Is it normal for my inner and/or outer labia (lips of the vagina) to be itchy and peeling?

There are a lot of different reasons why someone might experience vaginal itchiness and peeling. That being said, a great place to start is by scheduling an appointment to see your health care provider (HCP). They can help determine the cause of the itching and peeling. Some of the causes could be due to the soaps/lotions/ or other products you use. You may have a mild infection, such as a yeast infection, or you could have a skin condition called lichen sclerosis, a rare skin condition that effects the vulva (outside of the vagina) and anal areas in young girls, teens, and adults. The outside of the vulva includes the clitoris, clitoral hood, and inner/outer labia (lips of the vagina).

Before your appointment, make a list of the different products you use in and around your vulva and vagina. The HCP may ask if you use products such as soaps, bubble baths, lotions, perfumes, lubricants, etc. inside, outside, or near your vagina. These products are great for helping keep other areas of the body squeaky clean, but not necessarily for the vagina! The vagina is pretty cool and is self-cleaning, meaning it doesn’t need soap and water to stay clean! In some cases, products such as soap, lotion, or perfumes actually cause more harm than good  to the vagina, leading to peeling, itchiness, and pain. Make sure to  check with a health care provider (HCP) before trying a new product in or near the vagina!