Perineal pigment, dark skin around the anus, vulva and perineum
Darkening of the skin around the anus has several causes. First, It may be caused by an increase in pigment in the skin. Often this is genetic and simply reflects your distribution of skin pigment. It is often more noticeable as we grow older. Although more common in those with a darker complexion it can become noticeable even in women with very light skin color, like blondes or redheads. In these cases it produces a more diffuse sandy coloring to the skin.
Sometimes it is related to pigment changes associated with pregnancy and may persist after the baby is born, rather like areolar pigment, facial masking or chloasma. It is common for the labia to be larger, more loose and darker than before you were pregnant.
Another cause is increased pigmentation due to existing or previous skin irritation. Examples include chronic itching around the anus, pin worms or allergies. Repeated anal sex may also be a factor. Simply rubbing the area too much, as in a nervous habit may cause irritation and pigment change.
- Are women happy with the appearance of their labia?
- Labia anatomy and appearance
- Perineal pigment, dark skin around the anus and vulva
- Shaving the pubis, labia and perineum
- Female hygiene, smegma and clitoral hood adhesions
- Satisfaction rate after female genital cosmetic surgery
- Camel toe appearance of labia
- Pre and postoperative pictures of labiaplasty
- The Doctors’ Features Labia Reduction Surgery
Localized pigmentation, like moles, of the anal verge or vulva may have medical significance. Any change or new mole should be checked by a physician to rule out malignant change. Melanoma accounts for 5% of vulvar cancer. A pigmented, well defined plaque on the perineum that looks like a flattish wart may be a pigmented type of Bowen’s disease, seborrheic keratosis or psoriasis. Asymmetrically pigmented patches on the vulva and perineum have even been associated with Paget's disease. This is usually seen on the nipple and areola of the breast and is often associated with underlying breast cancer.
Finally poor hygiene and a failure to clean the anal area after bowel movement may stain this area.
genital hygiene for men • genital hygiene for women
Because most people do not examine their perineum regularly they are unfamiliar with their own normal appearance. Sometimes patients think they have darker areas when in fact part of the perineum or labia has lost pigment. Such discoloration or hypopigmentation may be harmless depigmentation related to age but can be an early sign of skin disease. It should be checked by a physician.
Whatever the cause, whether after pregnancy, genetic or irritation, peri-anal pigment may become severe enough to embarrass some people. In the past only only models, celebrities and those involved in the porn industry opted for anal bleaching but today it is more widely accepted. In this case a medical opinion may help. A strong local bleaching cream such as hydroquinone, 2% or 4%. may help but this should only be used under medical supervision and after consultation. Significant rashes may occur. In resistant cases a light chemical peel may be used. This should only be done by a physician who is expert in peeling techniques and a risk of damage to the anal sphincter does exist.
Divine Derriere Personal Skin Lightening Products
Divine Derriere
Alternative names: anal pigment, vulvar pigment, labial pigment, perianal pigment, perineal pigment, anal staining, vulvo-vaginal pigment
