On the human body, you might have noticed that there is discolouration. Certain body parts are darker or fairer than others. Due to variations in melanin levels, these discoloured skin patches can frequently form on different parts of your body. For those who aren’t aware, melanin refers to the chemical that gives the skin colour and shields it from the sun. Different skin tones can result from melanin that is produced excessively.
The Channel 46 collaborated with Dr Bharathi Ramesh, Senior Consultant – Obstetrician & Gynaecologist at Motherhood Hospitals, who explains why your privates are often darker than the rest of your body. She also discusses whether it is safe to use lightening creams to treat the pigmentation.
Why Are Your Privates Darker Than The Rest Of Your Body?
Since melanin is not established uniformly throughout the body, it is natural for your skin to display various tones. The same happens with the vulva, or external zone, of your genital area. Generally, this part of your body is darker than the rest. There can be several reasons for the darkening of the area.
1. Ill-fitted Undergarments
One of the main causes of this problem is tight underwear or clothing. In comparison to other parts of the body, the skin of the inner thighs, underarms, and bikini area is thinner and more sensitive. Because of this, even very little friction can aggravate these areas and make them darker. Tight underwear can be more irritating for your skin because they exert more pressure. This, in turn, causes friction and makes your skin down there difficult to breathe, gradually causing discolouration. Not only are uncomfortable underpants a concern, but the fabric of your underwear may also lead to the skin of your privates turning darker than the rest of your body.
2. Hormonal Changes
Female sex hormones such as progesterone and oestrogen, which are required for the menstrual cycle, can influence melanin formation. It can also cause sensitive areas to darken when oestrogen levels fluctuate. Women also undergo many abrupt hormonal changes in some stages of their lives, such as puberty, pregnancy, or menopause. These changes can affect melanin and the colour of the skin.
3. Genetic Inheritance
Along with hormones, genes are in charge of controlling the process of melanin synthesis. Skin tones gradually change because of this.
4. Diseases
Diseases such as polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOD), gastric cancer, hypothyroidism, infections, or other disorders can also cause skin darkening.
5. Shaving
Razor blades scraping and rubbing against your skin on a frequent basis can irritate the skin around your lady parts. In such cases, your skin is likely to become darker over a period of time.
Is Darker Skin In The Private Area A Sign Of Bad Hygiene?
The body’s private areas typically have a deeper colour than the rest of the body. The vagina has a distinct smell and is discoloured. There is no unhygienic behaviour implied by the discolouration or the odour. Because of the factors mentioned above, discolouration is entirely normal. Bad hygiene might occur when pigmentation is extremely uncommon or when an unpleasant odour is evident. It is best to consult an expert in such situations.
Is It Safe To Use Lightening Creams For Pigmentation?
No, it is not safe to use any type of lightening creams for reducing pigmentation in the private area because of the following reasons:
- Certain over-the-counter (OTC) medications may result in vulva and vaginal itchiness, swelling, burning, inflammation, and infections such as yeast or bacterial infections.
- Certain treatments, such as lasering and bleaching lotions, may result in sensory loss over time. Alternatively, excessive sensation.
- Certain bleaching procedures may burn the vulva, which results in permanent scarring, which may cause either numbness or pain when touched.
- Using a bizarre DIY treatment or at-home bleaching kit can raise the chances of adverse side effects.
All vulvas appear different and can be any colour, size, or shape. Skin discolouration is completely normal as you age, and as your hormones fluctuate. It can be risky to change the vulva’s appearance for cosmetic appeals, like using vaginal bleaching, which may hurt and have adverse side effects. It is best to consult a healthcare professional if you notice any unusual discolouration. However, if you want to change the colour or size of your vulva, you can consult an aesthetic gynaecologist.
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