Our last body areas to discuss are the female and male genitalia. These areas have been separated for individual discussion because they represent unique skin interfaces with important hygiene and skin care needs.
Anatomy and Physiology
The female genitalia forms several skin interfaces. The hair bearing skin of the mons pubis joins the nonhair bearing skin of the labia and the mucosal surface of the labia abuts the urethra and vagina. A further skin interface is created where the keratinized skin of the
inner thigh joins the transitional skin of the anus. Each of these sites form a location where skin disease can occur.
The female genitalia is one of the intertrigenous zones previously discussed and as such is a warm, moist, dark place prone to infection from fungus, yeast, bacteria, and viruses. It is easily irritated and fragile with worsening fragility arising from the mucosal thinning that occurs with menopause.
Common Dermatologic Disease Considerations
The most common dermatologic conditions involving the genitalia would then be infection and irritation. Infection is frequent, since the mucosa presents little barrier to infection. Common infections of the genitalia include herpes simplex, genital warts, yeast (usually Candida albicans), and fungus. Fungal infections of the groin, medically known as tinea cruris, occur from the same organism that causes fungal foot and toenail infections.
Irritation in the groin usually arises from tight fitting clothing that does not control moisture. Just like other skin areas, overhydrated skin is easily damaged. Since this is an area of abundant apocrine and eccrine sweat glands accompanied by the wetness of vaginal secretions and urine, hygiene assumes great importance.
Hygiene Needs
Hygiene of the female genitalia is an important, but overlooked, area. Most cleansers that are designed for keratinized body skin do not function well as cleansers for the mucous membranes of the female genitalia. They damage the mucosa causing itching, stinging, and pain. Yet, there is a need for cleansing to prevent infection and control odor.
Skin Care Needs
Thus, the basic skin care need of the female genitalia is the management of wetness without the removal of the natural vaginal lubricants necessary to keep the tissues soft and supple. This is quite a challenge, which has not yet been met. It is desirable to absorb and remove the sweat, but the mucous secretions must remain in place to lubricate the tissues as they glide across one another with walking and movement.