Mayo Clinic Health Manager
Get free personalized health guidance for you and your family.
Get Started
close window
Housecall Archives
About our e-newsletters
- Free e-newsletters
- Mayo Clinic expertise
- We do not share your e-mail address
Housecall, our weekly general-interest e-newsletter, keeps you up to date on a wide variety of health topics with timely, reliable, practical information, recipes, blogs, questions and answers with Mayo Clinic experts and more. Our biweekly topic-specific e-newsletters also include blogs, questions and answers with Mayo Clinic experts, and other useful information that will help you manage your health.
Housecall Archives
close window
Mayo Clinic Housecall
Stay up to date on the latest health information.
What you get
- Free weekly e-newsletter
- Mayo Clinic expertise
- Recipes, tools and other helpful information
- We do not share your e-mail address
Lifestyle and home remedies
By Mayo Clinic staffGood hygiene can help ease discomfort and reduce the chance of vaginal or urinary tract infections:
- Wash with water. Gently wash your outer genital area with warm water each time you experience vaginal discharge or passage of stool. Soap can dry and irritate your skin but may be necessary in moderation. Avoid rubbing with dry toilet paper. Premoistened, alcohol-free towelettes or wipes or moistened cotton balls may be a good alternative for cleaning the area.
- Dry thoroughly. Allow the area to air-dry after washing, or gently pat the area dry with toilet paper or a clean washcloth.
- Avoid irritants. These include harsh or scented soap and scented tampons and pads.
- Use a cold compress. Apply a cold compress, such as a washcloth, to the labial area.
- Apply a cream or powder. Moisture-barrier creams help keep irritated skin from having direct contact with fecal matter. Ask your doctor to recommend a product. Be sure the area is clean and dry before you apply any cream. Nonmedicated talcum powder or cornstarch also may help relieve discomfort.
- Wear cotton underwear and loose clothing. Tight clothing can restrict airflow, making skin problems worse. Change soiled underwear quickly. Products such as absorbent pads and disposable underwear can help if you're passing liquid or stool. If you use pads or adult diapers, be sure they have an absorbent wicking layer on top.
- Don't douche. Douching can increase your risk of infection.
Symptoms of a rectovaginal fistula can be very distressing, but treatment generally offers good results.
