Of course, not all women are walking around with vaginal itching , but many do. Vaginal itching is a common symptom suffered by women. Venereal diseases such as common vaginal infections can be some of the reasons, and they can range from benign to worrisome. That is why it is important to find out what is going on.
While you don’t have to run to the doctor for every unusual vaginal itching , an appointment is recommended if symptoms linger for more than two days or if, along with the itching, you have unusual bleeding or strange lesions in the area.
10 causes and remedies for vaginal itching
Here are 7 possible causes of vaginal itching, plus the best relief tips for each of them.
Yeast infection
Let’s start with the most obvious one: yeast. These infections are so common that three-quarters of women get one at some point. E l main symptom is extreme itching , along with a thick, white, odorless flow. It is suggested that you at least call your doctor to discuss your symptoms rather than going to the pharmacy to buy an over-the-counter treatment. If you do self-treatment and it is not a yeast infection, it can make the problem worse.
Tricomoniasis
This common sexually transmitted or venereal infection (STI) is caused by a parasite called Trichomonas vaginalis . The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) note that while 3.7 million people are infected (more of them women), only 30% know it. That is because it often does not cause symptoms.
But when it does, it causes itching, burning, changes in discharge, or white cracks on the skin . You can assume it’s a yeast infection and try an over-the-counter antifungal, and it doesn’t work. Then try douching, (which is never a good idea), and make it worse. That’s one more reason to see your doctor first. If the tests are positive, it is very easy to cure with antibiotics, but the drawback is that you and your partner have to be treated, otherwise, you can easily re-infect the other.
Irritation
One of the three most common causes of vaginal itching is irritation caused by certain tissues or products . Doctors often advise patients about good vulvar hygiene. That includes not wearing scented panty liners (and not wearing too many panty liners in general), avoiding scented soaps for cleaning the genital area, and absolutely no douching or the use of scented feminine sprays or powders. These can reactivate the problem; so scratching can lead to infection making things worse . Additionally, these can also change the pH of the vagina, making it more susceptible to an infection called bacterial vaginosis (BV).
Also, your vagina needs to breathe. Smothering her with synthetic underwear traps moisture on the skin that can be an irritant. Changing to cotton underwear is recommended. And be sure to wash gently with regular soaps that are not neutral, unscented, and only on the outside.
Vaginosis bacteriana
Although this vaginal infection can cause some itching, most often the hallmark symptom of BV is a foul-smelling discharge. If you call your doctor and explain that you are very itchy, he or she will more likely think that it points to a yeast infection, trichomoniasis, or irritation. So be sure to take note of all your symptoms, including details about the discharge, which can go a long way in identifying your problem.
Eczema and psoriasis
The eczema and psoriasis are diseases of the skin by an autoimmune condition; These diseases can cause itching and redness in the genitals. Corticosteroids as a prescription medication and natural remedies such as mashed oatmeal baths can relieve itching. If you don’t feel relief from symptoms within a week, seek gynecologist advice.
Herpes
You may think you could detect genital herpes , but not everyone gets large sores that are easy to see. You may feel some itching or pain when urinating, but the symptoms may not be as severe as you might think. People try to treat their herpes with a yeast topical but that doesn’t work much.
Lice
There is also the possibility that if you feel itchy in this intimate area, you may be infected with pubic lice. In this case, you will need to get a proper lice treatment or shampoo, but removing pubic hair may be a quicker and more effective solution.
Shaved off
When you shave in the genital area, it can feel smooth in the moment, but when the hair grows back the itchiness can be excruciating. In fact, in a 2014 study published in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology on problems women experience when removing pubic hair, 20% said they have experienced severe itching. Women know their bodies well and if they know they get irritated when shaving, they better not do it. A friendlier way to remove hair from this area may be to use wax.
Vulvar lichen sclerosus
Lichen sclerosus is a chronic inflammatory skin disease and its symptom is primarily irritation in the vulvar area, with white patches on the skin. This is a disease that must be diagnosed by a specialist doctor and properly treated by prescribed medications.
Hormones
If you are post-menopausal, the source of the itchiness could be that your vagina is changing along with your hormones. That is, a decrease in estrogen can thin the lining of the vagina. But don’t worry there are natural ways to deal with that.
For more information on how to treat some infections naturally in the vaginal area, we invite you to read our articles:
- What is abnormal vaginal discharge and how to prevent it
- Home remedies to treat vaginal odor
- 10 home remedies for vaginal infections