A dermatologist can offer a proper diagnosis and guide your treatment. Treatment options include topical creams, oral medications, and light therapy. Eczema is similar to psoriasis, in that it can affect any area on the body including the vulva and causes itching.
As with psoriasis, it's important to see a dermatologist if you suspect you're suffering from eczema. The doctor will most likely recommend an over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream and a moisturizing regimen. Lichen sclerosus is another skin condition, but it's pretty uncommon. According to the Mayo Clinic , the condition is characterized by white patches of skin, typically presenting in the genital or anal area. These patches can be itchy, red, and painful.
If you suspect you have lichen sclerosus, make an appointment with your gynecologist or dermatologist. They can do a biopsy to confirm whether or not it's lichen sclerosus and prescribe a treatment. STDs — including chlamydia, genital warts, trichomoniasis, gonorrhea, pubic lice, and genital herpes — can cause vaginal itching.
An STD is not the end of the world, and treatment for many issues is easier than you think. By Gigi Engle. But what's even more frustrating than doing the crotch-itch dance in public is not knowing why your vagina's itchy in the first place is it a yeast infection?
And if the temptation to scratch becomes even more unbearable at night, you're not alone. But it isn't because your vagina is actually itchier at night. Because you aren't distracted with work, phone calls, and all that other daytime stuff, you can become hyper-aware of an itchy vagina or any part of the body at night, says Carroll Medeiros , MD, an ob-gyn in Rhode Island.
In rarer cases, more itching at night in that area can be the result of pinworms, adds Dr. Medeiros, small parasites that can live in the colon or rectum, but the itching is usually closer to the rectum than the vagina in that case.
Here are a few things that might be causing the itch—and how to take care of it for good. Bacterial vaginosis BV is a pretty common condition caused by bacterial overgrowth and a pH imbalance in the vagina. Though it can affect all women, higher rates of BV are particularly prevalent among Black women, though experts don't really know why, says Dr.
It may be related to a genetic predisposition, found one study in the American Journal of Reproductive Immunology.
Acidity in the vagina is actually a good thing, as it kills off bad bacteria, she says. Eczema often appears in the crevices of arms, in folds, the groin area, and on the labia, she explains. Psoriasis can also present on the skin around the vagina, she adds.
Most people with eczema and psoriasis are well-versed in the appearance and treatment of these red, patchy rashes. Chinn says that psoriasis can sometimes warrant a prescription for an oral pill or a topical cream. Ever try a new moisturizing cream and wind up with dried out, flaky skin or a full-blown rash a few days later? Well, guess what: The same thing can happen to the skin around the vagina. In the meantime, stop using whatever you think is bugging you, treat the itch with an Epsom salt bath or an OTC hydrocortisone cream applied externally, and wait a few days to see if the itch resolves.
If not, go see your doctor. Vaginal yeast infections, which occur when there is an overgrowth of the fungus Candida , are probably the first thing people think of when they feel that telltale itching down there. Minkin says. But she also notes that only about one-third of women who experience itching and irritation truly do have a yeast infection.
The easiest way to tell which category you fall into is to use an OTC treatment like Monistat. Itching isn't really a classic symptom of most STDs, though it can sometimes be a first sign that something is up, says Dr.
From there, symptoms may progress to burning, painful urination, smelly discharge, sores on your genitals, or painful intercourse, at which point you should definitely head to your ob-gyn for a vaginal culture. The STDs below are most commonly associated with itchiness down there, among other symptoms. Here's what to look out for:. No one wants to think about bugs crawling around on any part of their body, but especially not down there.
Chinn: bites from the crabs and the eggs nits they lay on your skin, both of which cause irritation. Or maybe you loan your sister your pants and [she] had them, then you wear the pants and the crabs crawl into the vaginal area. Different causes of itchiness can require different treatments. General treatments for an irritating itch include:. And as hard as it is, try not to scratch. Preventing vaginal and vulvar itching means protecting your skin and vaginal health.
Good skin care can help prevent a lot of itching, especially due to dry skin. Dermatologists recommend that you:. Good genital health can also help prevent itching and other problems. Your vagina is healthiest when it has the right balance of bacteria, called vaginal flora. When you have the right amount of good bacteria, it keeps the environment slightly acidic, which keeps the bad bacteria from getting out of control. A lot of things can disrupt that balance, including:.
You can take steps to maintain good vaginal and vulvar health, such as:. Vaginal, vulvar, and anal itching are topics you might be uncomfortable bringing up with your healthcare provider. Given the seriousness of some conditions that can cause that itching, though, it's important for you to overcome your embarrassment and get it checked.
Getting the right diagnosis and treatment can bring you relief and peace of mind. Most of the time, vaginal itching is harmless, but it can be a sign of a problem that may warrant a visit to the gynecologist. Possible causes include a yeast infection, bacterial vaginosis, certain STIs, allergic reactions, and irritation from soaps and creams. Female genital itching can be relieved by applying a cold compress for five to 10 minutes, using a fragrance-free lotion or lubricant, or applying topical anesthetics or treatments.
If your vaginal area itches for more than a few days, is extremely uncomfortable, or is accompanied by abnormal discharge or pelvic pain, call your healthcare provider. Yes, an itchy vagina and vulva can indicate a yeast infection. Other signs include a clumpy white discharge and soreness. Yeast infections can be treated with over-the-counter remedies. Sign up for our Health Tip of the Day newsletter, and receive daily tips that will help you live your healthiest life.
TeensHealth from Nemours. What can I do to prevent razor burn? Updated February National Eczema Association. An overview of the different types of eczema. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Parasites: About pubic "crab" lice. September 17, Pubic lice "crabs". Updated February 11, Genital herpes: Detailed fact sheet.
Updated January Planned Parenthood. What are the symptoms of herpes? National Institutes of Health, U. National Library of Medicine: MedlinePlus. Genital herpes - self-care. Updated February 26, National Organization for Rare Disorders. Lichen sclerosus. Updated February 5, Cedars Sinai. American Academy of Dermatology Association. How to relieve itchy skin. American Sexual health Association. Vaginal health.
Cleveland Clinic. Vulvar care. March 23, Cornell University, Cornell Health. Maintaining vaginal health. Updated October Vaginal candidiasis.
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