Causes of itching in the intimate area

The causes of itching in the intimate area are not limited to infectious diseases, which should be remembered by women before starting treatment. Very often women at the appearance of the first symptoms immediately begin to use drug therapy, which is sometimes unjustified. Therefore, it is important to first understand the cause of the problem.

Possible etiologic factors of itching in the intimate area

Itching is a sensation that can cause serious discomfort for everyone. However, when it affects the sensitive area of the female genitalia, especially the vagina and vulva, it can be extremely problematic.

Vaginal itching or irritation is most often not a terrible symptom. However, prolonged and persistent symptoms of itching and burning in the area may be due to various causes and should be evaluated by a doctor.

Of course, not every woman has this problem, but many of the women do and are embarrassed to talk about it. Itching in the intimate area can be so annoying that even mild symptoms will lead women to worry. And the causes of this itching can range from benign to more worrisome. That's why it's important to find out what's going on.

You don't need to run straight to the doctor at the first sensation, a doctor's consultation is recommended if symptoms last more than two days, or if along with itching you have unusual bleeding or lesions in the area.

In addition to natural causes such as menopause or hormonal changes, vaginal itching, burning and irritation can be caused by sexually transmitted diseases, bacterial vaginosis, skin inflammation and even chemical irritants. Sometimes these symptoms can accompany pregnancy. Vaginal discomfort caused by bacterial infection requires professional drug treatment as it can lead to various complications including infertility. In other cases, the use of steroid creams and proper hygiene may be sufficient. Either way, do not hesitate to consult a doctor if any of these symptoms appear. Do not scratch the itchy areas as this can worsen the problem and leave scars. Here are the main causes of vaginal itching, burning and irritation.

1. Yeast infections. This infection can manifest itself at any time. The symptom is itching, as well as discharge without much odor of white color. [1]
2. Trichomoniasis also affects the microorganism, in which there is itching, burning, changes in discharge. [2]
3. Irritation is a common cause of itching that is caused by certain fabrics or products. Allergies and chemical irritants from certain fabrics, soaps or detergents can cause irritation and hypersensitivity in this area. Therefore, good vulvar hygiene should be practiced here. This includes not wearing scented panty pads (and not wearing too many panty pads), avoiding scented cleaning soaps, and absolutely no scented feminine sprays or powders. These products can change the pH of your vagina, making you more susceptible to an infection called bacterial vaginosis. In addition, your vagina needs to breathe. Moisturizing it with synthetic underwear can irritate your skin. Switch to cotton, and be sure you wash with regular, odorless soaps only on the outside.
4. Bacterial vaginosis is a vaginal infection that can cause some itching, and most often the hallmark of the pathology is an unpleasant odor. So be sure to pay attention to all your symptoms, including the nature of the discharge. [3]
5. Genital herpes also cannot be ruled out as a cause of itching, because it may not always be pronounced, sometimes it is difficult to see visually by yourself, so here you need to consult. [4]
6. When you shave your intimate area, you may feel smooth in the moment, but when the hair grows, it simply can be itchy.
7. Itching in the intimate area after the age of 50 is due specifically to age-related changes. If you are postmenopausal, the source of the itching may be that your vagina is changing with your changing hormones. Namely, a drop in estrogen can reduce the blood supply to the mucous membranes in your vagina. Menopause causes a drop in estrogen, which often leads to a thinning of the vaginal wall and less lubrication, which can lead to vaginal itching. Dry skin is a common problem. Skin needs moisture to stay supple, and moisture retention becomes more difficult the older you get.
8. Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition that appears as patches and plaques of abnormal, thickened skin. It grows rapidly and usually affects the scalp, elbows, knees, nails and other parts of the body. The disease is considered incurable and causes profuse irritation and itching. This usually results in subjective agents that can suppress symptoms in mild cases, while comprehensive treatment is required in severe conditions. Although the nature of psoriasis remains largely unclear, climate, stress, and chronic disease tend to influence the intensity of the disease. [5]
9. Stress can make the immune system weaker, leading to infections that can cause vaginal itching.
10. Vaginal itching in babies is often a symptom of diaper rash. Leaving a baby in diapers for extended periods of time can cause Candida to grow due to the warm, moist environment. Rarely does the rash extend beyond the diaper; however, it can make the vagina itchy, especially in the folds of the skin where the fungus can easily reside.

Infectious causes of itching

Sexually transmitted diseases are probably the cause of vaginal itching, burning and irritation. Itching in the intimate area after unprotected intercourse is one of the main signs of a possible infection.

Many of these infections have no symptoms in the early stages, but may be detected later. These infections can cause serious consequences, leading to infertility and even death. However, most of them can be treated relatively easily in the early stages, so it is important to be aware of your medical condition and be prepared to take action if itching, burning or irritation occurs.

