The principle for intimate hygiene is “Less is more.”
Many specialized products for intimate hygiene are unnecessary—such as wet wipes, intimate sprays, and scented toilet paper. The ingredients in these products (e.g., fragrances and preservatives) can cause skin irritation or allergies on the intimate skin.
Extended and overly frequent contact with water during intimate hygiene (e.g., regular sitz baths) and unsuitable cleansing lotions strip the protective stratum corneum (“skin barrier”) of too much fat, making the intimate skin dry, rough, and cracked. Its acid mantle also suffers from improper intimate hygiene.
Intimate hygiene is easier than many people think
The goal of daily intimate hygiene is to keep the delicate and sensitive intimate skin healthy and resilient. Only then can it fulfill its defense and protective functions—against pathogens, foreign substances (e.g., aggressive components of urine and stool), and daily mechanical stress (e.g., from clothing, prolonged sitting, sports). As an erogenous zone, the intimate skin also requires daily hygiene. After all, a well-groomed intimate area is a sign of well-being and respect for one’s partner.
Intimate hygiene also does much more than just body care: it can alleviate or even eliminate intimate discomforts such as itching, burning, pain, and skin dryness. Therefore, properly performed intimate hygiene is also highly beneficial as a complementary therapy—such as during and after menopause or in chronic conditions (e.g., vulvodynia, lichen sclerosus, psoriasis).
The ABCs of intimate hygiene
Conscientious intimate hygiene consists of two simple steps: first, cleanse, then protect and care. This is especially important for women and men who suffer from intimate discomfort—whether acute or chronic.
Intimate hygiene step 1: Gentle Cleansing before applying cream
- When showering or bathing, follow these guidelines: not too often, not too long, not too hot. This helps avoid causing the intimate skin to swell and lose unnecessary amounts of fat from its protective stratum corneum.
- Clear, pleasantly warm water is sufficient for cleaning the intimate area. If a cleansing lotion is used for intimate hygiene, its formulation should be tailored to the delicate and sensitive intimate skin, like Deumavan Washing Lotion.
- It is important for men to gently retract the foreskin during intimate hygiene and remove the smegma. If the foreskin has been completely removed through circumcision, smegma can no longer accumulate.
- When drying off, avoid rubbing and instead gently pat the water residue dry using a soft towel.
Intimate hygiene step 2: Thorough application of cream After cleansing
- Whether intimate hygiene is performed with just clear water or with an additional suitable cleansing lotion, the intimate skin needs re-fattening care afterward, such as Deumavan Protective Ointment, which is also a medical skin protector.
Choosing the right underwear is also part of intimate hygiene
Of course, underwear should be changed daily. Whether it’s made of pure cotton or synthetic microfiber is less important. What matters is the comfort of the material, which should be soft and breathable. Those who tolerate one material better than another should follow their personal preference. The same applies to the detergent used. It is also important that underwear is not too tight and does not rub. This is particularly relevant for thong underwear, which fits tightly to the body and can facilitate the transfer of intestinal bacteria to the intimate area. This tip should be especially heeded by women who frequently suffer from vaginal or urinary tract infections. Caution is also advised with panty liners: they rub against the delicate intimate skin and create a moist environment that provides ideal conditions for bacteria and fungi. If panty liners cannot be avoided, they should at least be changed several times a day.
And last but not least: Tight or chafing pants (e.g., jeans, work uniforms, sportswear) put additional strain on the skin in the intimate area.
The ABCs of intimate hygiene also apply to the anal area
Many women and men are unaware that the intimate area remains healthy only if the entire anogenital area is included in daily intimate hygiene.
- The skin in the entire anogenital area is just as delicate, sensitive, and demanding as the intimate skin. Urine and stool contain aggressive substances that stress the anogenital area if not carefully removed after each toilet visit.
- The transition between the intimate area and the anus is short and fluid—especially in women. Therefore, intimate hygiene should include wiping “from front to back” after each toilet visit and never from the anus toward the intimate area. This simple measure helps prevent intestinal bacteria from entering the vagina or urinary tract and causing infections.
Intimate and anal hygiene after each toilet visit
Dry cleaning with (soft!) toilet paper is not always sufficient to remove urine and stool residues. Using clear, warm water, possibly with the addition of a mild cleansing lotion (e.g., Deumavan Washing Lotion), is more effective.
In women, the contact with urine affects a large area of the intimate area. Therefore, after urinating, women should gently pat the entire vulva dry. For men, this involves the tip of the glans. A protective ointment (e.g., Deumavan Protective Ointment) can then be applied to the relevant areas.
Helpful tips for anal hygiene
Stool is sticky, and the anus is surrounded by numerous skin folds. In these folds, stool residues can remain if the area is not cleaned thoroughly. Proper removal, or preventing adherence in the first place, is especially important for conditions affecting the anal area (e.g., anal fissures) and for frequent urinary tract infections. The following two measures are recommended with the use of Deumavan Protective Ointment.
Stool residues adhering to the skin can be dissolved with a fat-rich ointment. To do this, apply the ointment to clean, soft toilet paper and use it to clean the anal area. Even better is applying a fat-rich protective ointment to the anal area—especially the anus—immediately before a bowel movement. This prevents stool residues from sticking.
