Vaginal itching – causes, symptoms, treatment, prevention [EXPLAINED]

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Vaginal itching is a common and often embarrassing condition that affects women of all ages. The female vulva (vagina) is a delicate organ and therefore susceptible to irritation and infections, manifested, inter alia, by itching in the intimate area.

Vaginal itching – a common female ailment

Itching of the vulva (vagina) is a very common ailment that patients report to the gynecological office with. This unpleasant problem is most often due to abnormalities in the condition of the mucosa lining the surface of the vulva. Other possible causes of intimate itching are related to irritation, infections or other illnesses. The pruritus is caused by various factors, from mild and easily eliminated to more severe factors, which even require surgery. The most important factor influencing the effectiveness of treatment is the early detection of infection and the initiation of treatment. It is therefore necessary to schedule a gynecological visit quickly, which is now possible in the form of a convenient and safe online consultation.

Vulva – Vaginal Anatomy

The vulva is a fragment of the external genitalia, and its structure consists of:

1. labia minora,
2. labia majora,
3. clitoris,
4. pubic mound.

The vestibule of the vagina it is located between the labia. The urethra and the vagina, which is the tube leading to the uterus, opens into it. Moisturizing the vagina depends on the condition of the woman’s hormonal balance. Adequate hydration protects against the harmful effects of microorganisms.

In addition to itching of the vulva, women also complain of burning and stinging in the area of ​​the labia. This is often accompanied by redness or turning pale and abnormal vaginal discharge (e.g. greenish or foamy). The appearance of these symptoms may be an indication for a gynecological consultation.

Read more about vaginal structure and hydration:

1. Structure of the vagina – functions, structure, hygiene
2. Insufficient vaginal lubrication

Vaginal itching – causes

Vaginal itching or itching can have many causes, depending on how you treat your condition. It is worth considering the probable sources of the problem before visiting a specialist (used cosmetics, recent intercourse, etc.), and then inform about them during the medical interview.

Irritating factors – Exposure of the vagina to harsh chemicals can make the vagina itch. Irritants can, in turn, trigger an allergic reaction that causes itchy rashes in various areas of the body, including the vagina. Common chemical irritants include:

1. soap,
2. female intimate sprays,
3. topical contraceptives,
4. condoms
5. creams,
6. ointments,
7. detergents,
8. fabric softeners,
9. scented toilet paper,
10. scented panty liners and sanitary napkins.

In the case of vaginal itching and dryness during intimate close-ups, it is worth reaching for the Woman Aqua Pjur water-based lubricant, which ensures adequate vaginal lubrication. You can also choose the neutral Nude Pjur lubricant that does not irritate.

If you have diabetes or suffer from urinary incontinence, your urine can also irritate the vagina, making it itchy.

Skin diseases Some skin conditions, such as eczema and psoriasis, can cause redness and itching in the genital area:

1. Eczema – also known as atopic dermatitis, is a rash that mainly occurs in people with asthma or allergies. The rash is red and itchy with a scaly texture. Some women may experience these symptoms in the vaginal area, causing itching,
2. Psoriasis – is a common skin condition that causes flaky, itchy, red patches along the scalp and joints. In some cases, psoriasis symptoms can even affect the intimate parts of the body, including the vagina.

Yeasts – yeast is a naturally occurring fungus that lives in the vaginal environment. It usually doesn’t cause any health problems, but when its growth is not controlled, infections can occur. This infection is referred to as vaginal yeast infection.

This infection is very common after antibiotic treatment, because these drugs can destroy, in addition to the pathogenic bacteria in the body, the “good” bacteria that are needed to control yeast growth. Vaginal yeast overgrowth can cause unpleasant symptoms, including itching, burning and vaginal discharge.

Antibacterial and anti-yeast activity is demonstrated by Dermoxen BACTOR antibacterial vaginal globules, which you can buy at a favorable price at Medonet Market.

Bacterial vaginosis – bacterial vaginosis (BV) is another common cause of vaginal itching. Like vaginal yeast infection, bacterial vaginosis is caused by an imbalance between the naturally occurring good and bad bacteria in the vagina. But, the condition does not always cause symptoms. When symptoms appear, they usually include vaginal itching and an abnormal, foul-smelling discharge. They can be abundant, dull gray or white in flow. In some cases, they can also be foamy.

