What Causes Female Genital Eczema?

Fast answer
Female genital eczema develops when the delicate skin of the vulva becomes irritated or the skin barrier is weakened. Common causes include fragranced products, pads or liners, friction, sweating, hormonal changes, stress, and underlying eczema or sensitive skin.

This information is part of the wider guide on female genital eczema. This explains symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options in more detail.

Why female genital skin is more vulnerable

The skin of the vulva is thinner, more sensitive, and more prone to irritation than skin on other parts of the body. It is exposed to moisture, friction, body heat, and everyday products, all of which can weaken the skin barrier over time.

When the skin barrier is damaged, irritants can penetrate more easily, leading to inflammation, itching, and soreness.

Common triggers of female genital eczema

Female genital eczema is often triggered by one or more of the following factors:

Fragranced soaps, body washes, or shower gels
Intimate hygiene products or wipes
Sanitary pads, panty liners, or incontinence pads
Tight or synthetic underwear and clothing
Sweating, heat, and friction
Hair removal products or shaving irritation

Even products labelled as “gentle” or “feminine” can irritate sensitive vulval skin.

The role of hormones

Hormonal changes can play a significant role in female genital eczema.

Pregnancy can increase skin sensitivity
Postpartum hormone shifts may trigger flare-ups
Menopause and reduced oestrogen can lead to dryness and fragility
Menstrual cycle changes may worsen symptoms at certain times

These changes can make the vulval skin more prone to dryness, irritation, and inflammation.

For independent medical guidance on how hormonal changes affect eczema, the NHS explains how eczema symptoms can flare during hormonal shifts.

Existing eczema or sensitive skin

Women who have eczema elsewhere on the body, such as atopic eczema, contact dermatitis, or generally sensitive skin, are more likely to develop eczema in the genital area.

In these cases, the vulva is simply another area affected by the same underlying skin barrier weakness.

Stress and flare-ups

Stress does not directly cause eczema, but it can trigger or worsen flare-ups.

It affects the immune system and skin barrier function, making inflammation more likely during periods of emotional or physical strain.

Often, more than one cause is involved

Female genital eczema is rarely caused by a single factor. In most cases, it develops due to a combination of sensitive skin, repeated exposure to irritants, hormonal changes, and friction, heat, or moisture.

Identifying and reducing triggers is an important step in managing symptoms.

What this means for managing symptoms

Understanding what causes female genital eczema can help reduce flare-ups and prevent repeated irritation. Gentle skin care, avoiding triggers, and supporting the skin barrier are key parts of long-term management.

For a full overview of symptoms, causes, and treatment options, visit the main guide on female genital eczema.

FAQs: Hormones and female genital eczema

Can hormonal changes cause female genital eczema?
Hormonal changes do not directly cause eczema, but they can make the vulval skin more sensitive and prone to irritation. This can trigger flare-ups in people who already have eczema or sensitive skin.

Can pregnancy make female genital eczema worse?
Yes. Pregnancy can increase skin sensitivity due to hormonal shifts, increased blood flow, and changes in the immune system. This can make genital eczema symptoms more noticeable or more frequent.

Why does female genital eczema flare after childbirth?
After childbirth, hormone levels change rapidly. These postpartum shifts can temporarily weaken the skin barrier, which may trigger or worsen genital eczema flare-ups.

Does menopause affect female genital eczema?
Yes. Reduced oestrogen during menopause can lead to dryness, thinning, and fragility of the vulval skin. This makes the area more vulnerable to irritation and eczema symptoms.

Can eczema symptoms change during the menstrual cycle?
Some people notice that genital eczema symptoms worsen at certain points in their menstrual cycle. Hormonal fluctuations can affect skin hydration and sensitivity, increasing the risk of flare-ups.

Why do hormones make vulval skin more sensitive?
Hormones play a role in maintaining the skin barrier and moisture levels. When hormone levels change, the vulval skin can become drier and less resilient, making inflammation and irritation more likely.