Yes, scratching the vulva/vagina (VAG) almost always makes it worse by damaging the skin, increasing inflammation, potentially causing tears or infection, and creating an "itch-scratch cycle" where the skin becomes thicker (lichenification) and even itchier. It's best to avoid scratching and use cool compresses, soothing baths, and keep nails short to manage the itch and prevent further harm, seeking a doctor if it persists, as scratching can lead to soreness, bleeding, and infection.
In some cases, the more you scratch, the itchier your skin gets. You might also tear your skin, causing bleeding, soreness and/or burning. Torn skin can sometimes become infected.
There are several common causes of vaginal itching, burning, and irritation, including infections, irritants, menopause, skin disorders, shaving and or waxing, as well as sexually transmitted diseases.
In many cases, vaginal tears and cuts will heal on their own without medical attention. However, you'll need to keep the area around the wound clean and dry. This way, you'll prevent a skin infection.
Scratching feels good because it stimulates nerves in the skin, releasing pleasure chemicals and reducing irritation or stress. In many animals, it also overlaps with grooming and touch, which are important for bonding and social trust.
The main findings were that itches were perceived as more intense on the ankle and back, as compared with the forearm. Similarly, scratching was more pleasurable on the ankle and the back than on the forearm. The greater the itch intensity on the forearm and ankle, the more pleasure came from the scratching.
Common signs of a yeast infection include:
First-degree tears usually cause some pain or stinging when you urinate. They may not require stitches, although some of them do. If a first-degree tear does need stitches, that repair typically can be done in the delivery room. These tears usually heal within several weeks.
An itchy vulva is a super common symptom that can happen from time to time. It may indicate a minor irritation, like an allergic reaction, skin irritant, rash, or harmful lifestyle choice (like wearing sweaty or tight clothing). These tend to be simple to treat and have a fast recovery time.
Some studies have shown that stress is also a cause of genital itching. People experiencing prolonged stress often have a higher risk of hormonal disorders. At this time, bacteria may take advantage of the opportunity to invade the genitals, causing itching.
This is known as hell's itch, or the devil's itch, which can feel like a deep, painful, throbbing itch that lasts for a few days after sunburn. Hell's itch is fairly rare, and it tends to affect people with fairer skin, and those who have been exposed to the sun at higher altitudes—such as being in the mountains.
Diagnosing a Yeast Infection: Signs to Look for
How long does vulvitis last? Itching and other symptoms can usually be relieved within a few weeks of your diagnosis, depending on what's causing your vulvitis.
5 STDs that cause itching
Some STDs that can irritate the skin and cause itching are genital herpes, trichomoniasis, gonorrhea, chlamydia, and human papillomavirus (HPV) infection [8]: Genital herpes is caused by a viral infection of the herpes simplex virus (HSV) [8].
Vulvar itching during menopause is closely linked to declining estrogen levels. As menopause marks the end of ovulation and cyclical estrogen production, vaginal and vulvar tissues become thinner, drier, and less elastic. The vaginal discharge decreases and the vaginal microbiota is altered.
The scientific reason why scratching our itches feels so good is because it releases serotonin, the neurotransmitter involved in mood-boosting. It foxes the brain by replacing the itch signals with pain signals (that kind of pleasure-pain). It is pure distraction.
Keep Your Skin Moisturized
Eliminating dryness and keeping the skin hydrated is the most important part of stopping the itch-scratch cycle. Dry skin is itchy skin. Moisturizers (also known as emollients) are meant to keep skin well moisturized.
Scratching itchy skin can inhibit the itch sensation. Simultaneously, it evokes pleasurable feelings such as a pleasant somatic sensation perceived at the scratched skin. Hedonic experiences are associated with the reward system (Wise and Rompre 1989).
The prevalence of phantom itch demonstrates the critical role of denervation in generating neuropathic itch; phantom itch is an extreme endophenotype of peripheral NI, which arise in the context of sensory deafferentation.
Types of itch
Itch has been classified into four different clinical categories. These include neurogenic, psychogenic, neuropathic, and pruritoceptive (2) (Table 1). These categories were developed based on anatomical, pathophysiological, and psychological factors. A given patient can have one or more types of itch.