People who use sex gadgets should take care of their proper hygiene to minimize the risk of transmitting intimate infections in this way. Special preparations are intended for the disinfection of erotic accessories, e.g. MED Clean Spray Pjur.

Sexually transmitted diseases – these are diseases that can be caught during unprotected intercourse. As a result, the genital organs, including the vagina, may itch, among other things. These diseases are:

1. chlamydia,
2. genital herpes,
3. gonorrhea,
4. genital papillomatous infections,
5. trichomoniasis.

These conditions can also cause additional symptoms, including green or yellow vaginal discharge, redness, and pain when urinating.

Climacterium – Women who are in or are after the menopause are more likely to experience vaginal itching. This is due to the reduction in estrogen levels that occur during menopause, leading to vaginal atrophy. This is a thinning of the mucosa that can lead to excessive dryness. This dryness can cause vaginal irritation and itching.

Chronic stress – stress and emotional tension can cause vaginal itching and irritation, although this is not very common. It can happen when stress weakens the immune system, making us more susceptible to a wide variety of infections.

Cancer of the vulva – in rare cases, vaginal itching may be a symptom of a tumor of the vulva. This is a type of cancer that develops in the vulva, which is the outside of a woman’s genitals. It includes the inner and outer labia, the clitoris and the outer vaginal opening. Cancer of the vulva may not always cause symptoms. However, when they do, they can include itching, abnormal bleeding or pain in the vulva. Vulva cancer can be successfully treated if a doctor diagnoses it in the early stages. This is another reason why annual gynecological check-ups are essential.

Pubic lice – infection occurs through sexual contact with a partner who has parasites on his body.

Allergy on chemicals – contained in intimate hygiene preparations, liners, sanitary napkins, washing powders, soaps, creams, fragrances,

Skin irritation and folliculitis – which may appear after depilation of the perineal area,

Lichen sclerosus and atrophic vulva – lichen is caused by irritating factors (genetic predisposition is also important); in the course of the disease, the epithelium becomes thinner and its elasticity is lost,

Urethritis as well bladder – bacteria enter the vulva area and spread the infection to adjacent tissues.

Sources of vaginitis and vulvitis

We distinguish inflammation of the vagina of origin:

1. fungal – most often yeast; it is manifested by cheesy discharge, itching, redness and burning of the vulva area; fungal infections often appear in diabetics and people with hormonal disorders;
2. protozoal (trichomoniasis) – yellow-green and foamy discharge and reddening of the vulva area;
3. bacterial – appearing as a result of hormonal disorders; it manifests itself as discharge of unpleasant odor and white-gray color;
4. owsikami – resulting from the transfer of parasites from the anus to the vagina and vulva; pinworms cause symptoms of vaginitis, which are joined by pinworm infection of the gastrointestinal tract.

Itching of the vulva during menstruation is often indicative of a fungal infection, which usually disappears with your period and reappears before your next menstrual bleed. An indication for a quick consultation with a gynecologist is vaginal discharge with a characteristic, cheesy appearance. Also, do not delay your consultation if vulvovaginal itching persists or recurs.

Also read: Bad vaginal odor – what could it mean?

Vaginal itching before menopause

Problems with itching in this area may also result from changes in the woman’s body during pre-menopause and during its duration. We include among them:

1. atrophic changes in the vaginal and vulvar epithelium caused in peri-menopausal and postmenopausal older women by physiological deficiencies in the female sex hormone estrogen. In younger women, they may appear due to various hormonal disorders;
2. precancerous and neoplastic conditions of the vulva – this ailment usually occurs in elderly women, is often asymptomatic, although there is usually chronic pain and itching. Pre-cancerous conditions include Queyrat erythroplasia, which develops around the mucosa, and Bowen’s disease that develops on the skin, while vulvar cancer usually appears as a small lump that bleeds easily when touched.

Zobacz: Menopause may be reversible

Vaginal itching – symptoms and treatment

When vaginal itching occurs, women also experience other accompanying symptoms:

1. vaginal discharge,
2. redness,
3. soreness,
4. vaginal burning,
5. vaginal and vulvar dryness that makes intercourse difficult,
6. the appearance of nodular changes, vesicles, lumps.

The occurrence of these symptoms should be an indication for a visit to a gynecologist who will conduct the necessary tests and implement appropriate treatment. Apart from pharmacological treatment and as part of prophylaxis, it is also worth taking care of personal and partner hygiene. Use delicate soaps and liquids with a pH similar to the pH of intimate places and preparations with lactobacilli, wear airy, cotton underwear.

