Dry Flaky Skin In Female's Pubic Area: Causes And Treatment

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What can cause dry, flaky skin in a female’s pubic area?

Medically reviewed by Sara Perkins, MD — Written by Amanda Barrell — Updated on November 3, 2025

Dry skin
Psoriasis
Allergic contact dermatitis
Irritant contact dermatitis
Vaginal infections
Sexually transmitted infections
Lichen sclerosus
Home remedies
Contacting a doctor
FAQ
Summary

Dry, flaky skin around the vagina can result from allergies, infections, or a skin condition such as psoriasis or dermatitis. Hair removal products and tight clothing can also cause skin damage.

Sometimes, a person may experience dry, flaky skin in their pubic area. The area may be itchy, flushed, or scaly. There may be patches of skin that look and feel irritated. Treatments can depend on the underlying cause.

The right treatment will depend on the cause of the problem.

The use of binary terms such as “male” and “female” or “men” and “women” in this article reflects the language of the sources we’ve used. Unless otherwise noted, it’s unclear whether the research we reference included participants with expansive gender identities.

Dry skin

there is the midsection of a young person lying on a bed — Baturay Tungur/EyeEm/Getty Images

People can have dry skin anywhere on the body, including the pelvic area.

To stay soft, supple, and stretchy, the skin needs water and oils that the body makes naturally. Without them, skin can dry out, leading to symptoms such as:

patches of itchy or scaly skin
flaky skin with a rough texture
skin that stings or burns
peeling skin
itchy skin

The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) has stated that some individuals are more susceptible to dry skin than others. They include:

people over the age of 40 years
people with brown, black, or fair skin, as opposed to a medium complexion
people with a diagnosis of diabetes, thyroid disease, HIV, or kidney disease
people who live in cold climates
people who smoke

Drinking plenty of water and moisturizing the pubic area regularly can help heal dry skin. A person can also increase their intake of certain vitamins to help get rid of dry skin, including:

vitamin D
vitamin A
niacin
zinc
iron

»Learn more:Dry skin: Seven home remedies

Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a long-term skin condition that can affect any part of the body, including the pubic area. It is very common. In fact, up to 63% of people with the condition develop it on their genitals at some point.

It can cause patches of flaky, inflamed skin and itching. In people with light skin, the patches might look red with a silvery sheen. For individuals with dark skin, the patches may appear purple, gray, or dark brown.

People with genital psoriasis typically have patches elsewhere on their bodies as well. The symptoms of psoriasis tend to fluctuate in severity.

Depending on the severity of the condition, doctors may recommend creams, lotions, and ointments that help moisturize the skin and alleviate itching. In some cases, doctors may prescribe oral medications, such as biological drugs, to help control inflammation.

»Learn more:What to know about genital psoriasis

Allergic contact dermatitis

Sometimes, a person can have an allergic reaction to a certain product, such as:

hygiene products
douches
scented sanitary pads
piercings
barrier contraceptives
lubricants

Doctors call this allergic contact dermatitis. It is a form of eczema that causes dry, itchy rashes. The rash can break out anywhere on the body that comes into contact with an allergen, including the skin on the pubic area.

These rashes can be very itchy. Sometimes, if a person scratches the rash, it will break open and ooze fluid.

Doctors may recommend creams and ointments, including steroid creams, to treat contact dermatitis. They may also advise people to use soap-replacement products and avoid scrubbing the area harshly.

»Learn more:What to know about rashes in the vaginal area

Irritant contact dermatitis

The pubic area may be more susceptible to irritation than other parts of the body. This may be because this area is more prone to sweating, comes into contact with tight clothing, and may cause friction between the skin surfaces.

The problem will usually get better if the person removes the cause of the irritation.

Products that people use in the pubic area may also cause skin irritation, such as:

soaps
bubble baths
shower gels
talcum powder
baby wipes or feminine wipes
perfumes
personal deodorants
hemorrhoid treatments
antiseptics

Urine and feces can also irritate the skin. If a person experiences incontinence, they should avoid trying to manage it using wipes and pads and seek specialist treatment.

If irritation persists, a person should contact their doctor.

