Vaginal Discomfort: Frequent Causes, Signs, and Remedies
In many women, persistent itching around the female genitals can be a source of discomfort and concern. This issue can be caused by a variety of factors, ranging from infections to skin conditions and irritants. Here, we explore some common causes and treatments for this problem.
## Causes of Persistent Itching
1. **Yeast Infections (Candida Vulvovaginitis):** These infections, caused by an overgrowth of the Candida fungus, are common and can lead to itching, irritation, and discharge[4][5].
2. **Bacterial Vaginosis (BV):** This condition, which occurs when the balance of bacteria in the vagina is disrupted, can result in symptoms like itching and abnormal discharge[2].
3. **Dermatological Conditions:** Skin conditions such as eczema and lichen sclerosus can cause itching in the genital area[1].
4. **Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs):** Infections like trichomoniasis, chlamydia, and vaginitis can cause genital itching[1].
5. **Irritants and Poor Hygiene:** Tight clothing, harsh soaps, scented products, and poor hygiene can irritate the skin, leading to itching[2][3].
6. **Menopause (Vaginal Atrophy):** Decreased estrogen levels can lead to vaginal dryness and itching[3].
## Treatment Options
1. **Antifungal Medications:** For yeast infections, antifungal creams or tablets are effective[4].
2. **Antibiotics for BV:** Metronidazole or clindamycin may be prescribed for bacterial vaginosis[3].
3. **Topical Steroids:** For dermatological conditions like eczema[1].
4. **STI Treatment:** Consult a healthcare provider for appropriate treatment[1].
5. **Hygiene Practices:** Use mild, unscented products and avoid tight clothing. Regular, gentle cleaning can help prevent irritation[2][3].
6. **Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT):** For postmenopausal vaginal atrophy[3].
It's important to consult a healthcare provider if the itching persists, is severe, or if there are other symptoms like sores or discharge[3].
It's worth noting that someone may experience itching around the vulva or inside the vagina due to contact with fabrics, scented soaps, yeast infections, or bacterial vaginosis. Treatment typically involves avoiding the product causing the irritation and using ice packs or cold compresses, or applying a thin layer of petroleum jelly.
BV is not a sexually transmitted infection (STI). The vagina, which is the internal tube that leads from the uterus to the vulva, can clean itself, and healthcare professionals do not recommend using products to clean it[6]. However, a person can wash the vulva once a day using water or an emollient[6].
Symptoms of yeast overgrowth can include vaginal itching or burning, odorless white or clear discharge, vaginal irritation, and an increased risk of developing a yeast infection can occur if a person has diabetes that is not managed with medication, is on hormonal birth control, douches or uses scented products near the vulva, has taken antibiotics or steroid medications[7].
Skin conditions such as lichen simplex chronicus, lichen sclerosis, lichen planus, vulvodynia, vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia, psoriasis, seborrheic dermatitis, allergic contact dermatitis, folliculitis, dermographism, or skin writing can cause itching around the vulva[8].
Finally, people who suspect that they might be allergic to latex can ask their doctor about alternatives to latex condoms[9].
[1] https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vulval-itching/ [2] https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/bacterial-vaginosis/symptoms-causes/syc-20355923 [3] https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/yeast-infection/symptoms-causes/syc-20351414 [4] https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vulval-itching/treatment/ [5] https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vulval-itching/causes/ [6] https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/sexual-health/vulva-and-vagina/cleaning-your-vulva-and-vagina [7] https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/vulvovaginal-candidiasis/symptoms-causes/syc-20375879 [8] https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/vulvodynia/symptoms-causes/syc-20378084 [9] https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/birth-control/condoms/latex-allergies
- Inadequate vaginal health can lead to itchiness, a concern for many women.
- Vaginal itching may be indicative of a yeast infection, a common health issue among women.
- Skin conditions such as dermatitis and lichen sclerosus, normally affecting the skin, can also cause itching in the female genitals.
- Bacterial vaginosis, a disruption in vaginal bacterial balance, can also result in symptoms like persistent itching.
- Feminine hygiene products like harsh soaps and scented products can irritate the skin, causing itching.
- COPD, a lung disease, can contribute to mental-health issues such as depression, which in turn can impact sexual-health and skin-care routines.
- CBD, a compound found in cannabis, is being researched for its potential role in therapies and treatments for various health conditions including skin-care and mental-health.
- AQ, a predictive health company, focuses on women's health, providing insights on a variety of women's health topics like reproductive health and mental wellness.
- Science and health-and-wellness play significant roles in understanding and addressing causes of persistent itching in women.
- Women experiencing persistent itching should consider hormone replacement therapy, especially during menopause, to alleviate symptoms like itching and vaginal dryness.
