Home > Causes of Body Itch > Feminine-Itch

Table of Contents

• Causes of Feminine Itch
• Bacterial Vaginosis
• Yeast Infection (Candida)
• Vulvar Eczema
• Atrophic Vaginitis
• Lichen Simplex Chronicus
• Lichen Sclerosus
• Erosive Lichen Planus
• Desquamative Inflammatory Vaginitis
• Other Causes
• Symptoms
• Diagnosis
• Treatment
• 21 Ideas to Stop Feminine Itch
• Free Brochures

" Feminine itch (also called pruritus vulvae or vulvar itching) has multiple causes. These range from bacterial vaginosis (vaginal itch due to infection), yeast (candida) or chemical irritants. If there is no unusual discharge or odor, the cause is probably irritation from over use of hygiene products, shaving or soaps in one of the most sensitive skin areas of the body.

If you try a home remedy first and it does not work within two to seven days, see your doctor, as you may have something that needs medication. Don’t wait out of embarrassment, as some infections may get worse if left untreated.  The question "why does my vagina itch" is more common than you think. Again, always contact a Doctor if symptoms last longer than 7 days. Most problems are minor in nature, but still require medical attention due to the presence of infection, both yeast or bacterial vagninosis. Some cases are caused by vaginal atrophy. When all else fails and when feminine itch is accompanied by burning or pain ask your Doctor about  other conditions such as Vulvodynia.

Feminine itching can also self correct after several days."  

What Causes Feminine Itch

There are many causes of feminine itch as described below:

Bacterial Vaginosis

Bacterial vaginosis: itching occurs when infectious bacteria invades the area in addition to normally occurring bacteria. Usually accompanied by an odor and unusual discharge.

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is estrogen dependent. Postmenopausal women who are not on hormone therapy treatment rarely get bacterial vaginosis. 

Symptoms include fishy or foul odor, vaginal discharge. Itching and irritation are less common.

Treatment involves prescription oral antibiotics for the infection and/or vaginal gels.

Vaginal Yeast Infection (Candida)

Vaginal Yeast infection (disease also called Monitial vaginitis or vaginal candidiasis): Yeast infection is caused by the Candida fungus. The body always has some of this fungus present, but when it colonizes beyond normal levels, itch can occur, such as when the vagina acidity levels are reduced. Yeast thrives in environments with estrogen, but is unusual in women with vaginal atrophy, a condition naturally seen in older women.

Risk factors for Candida include:
- Hormone replacement (particularly vaginal estrogen)
- Diabetes Mellitus
- Immune suppression (from steroids, medications)

Symptoms include a  white thick cheese like vaginal discharge, often caused by antibiotics, sex, condoms, can also be transmitted by male partner. 75% of women will get a yeast infection at some point.

The condition is treated with over the counter Monistat or a prescription grade product.

Atrophic Vaginitis

Atrophic vaginitis refers to a condition where the vagina shrinks and thins. It occurs at times of reduced estrogen levels such as when breastfeeding, after childbirth or after menopause. It is a frequent reason for feminine itching due to menopause.

Symptoms include:

• burning
• itching
• discharge
• difficulty urinating
• pain during intercourse

Treatment involves topical medications available via prescription.

Vulvar Eczema (Dermatitis)

The vagina or vulva is very susceptible to allergens and irritants, particularly in women who are of reproductive age.

Symptoms such as itch are usually at the opening to the vagina (vulvar) not within the vagina itself, despite what you feel.  On examination there may also be redness, pimples, papules (a type of pimple) and skin crusts.

The patient should avoid contact with potential irritants such as:

• Wipes; baby and antiseptic
• Scented toilet paper
• Condoms and latex
• Contraceptive creams and jellies
• Dyes
• Moisturizer (lanolin, jojoba, oil, glycerin)
• Sanitary products such as incontinence pads and panty liners
• Conditioners
• Tea tree oil
• Topical anethetics
• Topical antibacterial products
• Topical mediations
• Vaginal hygiene products
• Perfumes and deoderants

Vulvar Eczema Treatment

There are several steps that can help to reduce vulvar irritation:

• Use a mild body soap. Do not apply soap to the vulva.
• Do not take frequent baths with soaps
• Wear white 100% cotton underwear
• Do not wear underwear at night. Only use hypoallergenic laundry detergent
• Do not wear tight fitting clothes are pantyhose
• Wash underwear in an extra rinse cycle

Lichen Simplex Chronicus

Lichen simplex chronicus is the result of constant itching of the vulvar. It causes the skin surrounding the vagina to become red and thick.

