We’ve all had a sweaty crotch...yep, I said it! And with Summer days in full effect, it's nearly impossible to avoid.
The vulva has a high concentration of sweat glands on the labia majora, similar to the sweat glands found in the armpits. These glands can produce a lot of sweat, especially as it gets hotter outside. Don’t worry, genital sweat is normal! Producing sweat is how the body regulates the temperature of the body, including the vulva.
Genital sweat can cause chafing and irritation so there are a few things that you can do to help minimize being uncomfortable.
- Wear cotton, or underwear made of breathable fabric. It’s important to wear moisture-wicking fabrics to keep the vulva dry and cool.
- Avoid tight clothing and give the vulva some room to breathe.
- Avoid prolonged use of panty liners and pads. There are typically made of non-breathable material that can trap heat and cause more sweating.
- If you have thicker thighs (I'm talking about me here! and any anyone else that can relate), then I recommend wearing clothing made of breathable fabric because you tend to sweat more in the genital area. I do love a good cotton maxi dress!
- You also still want to practice good feminine hygiene. Keep your routine simple with warm water, gentle cleansing soap, and clean cotton underwear.
With love,
Dr. Jodie Horton