Itchy, dry outer vagina (vulva) is often due to irritants (soaps, detergents, synthetic fabrics), hormonal changes (menopause, breastfeeding), infections (yeast, BV, STIs), skin conditions, or even friction from sweat/tight clothes, with common culprits being perfumed products or lack of estrogen causing dryness. It's crucial to see a doctor for persistent symptoms, but self-care like gentle hygiene, cotton underwear, and fragrance-free products can help, while medical treatment might be needed for infections or hormonal imbalances.
For those whose dryness and itching comes from an external source or lifestyle factors, your doctor may recommend you stop douching or, if possible, change medications. Dabbing a little bit of vaseline petroleum jelly, coconut oil or even Crisco vegetable shortening on the dry skin area can also help heal itching.
Infections, allergies, irritants and injuries can all cause inflammation in your vulva. Any of the following can cause vulvitis: Dyed or perfumed toilet paper. Pads, pantyliners or tampons that are scented or contain harsh ingredients.
Here are 12 Tips on How to Stop Itching Down There Immediately.
Vitamin E. Research from 2015 indicates that vitamin E may help relieve itching in the vulva or vagina caused by atopic dermatitis or menopause.
Signs of Infection
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.
When should I see a doctor? 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.
Vaginal infections can be caused by bacteria, fungi, parasites or viruses. Some of these things normally live in your vagina without causing any problems. But sometimes they can grow out of control, causing an infection in your vagina and vulva (the area surrounding your vagina).
Vaginal dryness affects many women, although they frequently don't bring up the topic with their doctors. If vaginal dryness affects your lifestyle, in particular your sex life and relationship with your partner, consider making an appointment with your doctor.
Common signs of a yeast infection include:
See your health care provider or a skin disease specialist (dermatologist) if the itching: Lasts more than two weeks and doesn't improve with self-care measures. Is severe and distracts you from your daily routines or prevents you from sleeping. Comes on suddenly and can't be easily explained.
Chemotherapy, a cancer treatment, may cause a loss of estrogen production in your ovaries, contributing to vaginal dryness. Yeast infections are a medical infection that can interfere with your ability to get wet, as they disrupt the balance of flora in the vagina.
Drinking oatmeal can soothe the itchiness. It is especially recommended for people who have dry and sensitive skin. It is a dairy-free milk suitable for vegans which is also good for your overall skin health.
However itching outside the vagina (an area called the vulva) is more commonly caused by problems other than a yeast infection — everything from allergies, to dry genital tissues from lack of estrogen and often from other infections.
Dry, flaky skin around the vagina can result from allergies, infections, or a skin condition such as psoriasis or dermatitis. Hair removal products and tight clothing can also cause skin damage. Sometimes, a person may experience dry, flaky skin in their pubic area. The area may be itchy, flushed, or scaly.
Symptoms
For mild cases of vaginal itching, home remedies may help alleviate discomfort. These include using over-the-counter antifungal creams for yeast infections, applying cold compresses to reduce irritation, and ensuring proper hygiene (but avoid over-washing, which can make the problem worse).
Chronic stress can have a negative impact on your immune system, making it more difficult for your body to control the levels of yeast in the vagina. Stress also causes your body to release the hormone cortisol, which raises your blood sugar level. Yeast feeds on sugar, which can lead to an overgrowth of the fungus.
Symptoms of bacterial vaginosis include:
In short, itching is a common and often uncomfortable symptom of the healing process. Wounds that itch are not usually a cause for concern. It may be a sign of infection if the itching is severe or accompanied by other symptoms, like redness, swelling, or pus.
Vulval dermatitis, eczema and lichen simplex chronicus
Vulval dermatitis and eczema are probably the commonest causes of vulvar itchiness and irritation in women when it occurs in the genital area. It is widely known that dermatitis and eczema can occur anywhere on the skin, including the genital area.
Peppermint. Peppermint is suitable as a natural itch remedy because of its cooling properties, which can lessen itching. This plant is most effective when used to address itching caused by exposure to poisonous plants or insect bites.
Dry skin: Your body loses moisture at night, which can make your skin itchy. Hormonal changes: At night, your body doesn't produce as many hormones as it does during the day and certain hormones reduce inflammation (swelling). As you have fewer hormones at night, your skin could be itchy.
Topical cooling is a frequently used remedy for itch. Cooling the skin by application of ice, gel packs, cool compresses, or cold water can temporarily reduce itch in patients affected by atopic dermatitis, contact urticarial, or psoriasis (Fruhstorfer et al., 1986).