Some women experience vulvar itching worse at night.

Treatment of Lichen Simplex Chronicus

In addition to the elimination of any irritants listed above, a Doctor will prescribe ointments. If candida or yeast is present the Doctor will prescribe fluconazole.

If itching at night a sedative may also be prescribed such as amitriptyline, which produces a deep sleep without being awake enough to feel the urge to itch.

Lichen Sclerosus

Lichen sclerosus is a chronic condition which results in skin change, inflammation of thinning of the outer skin layer.

It is very common and can occur at any age. It is seen primarily before puberty and in postmenopausal women.

Symptoms include a change in skin texture, and a change in the architecture of the area. This includes the loss of the labia minora and a clitoris that is covered by overlying skin.

Lichen sclerosus is treated with Clobetasol .05% cream for 6 weeks. Treatment results in 96% partial or complete relief with 23% of patients returning to normal skin color and texture.

Erosive Lichen Planus

Erosive lichen planus has an unknown cause. It occurs in women age 29 - 68.

Symptoms include:

• burning
• pain
• itching
• pain during sex
• raw feeling

The opening to the vagina may appear very red as seen in the picture above.

Treatment of Erosive Lichen Planus

Treatment of Lichen Planus involves the use of hydrocortisone or triamicinalone creams. In chronic cases a hydrocortisone suppository is needed and oral prednisone.

Desquamative Inflammatory Vaginitis (DIV)

Similar to lichen planus. It is possibly caused by an autoimmune problem.

Symptoms include:

• Lots of vaginal discharge that is bloody or yellow-green
• Vulvar burning
• Itching
• Irritation
• Painful or uncomfortable intercourse
• Vaginal inflammation (atrophic vaginitis)

Treatment of Desquamative Inflammatory Vaginitis

A Doctor will prescribe hydrocortisone cream. 

Other Causes

• Sexually Transmitted Diseases: Chlamydia, Genital herpes, Genital warts, Gonorrhea. Causes problems such as Tichomonas Vaginitis.

• Pinworm infection (seen in young children)
  
• Crabs
• Psoriasis or related skin disorders
• Scabies
  
• Stress
  
• Diabetes - itching triggered by too much sugar in the urine
  
• Diet high in sugar
  
• Pre-cancerous skin conditions
  

Symptoms

The first signal that you may have feminine itch will be the itch itself. Depending on what is causing that itch, you may also have symptoms that include the following:

• Inflammation and reddened vaginal and vulvar area
• White, cottage-cheese like drainage, which may or may not have an odor and may or may not have color ranging from white to green
• Fever
• Abdominal pain
• Blisters
• Swelling
• Burning on urination, which may mean you have a urinary tract infection

Diagnosis

Your physician will need to do a visual examination of the areas that are itching. They will have a whole list of questions for you as well to try and track down or rule out things that may be causing your feminine itch. You may also have some tests, which may include urine and blood samples, a test for hormone levels, pap smear, skin biopsy and a culture and microscopic exam of any discharge you may be experiencing.

Some of the questions you may be asked include when your itch started, if you have had it previously and how severe it is. You will be asked to pinpoint the location of the itch, meaning inside or outside the vagina or vulva or both. The doctor will want to know how frequently you bathe, what kind of soap you use, whether you swim a lot and if you change your underwear often.

If you use scented products such as bubble bath, feminine sprays or douches, your doctor will also want to know about those, as they cause irritation and itching. You will be asked if your underwear is cotton or synthetic, if you wear pantyhose frequently or pants that are too tight. While the questions may seem odd, the doctor is trying to eliminate things that could have caused your problem. You will also be asked what you have tried to alleviate the itch, about your sexual activities and whether or not you feel you may have a sexually transmitted disease.

Be honest in your answers. The doctor is not there to judge you, he or she just needs to focus on what the cause of your feminine itch may be.  Other tests that may be performed include a Pap smear, biopsy (skin sample) or vaginal culture.

How To Get Rid of Feminine Itch

21 Ideas to Stop Feminine Itch

• Stop scratching, as this can cause irritation which results in increased sensations of feminine itch. To avoid itching wear socks on your hands at night.
• Antibiotics for bacterial infections and/or sexually transmitted diseases
• Anti fungal drugs for yeast.  These can be over the counter (Monistat 3 or 7 day treatments - referred to as azoles) or the prescription medication fluconazole.  Do not self treat if you are pregnant or have diabetes without consulting a physician. Over use of over the counter medications can lead to yeast resistance. For this reason and to confirm the diagnosis, if you suffer from frequent feminine itch due to vaginal yeast infection, the medication Diflucan prevents re-occurence in 90% of women. Talk to your doctor as frequent infection could signal a weakened immune system.
  
  It is near impossible to determine if a urinary infection or yeast infection is present without laboratory tests by a doctor.
• Itch medications such as antihistamines (Benadryl - 25mg) or benzodiazepines. 
• Cream(s) with hormones
• Vaseline or use a 1% hydrocortisone ointment 2x to 3 per day to ease inflammation.
• Try ice packs at night to alleviate itch and swelling
• Eat at least one cup of sugar free yogurt each day, with live acidophilus cultures to beat yeast
• Freeze a yogurt filled vaginal applicator and insert it or use a yogurt smeared tampon and you may also smear the yogurt directly on vulva
• Rinse vagina with 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar and warm water, twice a day for two days
• Wear only 100% cotton underwear and loose-fitting skirts or pants. Avoid wearing pantyhose (or cut out crotch area).
• Remove exercise wear or bathing suits immediately after use.
• Stop using fabric softener on underwear.  Double rinse any clothing that comes in contact with the vulva.
• Sit in tub of shallow, warm water with a half cup of salt for at least 15 minutes each day for two days. Insert finger in vagina to allow salt rinse to go inside.
• Sit in tub of shallow, warm water with a half cup of baking soda for at least 15 minutes each day for two days.
• Use unscented soap and water 1x per day to avoid drying the area
• After going to the bathroom always wipe from the front of the vagina to the back.
• In babies change diapers more frequently
• If the vagina is too dry, consider using KY Lubricant before sex.  An alternative is to eliminate sexual activity.
• Try RepHresh vaginal gels to restore pH balance and to eliminate odor, reduce itch and discomfort.

Natural Remedies

Natural remedies are also available that can help to relieve vaginal itch, burning and related discomfort. Products such as the FDA registered Vagi-Soothe combine these popular feminine itch remedies including:

• Kreosotum (12C) - for burning and vaginal discharge.
• Merc sol (30C) - to eliminate vaginal odor and support genital health
• Lycopodium (12C) - for itch, redness, irritation and vaginal dryness
• Calc carb (6C) - helps to restore normal acidity and alkalinity in the body
• Sepia (6C) - used for gynecological problems, particularly the vagina, ovaries and uterus

When All Else Fails

Many women try over-the-counter miconazole (Monistat), experiences some slight improvement, but still feels burning. Doctors in response prescribe teraconazole cream and possibly prescription teraconazole thinking that the problem is a stubborn yeast infection.  

Next the Doctor will test for the bacterial infections beta Strep and Garnerella. If test comes back positive the Doctor will prescribe vaginal clindamycin cream. 

If this doesn't work many women turn to diet change and washing the vulva with antibacterials soap along with over-the-counter acidophilus pills.  Unfortunately for many the condition continues to worsen resulting in slight cheesy discharge, burning and itch.

In this case the patient should ask the Doctor about other of Vulvodynia, which is the generic name for chronic pain or discomfort around the opening of the vagina.

Brochure

References