Will better hygiene improve contact dermatitis?
No. Quite the opposite; frequent baths with soaps may increase the irritation. You cannot wash away your symptoms. Vaginal odor and vulvar symptoms are rarely a hygiene problem and will not get better by washing more or washing more vigorously. Use very mild bars of soap such as Neutrogena unscented face soap, Basis, Pears (made in England) and Castile soap with olive oil (Conti) for the other parts of your body. It is best not to use any soaps on the vulva. Before rinsing the vulva wash any soap residue off your hands and then rinse the vulva with plenty of warm water using your hands. Do not use a washcloth. Do not use bubble bath, feminine hygiene products, or any perfumed creams or soaps. After rinsing, pat the skin gently dry. Urinate before the bladder is full and rinse the vulva with water after urination. It is also helpful to apply Vaseline or Aquaphor around the urethral portion of the vulva immediately before urinating. This will protect the vulvar skin from the irritating urine. Use 100% cotton menstrual pads and tampons. Limit your use of pads (panty liners) to when you have your menstrual period. Do not use them for the rest of the month. | 
