The skin in the intimate areas of a woman can vary in color from light pink to dark brown. This variation is a natural process that can affect any woman.
However, if the color is changing suddenly and is not accompanied by any other symptoms then you should see your doctor immediately.
Causes
Women might get alarmed when they notice the color of their intimate areas changing. But darkening of the vulva is normal and it happens to almost every woman at some point in her life.
The vulva and labia become darker during puberty as the body develops, just like other parts of the skin. It’s also common for the vulva to become darker when women are sexually aroused because of copious blood flow in the area.
Similarly, the area might become darker due to infections like yeast infections or bacterial vaginosis. These cause itching, inflammation and a change in the natural flora of the vulva that leads to changes in skin color.
Other causes of vaginal darkening include hormone fluctuations due to menstruation, aging, and friction from wearing tight or ill-fitting clothing in the area. Some of the causes are more serious than others, so a change in the color of the vulva should be evaluated by an OB-GYN.
There are some home remedies that can help lighten the vulva and groin area. These include drinking six to eight glasses of water daily, avoiding talcum powder, and regularly exfoliating the area using a mixture of unsweetened yogurt and dried orange peels. You can also make a paste of sandalwood, turmeric and lemon juice and apply it on the affected area. These natural bleaching ingredients are safe to use as they don’t contain any chemicals or added metals.
Treatment
The shade of a woman’s vulva varies considerably, from pink to purple to brown. The color of the vulva and inner labia is usually darker than other areas of the body because it contains more melanin, a pigment that gives skin its color, experts say.
The darkening of the intimate area is normal and does not indicate any serious health issues. However, if the changes are sudden and accompanied by pain during sexual intercourse or a fever, consult a doctor immediately. Dark spots on the vulva and vagina may result from ageing, hormonal fluctuations or friction caused by tight clothing, but they can also be signs of more serious conditions like cancer or infections. Since the symptoms of these conditions often overlap, it is important to perform regular vaginal self-exams and keep a close eye on any changes in the vulva and vulva skin tone.
It is possible to lighten the vulva and inner labia with a variety of treatments. These include a diet rich in vitamins C, which has mild skin lightening properties, and the use of natural plant-based oils. The most popular choices are coconut and olive oil, which can be massaged into the vulva daily. The vulva and labia are also sensitive to the sun, so applying sunscreen to these areas is recommended. A specialized laser treatment is available for those who are serious about lightening their vulva and inner labia, but this is not available in all countries or medical centres.
Prevention
Even if you are a fair skinned woman, your inner labia and vulva will be darker as compared to other parts of the body because the melanin and chromophores in this area are higher. But this is nothing to worry about since the color of your vagina and vulva is not related to your overall skin tone.
Your genital area darkens with age and this is a natural process. However, you must keep in mind that if the area around your vulva starts to become dark and is accompanied by other symptoms like bleeding, itching or a rash, then this is not a normal change in color and you should consult your gynecologist immediately.
A good cosmetic gynaecologist can offer you several options to lighten your intimate area naturally. They can use chemical bleaching that is safe for your genitals and can give you natural looking results without irritating the delicate area. They can also recommend exercise and a healthy diet to help you manage your weight so that you can prevent the onset of diabetes which may cause your genitals to darken further.
Another great option for preventing darkening of the vulva is to wear comfortable undies that fit well and don’t rub against the skin. You should also avoid sex and other activities that can cause friction as these can lead to the formation of dark patches in your vulva.
Symptoms
Over time we all expect to see age spots or darkening on our hands, face or arms as a normal part of aging. But when that darkening extends to the vulva and anus, some women are alarmed. The intimate area of a woman’s body is not usually shown in public, so when it changes color many women are confused and concerned.
Most people who experience the darkness of their vulva and vagina are not at risk of any serious medical condition. However, it is important to monitor your private area and talk to your nurse or doctor if you notice any unusual changes.
Some women find that their vulva and vagina darken due to friction, such as from wearing tight clothing or using a certain type of lubricant. This can lead to an increase in blood flow and the buildup of melanin in the area, causing it to become darker.
It is also normal for the vulva and vagina to become darker during sexual activity or when you are sexually aroused. This is because the genital area swells and becomes more lubricated, leading to increased blood flow.
If your vulva and vagina are darker than the rest of your body, you can try home remedies to lighten it, such as drinking plenty of water and applying unsweetened yogurt. You can also avoid talcum powder and hair removal creams, which tend to make the skin dry.
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