The genital area, including the surrounding skin is very delicate and can easily be damaged. There are a number of ways to protect and look after your genital skin – find out more below.

Do use plain water or an emollient to wash your genitals. Whilst water is fine to use alone, we recommend washing with an emollient such as aqueous cream, diprobase or double base. These are available from a pharmacy or supermarket (and online) and are very cost effective. You can apply the emollient like a cream to your genital skin before getting in the bath or shower, this will act like a barrier to other soaps and shampoos you might use. Rinse the area well when you are finished washing.

Emollients are safe for daily use. If you have dry genital skin apply some before bed every night. Do allow fresh air to get to your genital skin! During the winter months, our genitals rarely get a chance to breathe due to us wearing multiple layers to keep warm! And in the summer, our genitals can get hot and sweaty, due to the temperature outside! When you can, e.g. when you’re at home in the evening watching TV and when you are sleeping – try to go underwear free! A loose fitting pair of pyjama bottoms works well, to cover your modesty but allows some air flow to get to the area.

Do wear cotton (or cotton gusset) underwear. Cotton material allows our skin to breathe, whereas manmade fibres don’t and can make your skin hot, causing irritation. You should preferably use a non-biological washing powder/liquid to wash your underwear