Vaginal infections

Vaginal infections or inflammation, or vaginitis, can result in itchy, flaky skin on the vulva and pubic area. The three most common vaginal infections are:

yeast infection
bacterial vaginosis
trichomoniasis

As well as itchy, flaky skin, vaginal infections can cause:

unusual discharge
discharge with a different smell from usual
pain or irritation during urination
pain or burning during sex
spotting or bleeding between periods

If a person notices any of the signs listed above, they should consult their doctor. A person with a vaginal infection may require treatment in the form of antibiotics that they can take as a tablet or apply as a cream.

»Learn more:What to know about vaginal infections

Sexually transmitted infections

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) may also cause dry, flaky skin in the pubic area. One example is pubic lice, small insects that live on humans and survive by feeding on their blood.

If a person notices dry skin and sores, it could be a sign of genital herpes or genital warts.

The correct treatment will depend on the type of infection. Doctors will carry out a test to find out which type a person has. They will then prescribe antibacterial or antiviral medications.

»Learn more:STDs that cause itching: What to know

Lichen sclerosus

Lichen sclerosus is a skin condition that, in females, most commonly affects the skin of the vulva.

Doctors do not know what causes it, but it may have links to a fault in the immune system. It is not contagious, and a person cannot spread this condition during sex.

Lichen sclerosus may cause patches of skin to look white and shiny. Sometimes, small cracks and blisters may appear in these patches.

Other symptoms include:

tightening of the skin
itching
discomfort during urination or defecation
discomfort during sex

Lichen sclerosus is a chronic condition, meaning there is no cure. However, people can use medications to manage the symptoms. Treatment options include prescription-strength steroid creams and moisturizers.

Home remedies

If a person experiences persistent dry, flaky skin in their pubic area, they should consult their doctor. Many of the causes of dry, flaky skin require medical treatment.

There are things people can do at home to ease the symptoms and help prevent them from coming back, including:

drinking plenty of water to keep the skin hydrated
avoiding caffeine and alcohol, which can dry out the skin
applying a cold compress to ease the itching
moisturizing the area regularly

A person can avoid the following activities:

wearing tight-fitting clothing, pantyhose, or underwear
rubbing the vulva dry after washing
taking long, hot baths or showers
douching or using harsh intimate cleaning products
using irritating self-care products and scented sanitary pads

When to contact a doctor

Several conditions and factors can cause dry, flaky skin in the pubic area, and treatment will depend on the underlying cause. Some conditions may worsen over time, and a person may risk transmitting conditions such as STIs to others as well.

A person should always consult a doctor if they notice dry, flaky skin in their pubic area that does not improve. This is particularly true if the symptoms are interfering with everyday life.

A person who feels embarrassed should remember that lots of these causes are common in females.

Frequently asked questions

How can a person get rid of pubic psoriasis?

A person should consult a dermatologist to develop a treatment plan for pubic psoriasis. The treatment plan may include topical ointments such as corticosteroid creams and mild coal tar. A person may require stronger medications such as cyclosporine.

Why might a person's pubic area be dry and flaky?

A person’s pubic area may be dry and flaky due to dry skin. Other causes include psoriasis, dermatitis, lichen sclerosis, and infection.

What is a fungal infection that looks like psoriasis?

A person may mistake psoriasis for a fungal infection. A fungal infection on the pubic area that can appear similar to psoriasis includes tinea cruris.

Summary

Allergic reactions, skin conditions, and vaginal infections can all cause dry, flaky skin. Close-fitting clothes and intimate cleaning products can irritate the skin, causing similar symptoms.

The most effective treatment will depend on the underlying cause of the issue. While many conditions will require medical attention, there are steps people can take at home to help alleviate symptoms.

Anyone who suspects they have a vaginal infection or a skin condition should contact a doctor.

Dermatology
Psoriasis
Atopic Dermatitis / Eczema
Infectious Diseases / Bacteria / Viruses
Sexual Health / STDs

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Medically reviewed by Sara Perkins, MD — Written by Amanda Barrell — Updated on November 3, 2025

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How can a person get rid of pubic psoriasis?

Why might a person's pubic area be dry and flaky?

What is a fungal infection that looks like psoriasis?

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