Let’s dive into the many possible causes of itchy vagina or vulva and how to get relief.
irritants
Chemical irritants, such as those found in everyday products that come into contact with the vagina and vulva, can trigger an allergic reaction, known as contact dermatitis. we are talking about alcohol, dyes, fragrances, etc.
If an irritant is to blame, your vulva and vagina may become itchy, red and sore.
Products that often contain such irritants include:
- soaps, shower gels and bubble baths
- feminine sprays
- douches
- topical contraceptives, such as spermicide and phexxi
- creams, lotions and ointments
- detergents
- fabric softener
- scented toilet paper
- scented pads and protectors
- chlamydia
- genital warts
- gonorrhea
- genital herpes
- trichomoniasis
If you experience incontinence, urine can also cause itching and irritation.
skin conditions
Some skin conditions, such as eczema and psoriasis, can cause redness and itching in the genital region.
Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a rash that occurs primarily in people with asthma or allergies. the rash is reddish and itchy with a scaly texture. it can spread to the vulva in some people with eczema.
Psoriasis is a common skin condition that causes itchy, scaly, red patches to form along the scalp and joints. Sometimes flare-ups of these symptoms can also occur on the vulva.
thrush
Yeast is a natural fungus that is normally present in the vagina. It usually doesn’t cause problems, but when its growth is left unchecked, it can result in an uncomfortable infection, also known as a vaginal yeast infection.
yeast overgrowth in the vagina can lead to uncomfortable symptoms, including itching, burning, and thick, whitish discharge that may or may not smell, well, yeasty, like a fresh sourdough loaf.
If you’ve recently taken antibiotics, these may be the culprit, as they can destroy the good bacteria along with the bad. (FYI, the good bacteria are what keep the yeast at bay.)
pregnancy, stress, uncontrolled diabetes, and a hormonal imbalance before menstruation can also cause candidiasis.
bacterial vaginosis
bacterial vaginosis (bv) is another potential reason for vaginal itching.
Just like a yeast infection, bv is triggered by an imbalance between the good and bad bacteria naturally found in the vagina.
The condition does not always cause symptoms. when symptoms do appear, they usually include vaginal itching and an abnormal discharge with a fishy odor. the discharge may be fine and opaque gray or white in color. it can also be sparkling.
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There are some STIs that can cause vaginal itching, including:
These STIs can also cause other symptoms, such as unusual vaginal discharge, painful urination, and genital sores.
Although they are not exclusively sexually transmitted, we must mention pubic lice (also known as crab lice). These pesky little bugs are usually spread during intimate contact, but can also be spread through bedding and towels. they cause genital itching that begins five days after infestation and intensifies at night. You may also notice pale bluish spots near the bites and develop a fever.
menopause
The drop in estrogen that occurs during perimenopause and menopause increases the risk of vaginal itching.
That’s because the decreased amount of estrogen makes the tissues of the vulva and vagina thinner, drier, and less elastic. vaginal dryness can cause itching and irritation. You may also find sex painful and bleed after sex.
stress
physical and emotional stress can cause vaginal itching and irritation.
can occur when stress weakens your immune system, leaving you more prone to infections that cause itching. Increased stress hormone cortisol, which occurs when you’re under stress, has also been shown in animal studies to affect vaginal health and increase the risk of vaginal infections.
vulvar cancer
Vaginal itching may be a symptom of vulvar cancer. Know that vulvar cancer is rare and vaginal itching is much more likely to be caused by something else.
Vulvar cancer can cause vaginal itching that does not go away or gets better. It can also cause skin changes in areas of the vulva, such as skin discoloration or thickening. bleeding or discharge unrelated to your period and lumps are other possible symptoms. In some people, vulvar cancer does not cause any symptoms.
Annual gynecological exams can improve the chances of early detection and a better outcome.
