avoiding vaginal hygiene products, including perfumes and deodorants, which can irritate sensitive skin.
Is it okay to use soap down there?
Soap should never go inside the vagina. On the outer vulva, plain fragrance-free soap is optional. The Office on Women's Health notes that even mild soaps can cause dryness and irritation if you have sensitive skin or a current infection.
Are wipes safe for the vulva?
ACOG lists baby wipes among products to avoid on the genital area, alongside feminine sprays, deodorants and talcum powder. Plain water and gentle patting dry are enough for everyday care. Stop any product that causes itching or redness.
What underwear is best for vulva health?
ACOG recommends underwear with a cotton panel and clothing that is not tight-fitting, so air can circulate. MedlinePlus adds that cotton increases airflow and reduces moisture buildup compared with synthetic fabrics.
Why is my vulva itchy?
Itching has many possible causes, including irritation from soaps, fabrics or perfumes, which ACOG calls contact dermatitis, as well as infections and skin conditions. If itching, burning or pain does not go away, see a gynecologist so the cause can be found.
Do I need to remove pubic hair for hygiene?
No. ACOG says there is no medical or hygienic reason to remove pubic hair, and some removal methods can increase the risk of infection or injury. If you choose to groom, do it carefully, either yourself or with a professional.
Sources
This tool gives general information for adults and does not diagnose or treat any condition. It is not a substitute for advice from a clinician. If you have severe symptoms, fever, or are pregnant, contact a healthcare professional.