An itchy pubic area can stem from simple irritation (soaps, tight clothes, shaving), skin conditions (eczema, psoriasis, jock itch), infections (yeast, STIs, lice, BV), or hormonal changes like menopause, with causes varying from temporary discomfort to needing medical treatment, so seeing a doctor for persistent itching is key for a proper diagnosis.
How can I reduce my risk of itchy genitals?
Genital skin can be sensitive. Itching is often a sign that you're doing something, or using a product, that's irritating the skin. If itching is your only symptom, it isn't often related to an STI. Itching around or inside the vagina is often due to thrush.
Vaginal itching, burning and discharge can be caused by many different aggravating factors such as irritating substances, infections, skin disorders, sexually transmitted diseases (STD) or even menopause.
See a doctor right away if you have genital itching with pelvic pain or abnormal vaginal discharge. See a doctor when you can if your itching lasts more than a few days but you don't have pain or abnormal discharge.
Vulvovaginitis can cause bumps or sores on your vulva. They may look like a rash or appear to be a break in your skin. STIs and yeast infections can also cause sores on your vulva.
TREATMENT. Vaginal itching occurs occasionally for all women and relieving the symptoms temporarily by applying a topical cream like Instant Itch Relief Cream from MONISTAT CARE® can be very effective. Instant Itch Relief Cream from MONISTAT CARE® contains the #1 doctor recommended OTC ingredient for external itching.
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.
Diabetes mellitus can cause itching in the intimate area
Prolonged high blood sugar levels can impair various nerve functions, including those that transmit itch sensations in the intimate area and other parts of the skin.
Sometimes, a woman may have both a UTI and a vaginal infection, which might make it seem like the UTI is causing the itch. If you notice itching along with your urinary symptoms, it is a good idea to talk with a healthcare provider so that they can determine the exact cause and recommend the right treatment.
To stop itching fast, apply a cool compress or ice pack, use over-the-counter anti-itch creams with pramoxine or menthol, take a cool colloidal oatmeal bath, gently pat skin dry and moisturize with fragrance-free lotion, and wear loose cotton clothing to avoid irritation. Avoid hot water, harsh soaps, and scratching to prevent worsening the itch.
Itchy pubic hair is common and is often easily treatable. Common causes include rash burn, contact dermatitis, jock itch, pubic lice, scabies, yeast infection, psoriasis, eczema, and folliculitis. See a healthcare provider if the itching is severe, painful, persistent, or worsening.
It might mean choosing underwear made from cotton rather than synthetic materials like nylon and polyester so that your skin is able to breathe. In general, try to make sure you treat your intimate area gently, washing it with a soap-free feminine wash.
What length should I trim my pubic hair to prevent itch? Trimming your pubic hair too low is a common way to get itch during regrowth. We recommend using a guard to have your pubic hair remain at least 2mm high. This will lead to less itching when it grows back, as the hairs won't be going through the skin.
Recognizing Anxiety-Induced Itch
Unlike other skin conditions, anxiety-related itching is commonly generalized and not localized to specific areas of the body. It may come and go, often intensifying during periods of increased stress or anxiety.
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.
Less oestrogen can thin the lining of your vagina, and tissues of the vulva can become drier, itchy and less flexible. If you are experiencing vulva dryness, a sore clitoris area, menopausal vulva irritation or postmenopausal vulva itching, you are not alone. Many women have overcome these symptoms, and you can too.
Symptoms
Vagisil Sensitive Skin's non-irritating formula is specially formulated to relieve itch and pain on the most sensitive intimate skin. And while it effectively stops itch fast, it does so gently and soothingly.
How to stop pubic hair itching when growing back
Signs and symptoms of an infection
Bacterial vaginosis does not usually cause any soreness or itching. If you're unsure it's BV, check for other causes of unusual vaginal discharge.
What are the symptoms of vulvitis?
Common signs of a yeast infection include: