Genital itching can be caused by harmless inflammation from irritants or by sexually transmitted diseases or fungal infections. It can also be caused by hormonal changes or external influences. Treatment can include over-the-counter creams or prescription medications, and lifestyle changes. A doctor’s visit may be necessary for diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
Genital itching can be embarrassing, annoying, and sometimes even painful. Often the cause is harmless inflammation from irritants, such as laundry detergent or scented soaps. Other times, a sexually transmitted disease (STD) or fungal infection creates the condition. While such irritation can be distressing for the person suffering from it, it’s usually easy to treat with over-the-counter creams or prescription medications. Often, basic lifestyle changes can preclude the symptom.
A yeast infection, also known as candidiasis, is one of the most common causes of genital itching among women. Some medications can cause this condition, such as antibiotics and oral contraceptives. Consuming yogurt products that contain live cultures is often suggested as a preventative measure when medications known to cause infection are prescribed. Women who frequently wear nylon undergarments or pantyhose often experience recurring yeast infections because the fabrics restrict airflow around the vaginal region. Sometimes, however, the event may be related to an underlying health problem, such as diabetes.
Among other indicators, a common symptom of an STD includes genital itching. Scabies, which are parasitic mites that burrow under the skin and cause severe irritation, and crabs, a lice-like insect, are both contagious conditions often contracted from an infected person through sexual contact. The itching that results from these sexually transmitted diseases causes considerable discomfort to the person. Both conditions, however, are usually easily treated with topical medications that contain an anti-mite agent, such as permethrin. A prescription drug, lindane, is also effective and can be dispensed by a doctor, as in a lotion called Kwell®.
Sometimes, female hormones, especially estrogen, are the cause of genital itching. The imbalance that occurs during the stages of menopause can create this symptom. As estrogen decreases, changes to the vaginal wall, such as decreasing natural moisture and thinning of the membranes, cause irritation. Genital itching is also a frequent complaint among pregnant women due to hormonal fluctuations.
Sometimes, genital itching is caused by external influences, which are the easiest to fix. Various chemicals can cause marked irritation, such as those found in some laundry soaps. Many times, this can be fixed by simply changing the brand of cleaner that is used.
In some cases, soaps and scented douches cause this negative effect. Sometimes contraceptive products, such as latex condoms or other forms of birth control, are also to blame. To confirm the source of genital itching and determine appropriate treatment, a visit to the doctor is usually indicated, so that an examination and diagnostic test can be performed.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
