Common causes of genital itching include contact dermatitis, jock itch, scabies, yeast infection, and folliculitis. Your healthcare provider can help you determine the cause and point you to the best treatment and prevention strategies.
Share on Pinterest Causes of itchy pubic hair include lice, razor burn, and contact dermatitis. Crabs, the common name for pubic lice, are tiny insects that feed off human blood, holding on to the hair for support. Although it is common for pubic lice to spread via sex, anyone can get them.
STDs like chlamydia and gonorrhea often lead to itching, stinging, or burning sensations inside the vagina or penis. However, HPV and herpes also cause small itchy bumps to form on the pubic area. In addition, STD symptoms may “come and go.” So never assume that you're STD-free simply because symptoms have disappeared.
Although pubic lice and nits can be large enough to be seen with the naked eye, a magnifying lens may be necessary to find lice or eggs.
Infections might be the cause. You may have bacterial vaginosis, a yeast infection, or an STI. Menopause-related hormonal changes, diabetes, or skin conditions are other possible causes. Or irritation from and allergic reactions to detergents and other products could be at work.
“If there is no infection present, the most likely cause of an itchy vulva and vagina is chemicals in the environment,” says Dunston. “Common culprits include laundry detergent, fabric softener, dryer sheets, bleach used to clean clothes, certain toilet papers, and sanitary products, especially perfumed ones.
Some common causes of external vaginal itching are: Infections — Your vagina or vulva may feel itchy due to a candida infection or genital warts from a viral infection. Bacterial vaginosis can sometimes result in vulvar itching (although it's rare), likely due to contact dermatitis.
Yeast infections
The vagina tends to have a natural fungus called Candida that may not cause any harm usually. But, it can invite a yeast infection when the change in the environment allows it to grow out of control. This can lead to vulvar itching during nighttime.
The itching can get worse at night due to increased moisture in the area, temperature changes, bacteria, and increased awareness. There are certain conditions, such as pubic lice, in which the itching gets worse at night.
small red or blue spots on your skin (lice bites) white/yellow dots attached to your hair (lice eggs) dark red or brown spots in your underwear (lice poo) crusted or sticky eyelashes, if they're affected.
Take a warm bath or shower and let the water soak the irritated area. Make sure to moisturize after! Don't pick at the hairs/bumps – this can irritate you skin more and even lead to infection. Avoid shaving until the uncomfortable symptoms go away – your sensitive skin may just need a break!
hormonal changes, such as after having a baby or during menopause. a skin condition such as dermatitis or eczema. excess washing or vaginal douching (washing out the vagina) allergy or a reaction to hygiene products such as soaps, shower gels, shampoos, or hygiene sprays.
Your pubes may itch for a bunch of different reasons. These include unsafe shaving techniques, infections, and chronic conditions like psoriasis or eczema. Sometimes, a home remedy, OTC cream, or simple lifestyle change can help you manage the itching.
A red ring-shaped rash on the inner thigh near the groin in females is often one of the first signs of jock itch. It is usually dry and flaky and can also contain small, red fluid-filled blisters that may ooze.
Pubic lice (Pthirus pubis) have three stages: egg, nymph and adult. Eggs (nits) are laid on a hair shaft . Females will lay approximately 30 eggs during their 3–4 week life span. Eggs hatch after about a week and become nymphs, which look like smaller versions of the adults.
All hairy areas of the body should be thoroughly checked and treated because lice can move away from treated areas to other hairy parts of the body. Shaving won't get rid of pubic lice.
You might notice really tiny dark brown specks in your underwear or your skin - this is lice poo (faeces).
Myth 4: Pubic hair never stops growing
Pubic hair stops growing when it reaches a certain point. The length at which it halts varies from person to person, but it stops between 0.5 to two inches. So don't worry ladies, pubic hair is not going to keep growing forever!
Animals cannot get or spread pubic lice. If left untreated, the affected area will continue to itch. Repeated scratching of the infested area can result in other serious skin infections.
They are most often spread through sexual contact. Pubic lice affect men and women at all levels of society all over the world. Teens and people in their 20s are most often affected.
What Are Pubic Lice (Crabs)? Pubic lice are tiny insects (about the size of a pinhead). They usually live in hair in the pubic area (the area near the genitals). They also can live in the eyelashes, eyebrows, beard, armpit, and other body hair.