During treatment, it is also worth reaching for probiotics, such as Lactibiane CND 10M. It is a probiotic for fungal infections that will help fight the infection and help protect the body from reappearing.

Itching of the vulva (vagina) is treated depending on the cause of the ailments, generalized itching is treated with antihistamines. In turn, the occurring vaginosis should be treated with antifungal agents (thrush) and antibiotics in parasitic and bacterial inflammations.

Most often it is recommended for this type of ailments steroid ointments or containing inhibitory kalcyneuryny. In cases of vaginal epithelial atrophy, ointments with estrogens can be useful – their action significantly improves the level of vaginal hydration. The cause of cancer in the form of cancer requires surgery and excision of the lesion.

Also read: Innovative promedical underwear – what is it?

Do your symptoms require medical consultation? Check it out for yourself in a short medical interview.

Vaginal itching in pregnancy

Vulva itching in pregnancy is usually associated with a change in the proper pH of the vagina from acidic to alkaline. Consequently, it causes it local irritation and the presence of bacterial and fungal infections. Cases of itching of the vulva should be consulted with the doctor who is carrying out the pregnancy. If the ailment is caused only by a change in the vaginal pH, baths with the addition of soda, for example, can help. In the case of more serious infections, the doctor selects the appropriate treatment.

Vaginal itching – home remedies and prevention

Prevention of vaginal itching should include a number of measures that will help reduce the risk of infection, irritation, and also have a positive effect on the immunity and general condition of the body (e.g. diet). Key for prevention of itching of the vulva are therefore:

1. proper intimate hygiene;
2. use of mild cosmetics;
3. choosing the right underwear;
4. adherence to the rules of safe sex (relations with a condom, avoiding accidental sexual contact with insecure partners);
5. regular visits to the gynecologist (especially when disturbing symptoms occur);
6. preventive examinations in case of the risk of infection with venereal diseases.

Use home remedies for itching of the vulva it only helps to alleviate the symptoms without eliminating the cause!

Cosmetics for the care of intimate places for vaginal itching

Invest in cosmetics that will be well tolerated by sensitive intimate areas such as the vulva. Appropriate cosmetics allow you to maintain the correct pH level, so you should use intimate hygiene products containing lactobacilli. In addition, when bathing, you should avoid using soap around intimate areas, because it has drying properties and changes the skin’s reaction to alkaline.

Intimate hygiene products for vaginal itching

During menstruation, you should avoid perfumed pads as they increase the risk of an allergic reaction. There are special reusable pads on the market, designed especially for allergy sufferers. They are made of ecological cotton or bamboo viscose. Also, avoid perfumed toilet papers.

It is worth doing vaginal irrigation to better clean it and at the same time improve the comfort of functioning. Order the Femina Irrigator for vaginal hygiene today.

Herbs for vaginal itching

For unpleasant itching of the vulva or vagina, we recommend sitz baths, compresses and herbal baths. They are highly effective because they have bactericidal, antipruritic, antifungal, anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic properties. Among other things, you can use an aloe infusion or a thyme bath and a sage-based bath.

Airy underwear for vaginal itching

Ideally, you should wear airy underwear made of cotton. Artificial fabrics automatically raise the temperature in the intimate areas, thanks to which bacteria have a greater field to multiply. The situation is similar when we wear too tight pants (especially in summer).

A bath with baking soda for vaginal itching

Put 10 tablespoons of baking soda into the bathtub with about 3 liters of water. Soda lowers the vaginal pH and eliminates unpleasant itching.

Laundry of linen in delicate means

Use powders intended for babies or allergy sufferers. Traditional detergents contain substances that can irritate sensitive skin.

Diet for vaginal itching

The diet of a person struggling with intimate infections should contain a large amount fermented milk products, e.g. kefirs, natural yoghurts, curdled milk. They belong to probiotics and prevent yeast infection and other intimate infections. They also help rebuild good bacterial flora after antibiotic therapy. In addition, eating a lot of sugar is a good breeding ground for yeast, which causes itching and burning and vaginal mycosis. Ideally, you should eliminate drinks and foods containing a large amount of simple carbohydrates from your diet.

Worth reading:

1. Vaginal probiotics – characteristics and indications
2. How to treat recurrent urinary tract infections?
3. Over-the-counter medications for vaginal mycosis – creams, globules, probiotics

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