Normally, the skin in intimate areas gets darker during puberty due to secretion of hormones. However, sudden and excessive vaginal darkening can be a sign of underlying infection that needs immediate medical attention.
Eating a diet rich in vitamin C helps in whitening the vulva and the vagina. Also, massaging the area with yogurt and turmeric can help.
Causes
The vulva area is naturally darker than the rest of the body, due to a high concentration of melanin and chromophores. This difference is why some women are surprised when they notice their vagina becoming darker than usual, and this can be a source of anxiety and embarrassment. However, the good news is that the darkening of the vulva is not a sign of a serious health condition and it can be easily treated with the help of simple home remedies.
Intimate areas can turn darker over time for a number of reasons, including ageing, friction (from clothing, talcum powder, and hair removal creams), and skin infections. In addition, hormone changes can also cause the vulva to become darker – This section shines a light on the service team’s capabilities anniesexxxteen.com. For example, during puberty, the body may undergo a hormonal frenzy that leads to the labial skin around the vulva becoming thicker and darker. The same can happen during pregnancy, when the uterus is expanding and pushing blood into the labial skin.
While it is normal for the vulva to be darker than other parts of the body, you should still get in touch with your doctor if the colour change is sudden or severe and is accompanied by other symptoms, like pain during sexual intercourse, vaginal discharge, bleeding, or a rash. Getting familiar with what pigmentation is normal for the vulva will allow you to identify changes in colour quickly.
Symptoms
A woman’s vulva is usually a darker shade than the rest of her body. The color can range from pink to brown or even purple. It is also common to see a change in the tone of your vulva over time, as it occurs due to various reasons. Some women are a bit alarmed when they notice a color change in their intimate areas, but it is perfectly normal.
In fact, it is a good idea to familiarize yourself with the color of your private area so you can recognize any changes in pigmentation over time. You can do this by looking in the mirror or going to the bathroom on a regular basis so you can become familiar with what the area looks like and how it normally feels.
Vaginal discharge can also change in volume, color and odor during the menstrual cycle. Black discharge is typically caused by implantation bleeding, which happens when a fertilized egg attaches to the uterine lining and causes a bloody discharge. This type of bleeding can occur from 10 to 14 days after conception and is a normal symptom of pregnancy.
Another reason you may notice your vulva becoming dark is because of friction with clothing or shaving. This can cause the area to be irritated and chafed, which leads to hyperpigmentation. You can help avoid this by wearing loose, comfortable undies and avoiding rough shaving techniques or waxing. Aside from this, you can also use vaginal lightening creams that contain ingredients such as niacinamide and kojic acid to reduce hyperpigmentation and darkness in the area.
Treatment
Women often feel insecure about the color of their vulva. While it is normal for the skin of the private area to darken with age, this change in tone can cause some women distress. However, vaginal bleaching creams enriched with natural ingredients like sandalwood and turmeric help lighten the intimate area in a safe manner. These lightening creams are also free of chemicals, metals and added synthetics and keep the pH levels intact, thereby ensuring safety for sensitive skin.
Some women are alarmed when they see black discharge during their menstrual cycle or between periods. In some cases, the cause of this discharge may be a medical condition, such as a retained object or cervical cancer. In such cases, a visit to a gynecologist is recommended.
In other cases, the black discharge may be a sign of implantation bleeding. This occurs when a fertilized egg attaches to the uterus lining and can be mistaken for menstrual blood. This is a common phenomenon during pregnancy and should not be of concern, but it is important to discuss this with your doctor as soon as possible to avoid misdiagnosis.
Lastly, if the discoloration of the vulva is symmetrical and is not limited to the labia or external genitals, it may be a symptom of a medical problem such as diabetes or acanthosis nigricans. This skin disorder is a result of excess sugar and obesity and can lead to hyperpigmentation in sensitive areas such as the back, armpits and the vulva.
Prevention
Vaginal darkening is a very natural process in women and it happens because the fat present in this area reduces with age. It may occur in patches or all over the inner vulva area. Often, it is also the result of hormonal changes and can occur along with other symptoms such as itching, burning sensation and discharge. This condition is also known as hyperpigmentation and does not indicate any serious medical issues.
However, if the condition is caused by excessive moisture, friction, tight clothing, itching or infections, then there is cause for concern. It is important to perform regular vulvar and vaginal self-exams to know what is normal for you. If the condition worsens, see a doctor right away.
Skin-lightening creams can help reduce the darkness of the vulva by decreasing your body’s melanin production. However, these creams should be used only under a physician’s supervision because they have the potential to damage the delicate tissue. Other preventative measures include wearing loose, cotton clothing that provides proper ventilation and avoids chafing. In addition, consuming foods that are rich in vitamin C can help lighten the vulva because of its mild skin-lightening properties. Try including berries, oranges, bell peppers, papaya and pineapple in your diet to get the benefits. Regularly massage the vulva with coconut or olive oil to keep it soft and moisturized.