Genital itching may involve the vagina or the genital area (vulva), which contains the external genital organs. Itching is an unpleasant sensation that seems to require scratching for relief.
Many women occasionally have short episodes of genital itching that resolve without treatment. Itching is considered a problem only when it persists, is severe, recurs, or is accompanied by a discharge.
Causes of Genital Itching
The most common causes of genital itching include the following:
Infections: Bacterial vaginosis, candidiasis (a yeast infection), and trichomoniasis (a protozoan infection)
Irritation or allergic reactions: Chemicals that come in contact with the vagina or genital area, such as those in laundry detergents, bleaches, fabric softeners, synthetic fibers, bubble baths, soaps, feminine hygiene sprays, perfumes, menstrual pads, fabric dyes, toilet tissue, vaginal creams, douches, condoms, and contraceptive foams
After menopause, thinning and drying of the lining of the vagina due to decreased estrogen levels
Less common causes include skin disorders such as psoriasis and lichen sclerosus. Lichen sclerosus is characterized by thin white areas on the vulva around the opening of the vagina. If untreated, lichen sclerosus can cause scarring and may increase the risk of cancer of the vulva.
Evaluation of Genital Itching
Doctors can usually determine the cause by asking about symptoms and by examining the genital area and vagina.
Warning signs
There are no warning signs for genital itching unless it is accompanied by pain and/or discharge that looks or smells abnormal. Then, the warning signs are the same as warning signs for pelvic pain and/or warning signs for vaginal discharge.
When to see a doctor
Women should see a doctor if itching lasts more than a few days or is severe or if other symptoms suggesting an infection (such as pain or discharge) develop.
What the doctor does
Doctors first ask the woman questions about her symptoms, particularly whether she has any symptoms of infection, and about her medical history. She is also asked whether she uses any products that may irritate the area. Doctors then do a physical examination, which focuses on the pelvic examination.
If women have a discharge, doctors use a cotton swab to take a sample of the discharge from the vagina or cervix. Doctors examine the sample under a microscope to check for the microorganisms that cause yeast infections, bacterial vaginosis, and Trichomonas vaginitis. They usually also send a sample to the laboratory to test for gonorrhea and chlamydial infections (which are sexually transmitted).
Treatment of Genital Itching
The condition causing genital itching is corrected or treated when possible. General measures can help relieve symptoms.
General measures
Changing underwear and bathing or showering once a day help keep the vagina and genital area clean and less likely to become irritated. More frequent bathing or showering may cause excessive dryness, which can increase itching. Using a cornstarch-based unscented body powder can help keep the genital area dry. Women should not use talc-based powders. Washing the area with plain warm water is recommended. But if soap is needed, a nonallergenic soap should be used. Other products (such as creams, feminine hygiene sprays, or douches) should not be applied to the vaginal area. These general measures may minimize exposure to irritants that cause itching.
If itching persists, a sitz bath may help. A sitz bath is taken in the sitting position with water covering only the genital and rectal area. Sitz baths can be taken in the bathtub filled with a little water or in a large basin.
If a medical product (such as a prescription cream) or a brand of condom appears to cause irritation and itching, it should not be used. Women should talk to their doctor before they stop using prescription products.
Drugs
For severe itching, an antihistamine taken by mouth may help temporarily. Antihistamines also cause drowsiness and may be useful if symptoms interfere with sleep.
Vaginal infections that cause itching and discharge require antibiotics or antifungal drugs taken by mouth or inserted into the vagina.
Key Points
Genital itching is a problem only when it persists, is severe, recurs, or is accompanied by pain or by a discharge that looks or smells abnormal, suggesting an infection.
Keeping the genital area clean and dry and not using products that can irritate it can help.
Sometimes a mild corticosteroid cream relieves itching temporarily.
If a vaginal infection causes itching and a discharge, women are treated with antibiotics or antifungal drugs taken by mouth or inserted into the vagina.
