Vaginal dryness not uncommon - almost every second woman over 45 is affected by it.*
A feeling of dryness, burning, itching or even pain: the symptoms of vaginal dryness are unpleasant and can be a physical and an emotional burden for those who are affected.
Nevertheless, it is rarely talked about.
Looking at a healthy vulva, the skin of the vulva is also colonised by natural microbial flora including lactobacilli.
In addition, the skin produces a protective hydrolipidic film from its own lipids (fats) and moisture binding substances.
The hydrolipidic film has an acidic pH of about 5.0–5.5 and is also known as the protective acid mantle of the skin.
By this means a natural defence against pathogens (disease-causing micro-organisms) is also given in the vulvar area.
*Source: http://www.menopause.org/docs/default-source/2013/vva-position-statement.pdf