However, some causes, like bacterial infections, need medical treatment.
These products can cause dryness, irritation, redness, and itching.
This kind of irritation is common (especially in children) and is sometimes called soap or chemical vulvitis.
Verywell / Emily Roberts
Many products contain ingredients that can cause vaginal itching and irritation, including:
Vagina or Vulva?
However, problems in the vagina may also be the source of itching.
When a protein from sweat interacts with bacteria on the skin, it can cause an unpleasant odor.
As sweat dries, it also makes the groin and vulva itchy.
This condition is usually itchy and may cause red bumps.
You may notice that the skin is swollen and red and the bumps are itchy.
Eczema
Eczema(atopic dermatitis) is a skin condition that causes redness and itching.
It usually affects the genitalia and anus but can also be on the chest and arms.
Its most common in females before puberty or aftermenopause.
Lichen sclerosus does not always cause symptoms but can cause:
Lichen sclerosus usually comes and goes.
It can cause permanent scars and may get worse over time if it is not treated.
Sexually Transmitted Infections
Severalsexually transmitted infections (STIs)can cause vulvar or vaginal itching.
Symptoms usually start about one to three weeks after sexual contact with someone who is infected with the bacteria.
Recognizing the signs and seeking treatment is essential to prevent recurrent infections and complications.
Without treatment, chlamydia can cause pelvic inflammatory disease, infertility, and tubal pregnancies.
Genital Herpes
Genital herpesis an incurable STI because of the herpes simplex virus (HSV-2).
The virus stays in your body, where it may remain dormant or cause future outbreaks.
Gonorrhea
Gonorrhea is a bacterial infection that can be cured with antibiotics.
If left untreated, it can lead to health problems like pelvic inflammatory disease and infertility.
The infection can also spread to the joints and other body areas.
Women may have no or mild symptoms that seem like a vaginal or urinary tract infection.
They appear as whitish or skin-colored bumps on the vulva, vagina, cervix, or anus.
They’re often itchy and may cause a burning sensation, but usually dont hurt.
Trichomoniasis
Trichomoniasis(trich) is a common and curable STI.
Other signs include a clumpy white discharge and soreness.
These issues affect the bodys balance, making it easier for yeast to grow out of control.
The acidity levels keep bad and possibly harmful bacteria from getting out of control.
BV commonly causes itching in and outside the vagina.
Getting proper treatment for BV is essential as it can help prevent future complications.
Hormonal Changes
Estrogen has a crucial role in regulating the health of the tissues inside the vagina.
These tiny insects live in pubic hair, where they can cause intense itching.
However, they’re not an infection.
Pubic lice generally live on the fleshy area at the top of the vulva (mons pubis).
Is vaginal itching a sign of vulvar cancer?
Its possible, but vulvar cancer is rare, so itching usually has other more common causes.
Symptoms include itching, bleeding, burning, changes in skin color, and sores or lumps.
Bumps should improve if you temporarily quit shaving and use topical medicines to ease symptoms.
Closely follow the instructions from your healthcare provider to see to it you are using these medications safely.
It will only get rid of the eggsthe lice will crawl to the first body hair they can find.
You may have itching for a while after the lice are gone.
Some STIs are curable with antibiotics; others are manageable with medication.
For instance, herpes can be managed withantiviral medications, which can help prevent it from spreading.
Herpes symptoms can be eased with OTC pain medications and cool compresses applied to the sores.
Lichen sclerosus:This condition cannot be cured.
The goal of treatment is to manage your symptoms and prevent scarring andsquamous cell carcinoma.
Topicaltacrolimusorpimecrolimus,phototherapy(light therapy), and oralimmunosuppressive medicationmay also be considered.
Contact your healthcare provider to get treatment to ease the itching.
Any scented product can irritate the sensitive tissues of your vulva and make itching worse.
Vaginal Health
Taking care of your genital health can help prevent vaginal itching and other problems.
Your vagina is healthiest when it has the right balance of bacteria calledvaginal flora.
However, many conditions share similar symptoms and some an look alike.
Healthcare providers can figure out the cause of your itching and check that you get the right treatment.
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