Why Is My Vaginal Area Dark?

With time we all expect to see a few age spots, sometimes called liver spots, or a darkening are usually on the hands, face, arms, or other areas that were overly exposed to the sun.  However, it may come as a surprise if you see the area around your genitals becoming darker.  While it is gradual, it may be a bit shocking when you finally notice it.

The good news is that it is this is usually a normal process in aging and there is nothing to be concerned about.  It is called hyperpigmentation.  The color can be slightly different from one woman to another and women with paler skin tend to have less differentiation than others.  Darker skin will appear more brown.  It will affect the labia, scrotum, and anus.

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There can be several reasons for vaginal skin discoloration:

•         Hormones – The skin naturally produces melanocytes which, in turn, forms melanin, which is the same stuff that gives our hair, eyes, and skin its color.  In the genital area, this substance is particularly sensitive to hormones.  As our hormones change during puberty, pregnancy, and menopause, the color can increase.  In addition to the genital area, it can also cause darkening around the areolae of the breasts and even your anus.

•         Friction – Intercourse creates friction and that will cause the melanocyte to increase in activity, creating more dark areas.  Skin folds in the groin can also become darker from daily rubbing against each other.  Some hair removal products and shaving will have the same effect.  If the area becomes inflamed like from a yeast infection or ingrown hair, this can have the same color change.

•         Age – While it may seem like a fallback excuse, the fact is that getting older changes a lot of things, including pigmentation.  It is an accumulation of repeated trauma from shaving or intercourse and hormonal changes through the years.

Treatment For Dark Vaginal Area

As a preventive measure, you can try to lessen the friction to minimize the darkening.  Some suggestions are:

•         Avoid tight clothing especially underwear

•         Moisturize your skin

•         Limit the amount of sweat wicking clothing you wear

•         Avoid excessive hair removal including waxing and shaving.  This can cause inflammation and folliculitis (red bumps or pimples caused by bacteria or infection).

As mentioned, this is not dangerous in any way.  If you think it is due to some inflammation, keep close watch to be sure there is no infection.  Keeping the area clean and dry will help.

 However, any sudden or drastic change should warrant a phone call to your doctor's office.  They will probably run some tests to rule out any drastic systemic changes or pathology that caused the unexpected occurrence.  If there is itching it could be a reaction to some product or an infection.

If you feel compelled to pursue this further, check with a dermatologist about safe options.  This is not a time for home remedies or suggestions from the internet.  Also, it is important to be sure that it is your sole decision and not because someone else didn't care for it.