Then you’ve probably experienced the Itch.
When vaginal itch strikes, you may assume that you have a yeast infection.
Be careful though, before you dash to the store for an over-the-counter antifungal remedy. There are many other potential reasons for vaginal itch, besides a yeast infection and candidiasis. If you treat the condition improperly, you may do more harm than good.
Seventy percent of women have vaginal itching at one time or another, but the oft-ignored “itch-scratch” cycle affects twenty-five percent of women. The truth is that anywhere on our bodies where there is skin, nerve fibers, hair/hair follicles, and sweat glands there is a potential for itching. Environmental factors that create heat, sweating, rubbing, frictions, and other forms of mild trauma can contribute to that annoying vaginal itch.
So, yes itching is normal; being a woman is enough.
Occasional vaginal itching is common and often resolves on its own.
Persistent itching may be a sign of something more serious.
Common Vulvar Irritants that could cause itching (contact dermatitis):Fragrant soaps, bubble bath liquids, bath salts
- Detergents, fabric softeners, and dryer sheets
- Sanitary wipes and pads
- Warming gels and scented lubricants
- Nylon underwear or wet bathing suits
- Post-workout sweaty gym clothes
- Prolonged friction from activities such as riding a bike, wearing tight clothes or underwear, and horseback riding may also cause contact dermatitis and vaginal itch.
- Rubber products such as diaphragms and condoms
- Saliva or semen
- Spermicides such as foams, creams, and jellies
- Feminine hygiene sprays, tampons, or deodorant pads
- Creams or ointments applied to the vulva
- Tanning bed burns
- Waxing or shaving
It may be challenging to determine the exact cause of contact dermatitis. However, once the irritating offender is identified and eliminated, most cases go away on their own.
A useful tip: best to wear cotton or microfiber underwear during the day. At night, give your vulva a chance to breathe and sleep naked.
Here are 5 additional possible reasons for vaginal itching other than a yeast infection that may need extra care:
a. Bacterial vaginosis
Bacterial vaginosis is a vaginal infection. It may be caused by douching or an overgrowth of bad bacteria. Symptoms may include:
- vaginal itch
- thin white, grey, or green vaginal discharge
- a foul, fishy vaginal odor
- burning during urination
Bacterial vaginosis is treated with oral antibiotics, a vaginal antibiotic gel, or cream. If left untreated, bacterial vaginosis is linked to preterm birth, infection after surgery, and pelvic inflammatory disease.
b. Lichen sclerosus
If vaginal itch is accompanied by white spots on your vulvar area, you may have an uncommon condition called lichen sclerosus. The cause of lichen sclerosus is unclear.
Lichen sclerosus (LIE-kun skluh-ROW-sus) is an uncommon condition that creates patchy, white skin that appears thinner than normal. It usually affects the genital and anal areas
Anyone can get lichen sclerosus but postmenopausal women are at higher risk.
Your doctor can suggest treatment with creams or ointments that help return a more normal appearance to your skin and decrease the tendency for scarring. The condition does tend to recur, so long-term follow-up care may be needed. Rarely, lichen sclerosus improves without treatment. Untreated lichen sclerosus may lead to vaginal scarring, blistering, painful sex, and vulvar cancer.
c. Hormone changes
As you age, your estrogen levels decline. Nursing also causes estrogen levels to drop. Low estrogen, like in menopause may cause the lining of your vagina to thin and cause itching and irritation. Symptoms should resolve when you stop breast-feeding and estrogen levels increase again.
d. Pubic lice
Pubic lice (also called crabs) are tiny insects which usually live in the pubic or genital area of humans. Yes, they look scary. They are also sometimes found on other coarse body hair, such as hair on the legs, armpits, mustache, beard, eyebrows, or eyelashes. They usually spread through sexual contact. Occasionally, they may spread through physical contact with a person who has pubic lice, or through contact with clothing, beds, bed linens, or towels that were used by a person with pubic lice. You cannot get pubic lice from animals.
They cause intense itching in the vaginal and pubic areas. They usually attach to pubic hair.
Pubic lice are parasites, and they need to feed on human blood to survive. They are one of the three types of lice that live on humans. The other two types are head lice and body lice. Each type of lice is different, and getting one type does not mean that you will get another type.
People who have pubic lice should also be checked for other sexually transmitted diseases, and their sexual partners should also be checked for pubic lice.
Pubic lice can be treated with an over-the-counter lice-killing lotions. Severe cases may require a topical prescription medication.
Want to learn more: Here is a photo library created by Dr. Sheryl A. Ross, aka “Dr. Sherry”—Ob/Gyn, author, and health expert.
e. Sexually transmitted disease (STDs).
Chlamydia, genital herpes, genital warts, trichomoniasis, gonorrhea and other organisms can cause vaginal/vulvar itching and irritation and other symptoms.
Yeast infection (vaginal candidiasis). About three out
So, are you sure it’s yeast?
Unless you’re positive you have a yeast infection, see your doctor or gynecologist for a proper diagnosis if you have persistent vaginal itch. You should also see your doctor if the itching continues after using an over-the-counter yeast infection remedy.
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