10/06/2020
VAGINAL ITCHING
💥Causes Vaginal Itching explained?
Vaginal itching is an uncomfortable and sometimes painful symptom that often occurs due to irritating substances, infections, or menopause.
It may also occur as a result of certain skin disorders or sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).
In rare cases, va**nal itching might develop due to stress or v***ar cancer.
Most va**nal itching isn’t a cause for concern. However, you should contact your doctor or gynecologist if the itching is severe or if you suspect you have an underlying condition.
Your doctor can determine the cause of your va**nal itching through an examination and testing. They’ll also be able to recommend appropriate treatments for this uncomfortable symptom.
💥Causes of va**nal itching
Here some of the possible causes for itchiness of the va**na and the surrounding area.
Irritants
Exposing the va**na to irritating chemicals can cause va**nal itching.
These irritants may trigger an allergic reaction that creates an itchy rash over various areas of the body, including the va**na.
Common chemical irritants include:
1. soap
2. bubble baths
3. feminine sprays
4. douches
5. topical contraceptives
6. creams
7. ointments
8. detergents
9. fabric softeners
10. scented toilet paper
If you have diabetes or urinary incontinence, your urine may also cause va**nal irritation and itching.
Skin diseases
Some skin diseases, such as Eczema and Psoriasis, can cause redness and itching in the ge***al region.
=>Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a rash that primarily occurs in people with asthma or allergies. The rash is reddish and itchy with a scaly texture. It may spread to the va**na in some women with eczema.
=>Psoriasis is a common skin condition that causes scaly, itchy, red patches to form along the scalp and joints. At times, outbreaks of these symptoms can occur on the va**na as well.
💥Yeast infection
Yeast is a naturally occurring fungus that’s normally present in the va**na. It usually doesn’t cause problems, but when its growth goes unchecked, an uncomfortable infection can result.
This infection is known as a va**nal yeast infection. It’s a very common condition, affecting 3 out of 4 women at some point in their lives, according to the Mayo Clinic.
The infection often occurs after taking a course of antibiotics, as these types of medications can destroy good bacteria along with the bad bacteria.
The good bacteria are needed to keep yeast growth in check.
The overgrowth of yeast in the va**na can result in uncomfortable symptoms, including itching, burning, and lumpy discharge.
💥Bacterial vaginosis
Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is another common reason for va**nal itching.
Like a va**nal yeast infection, BV is triggered by an imbalance between naturally occurring good and bad bacteria in the va**na.
The condition doesn’t always cause symptoms. When symptoms do appear, they typically include va**nal itching and an abnormal, foul-smelling discharge.
The discharge may be thin and dull gray or white. In some cases, it might also be foamy.
💥Sexually transmitted diseases
Numerous STDs can be transmitted during unprotected sexual in*******se and cause itching in the va**na.
These include:
=>chlamydia
=>ge***al warts
=>gonorrhea
=>ge***al herpes
=>trichomoniasis
These conditions can also cause additional symptoms, including abnormal growths, green or yellow va**nal discharge, and pain while urinating.
💥Menopause
Women who are going through menopause or who have already done so are more at risk for va**nal itching.
This is due to the reduction of estrogen levels that occur during menopause, which leads to va**nal atrophy.
This is a thinning of the mucosa that can lead to excessive dryness.
The dryness can cause itching and irritation if you don’t get treatment for it.
💥Stress
Physical and emotional stress can cause va**nal itching and irritation, though this isn’t very common. It might occur when stress weakens your immune system, leaving you more prone to the infections that cause itching.
💥Vulvar cancer
In rare cases, va**nal itching may be a symptom of v***ar cancer. This is a type of cancer that develops in the v***a, which is the external part of the female’s ge***als. It includes the inner and outer lips of the va**na, the cl****is, and the opening of the va**na.
Vulvar cancer may not always cause symptoms. However, when symptoms do occur, they may include itching, abnormal bleeding, or pain in the v***ar area.
Treatment
Vulvar cancer can be treated successfully if your doctor diagnoses it in the early stages. This is another reason that yearly gynecologist checkups are essential.
When to see your doctor about va**nal itching?
It’s important to see your doctor for va**nal itching if the itching is severe enough to disrupt your daily life or sleep. Although most causes aren’t serious, there are some treatments that can decrease the discomfort of va**nal itching.
You should also contact your doctor if your va**nal itching persists for more than one week or if your itching occurs along with the following symptoms:
=>ulcers or blisters on the v***a
=>pain or tenderness in the ge***al area
=>ge***al redness or swelling
=>trouble urinating
=>an unusual va**nal discharge
=>discomfort during sexual in*******se
What to expect during your appointment
Your doctor will ask you about your symptoms, including how severe they are and how long they have lasted.
They may ask you about your sexual activities as well. They’ll also likely need to perform a pelvic examination.
During a pelvic examination, your doctor will visually inspect the v***a and may use a speculum to see inside the va**na.
They may press down on your abdomen while inserting a gloved finger into your va**na. This allows them to check the reproductive organs for any abnormalities.
Your doctor may also collect a sample of skin tissue from your v***a or a sample of your discharge for analysis. Your doctor might perform blood or urine tests as well.
Medical treatment for va**nal itching
Once your doctor finds the underlying cause of your va**nal itching, they’ll recommend treatment options.
The specific course of treatment required depends on the particular condition that’s causing the problem.
💥Vaginal yeast infections
Your doctor can treat va**nal yeast infections with antifungal medications. These come in various forms, including creams, ointments, or pills. They’re available by prescription or over the counter.
However, if your doctor has never diagnosed you with a yeast infection, make sure to speak with your doctor before taking any over-the-counter medication.
💥BV
Doctors often treat BV with antibiotics. These may come as pills you take orally or as creams you insert into your va**na. Regardless of the type of treatment you use, it’s important to follow your doctor’s instructions and to complete the full round of medication.
💥STDs
You can treat STDs with antibiotics, antivirals, or antiparasitics. You’ll need to take your medications regularly and avoid sexual in*******se until your infection or disease clears.
💥Menopause
Menopause-related itching may be treated with estrogen cream, tablets, or a va**nal ring insert.
Other causes
Other types of va**nal itching and irritation often clear on their own.
In the meantime, you can apply steroid creams or lotions to reduce inflammation and ease discomfort.
However, you should limit how much you use them because they can also lead to chronic irritation and itching if you overuse them.
Home remedies for va**nal itching
You can prevent most causes of va**nal itching through good hygiene and lifestyle habits.
There are several steps you can take at home to prevent va**nal irritation and infection:
=>Use warm water and a gentle cleanser to wash your ge***al area.
=>Avoid scented soaps, lotions, and bubble baths.
=>Avoid using such products as va**nal sprays and douches.
=>Change out of wet or damp clothing right after swimming or exercising.
=>Wear cotton underwear and change your underwear every day.
=>Eat yogurt with live cultures to reduce the chance of getting yeast infections.
=>Use condoms during sexual in*******se.
=>Always wipe from front to back after having a bowel movement.
