Vulvar Skin 101: What Every Woman Needs to Know

In this episode of The Skin Real, Dr. Mary Alice Mina sits down with fellow board-certified dermatologist Dr. Amaris Geisler, a specialist in vulvar dermatoses based in Atlanta, to break the silence around a body part most women can't even name correctly — the vulva. They cover what the vulva actually is (versus the vagina), the most common conditions dermatologists see there (lichen sclerosis, eczema, psoriasis, and even skin cancer), and why so many women get dismissed with a yeast infection diagnosis instead of a real workup. Dr. Geisler explains the lifelong treatment path for lichen sclerosis, the risks of leaving it untreated (scarring and squamous cell carcinoma), how symptoms and pigmentary changes can present differently in skin of color, and why products like Vagisil and fragranced washes often cause more harm than good. The conversation also tackles the psychological and relational toll of vulvar skin disease, and closes with practical advice on red flags, finding a specialist, and what a proper workup with a dermatologist and gynecologist looks like. The throughline: your vulva is skin, it deserves the same care and attention as anywhere else on your body, and there is nothing shameful about asking for help.

In this episode:

00:00 — The Symptom No One Talks About00:40 — Show Intro & Medical Disclaimer01:35 — Meet Dr. Amaris Geisler & Why This Conversation Matters03:15 — How She Fell Into Vulvar Dermatology05:55 — What Is the Vulva, Really? (Anatomy 101)07:55 — The Most Common Vulvar Skin Conditions10:10 — Yes, Skin Cancer Can Happen Here Too13:25 — Why Self-Checks and Full-Body Exams Matter15:25 — Lichen Sclerosis Symptoms: Itching, Pain & Fissures16:55 — Treatment: Steroids and the Lifelong Maintenance Plan19:25 — The Real Risks of Skipping Treatment (Scarring & Cancer)21:25 — Menopause, Hormones & the Lichen Sclerosis Connection24:25 — When (and How) Biopsies Are Actually Done26:55 — Cysts, Fear, and the "Is This an STD" Question28:25 — The Truth About Hygiene (Stop Douching)30:25 — Allergic Reactions: Vagisil, Fragrance & What's Actually Safe32:55 — Vulvar Conditions in Skin of Color34:55 — The Mental Health Toll of Vulvar Skin Disease36:10 — Sex, Intimacy & Reassurance for Partners36:55 — Red Flags: When to See a Doctor Immediately37:40 — How to Find a Vulvar Specialist38:15 — What a Proper Workup Looks Like38:45 — Final Advice: Treat Your Vulva With Kindness39:15 — Outro: Subscribe & More Resources at theskinreal.com

Want a deeper look? Watch the full episode on YouTube for a more visual experience of today’s discussion. This episode is best enjoyed on video—don’t miss out!

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About the Guest:

Dr. Amaris Geisler is a board-certified dermatologist specializing in general and cosmetic dermatology, with a particular expertise in vulvar disorders, pigmentary conditions, alopecia, and skin of color. She has published extensively in these areas and is committed to advancing evidence-based care and improving dermatologic outcomes for diverse patient populations.

Dr. Geisler completed an accelerated B.S./M.D. program in New York, where she was born and raised, before moving to Atlanta to pursue dermatology residency at Emory University. She is delighted to continue her career in Atlanta as part of the Olansky Dermatology team.

Passionate about mentorship and medical education, Dr. Geisler serves as an Adjunct Assistant Professor of Dermatology at Emory University. She is actively involved in the dermatology community through her committee roles with the American Academy of Dermatology, W