Vulvar itching is common and can be caused by irritation, allergies, or infections. Home remedies and over-the-counter products can help, but persistent or painful symptoms should be addressed by a doctor. Good hygiene practices and avoiding irritants can prevent future occurrences.
Vulvar itching is the medical term for persistent, bothersome itching on and around the vulva. It is a very common problem among women of all ages and most cases are caused by irritation from clothes, perspiration or mild allergic reactions to soaps or hygiene products. In some cases, however, vulvar itching can be a sign of a more serious underlying condition, such as a sexually transmitted disease or yeast infection. Home remedies and over-the-counter products are usually successful in treating minor symptoms of vulvar itching. An itch that persists for more than a few days or becomes painful enough to affect daily life should be addressed by a doctor.
Many factors can contribute to vulvar itching, including poor hygiene practices, use of scented soaps or cleansers, and wearing tight-fitting underwear made from synthetic materials. A woman may also experience an allergic reaction to a particular feminine hygiene product, clothing detergent, or contraceptive that causes redness and itching around the vagina. Bacterial and fungal infections aren’t that common, but they can pose potentially serious health problems when they occur.
In most cases, frequent or constant itching is the only symptom of vulvar itching. Your skin may appear redder than usual or develop a bumpy rash due to inflammation. If there is an underlying infection, there may be swelling in the area and a white or yellow frothy discharge from the vagina. Urination and intercourse may be painful, and the condition can make it difficult to rest comfortably at night. Many women find that their symptoms tend to get worse when they are under a lot of stress.
Relatively mild cases of vulvar pruritus tend to respond well to home treatments. A woman can usually relieve itching by washing her vulva twice a day with warm water and avoiding chemical irritants such as soaps and perfumes. It is helpful to wear loose cotton underwear to reduce friction and prevent excessive sweating in the genital region. If itching persists, an unscented moisturizer or over-the-counter anti-inflammatory cream may help. Doctors strongly discourage women from scratching, as this can cause further irritation and leave the skin more susceptible to bacterial infections.
Women experiencing lasting symptoms should make appointments with their gynecologists. A doctor can physically inspect the vulva and ask about symptoms to make an underlying diagnosis. He or she may decide to test blood, urine, or skin samples to screen for different types of underlying infections. In addition to encouraging home care techniques, your doctor may prescribe a high-strength antibacterial or antifungal medication to use for about two weeks. With treatment and follow-up preventive care, most cases of itchy vulvar can be cured.
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