Chlamydia is a very popular infection that is generally asymptomatic and itching, burning and irritation may be its only manifestation. If untreated, the disease can damage the female reproductive system, cause exacerbations such as pelvic inflammatory disease, and even end in infertility. [6]

The bacterium that causes the disease is called Chlamydia trachomatis. [7] It attacks cells in the mucous membranes of a woman's body. These are the soft tissues of the body that are not covered by skin. The job of mucous membranes is to provide lubrication for a number of systems in your body. They exist in your urinary and reproductive systems, as well as your digestive and respiratory systems.

You could become infected with this bacteria through contact, when your mucous membranes come into contact with the mucous membranes of an infected partner, or with sexual secretions such as semen. Infection occurs when people have either vaginal or anal sex without using a latex condom.

If even a small amount of infected secretions or fluid, such as semen, reaches the vagina, cervix, anus, mouth, or penis of a sexual partner, that partner can become infected with chlamydia.

Although itching may be the first symptom, other signs of the disease appear over time.

Genital herpes is an easily transmitted viral disease that often shows no symptoms. Genital herpes can be caused by either herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) or herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2). If your case of genital herpes is caused by HSV-2, you may have flu-like symptoms, including chills and fever. You may also develop swollen glands in your throat or pelvis.

The manifestations of this pathology can be manifested not only by itching in the intimate area, they can also range from painful sores and difficulty in urinating without any symptoms. These symptoms appear a few days after the onset of itching. The most common symptom is the appearance of blisters that burst and turn into painful, itchy elements. These sores can occur where you can see them in the inner thigh and buttocks, external areas of the female genitalia, penis and scrotum, and anus. Women may have sores in the vagina and on the cervix. You may notice that herpes sores go through predictable stages. At first, small red bumps or tiny white blisters may occur, within a few days or a few weeks after the first infection or in a late outbreak. Ulcers may form when the blisters rupture and fuse or bleed. Scars form when the ulcers break out and begin to heal.

In addition to sores, symptoms of genital herpes can include painful sensations: burning when you urinate.

Genital herpes is virtually incurable, so some medications may be needed to take away these symptoms.

Itching in the intimate area in chicken pox seems like a ridiculous manifestation, but in fact it is a frequent and widespread phenomenon. This is due to the fact that in chicken pox blisters are scattered throughout the body, including in the intimate area. This disease is caused by a virus of the herpes type, which also causes itching all over the body, including in the genital area, when blisters appear. Therefore, it is necessary to treat the underlying disease to reduce the symptoms of such itching. [8]

Sexually active young people are prone to contracting a very common disease, gonorrhea. This dangerous infection often shows no symptoms and is difficult to diagnose. However, if symptoms do occur, they can include burning during urination in both men and women. Gonorrhea is sexually transmitted. The incubation period (the time between infection and the development of symptoms) is 1 to 10 days, sometimes longer. The first symptom, when the bacterium is just multiplying, is itching. But then other symptoms appear. [9]

Signs that may occur include: joint pain and infection (arthritis), conjunctivitis (inflammation of the lining of the eyelids and eyes). In addition to symptoms, gonorrhea in women usually affects the cervix (opening of the uterus at the top of the vagina), causing: vaginal discharge, discomfort when urinating, bleeding between periods, often after sex.

The infection can spread from the cervix to the Fallopian tubes (the tubes leading from the ovaries to the uterus), causing pelvic inflammatory disease. This leads to late signs such as fever, abdominal pain, and pain with intercourse.

Like gonorrhea, trichomoniasis is difficult to diagnose and is usually symptom-free. However, women may experience itching and irritation in the genital area, as well as burning during urination. Trichomoniasis is an infection caused by a tiny organism (living cell) called Trichomonas vaginalis. It can infect the vagina, urethra. The infection is easily transferred from one person to another through sexual contact. Anyone who is sexually active can get it and pass it on. You do not need to have many sexual partners. Trichomonas is almost always passed from one person to another through unprotected vaginal sex.

Up to half of infected people will have no signs or symptoms at all. If you do find signs and symptoms, they usually appear within a month of exposure to trichomonads. Itching and uncomfortable subjective sensations are often the first signs. Then the following symptoms appear: soreness, inflammation (pain, redness or swelling) or itching in and around the vagina. This can cause discomfort during sex. Changes in vaginal discharge can vary: a small amount or a large amount, and it can be frothy, or yellow. You may also notice a strong odor, which can be unpleasant.

Different types of human papillomavirus are not dangerous to human health, do not cause any symptoms and go away on their own, often unnoticed. However, there are certain types of the virus that can lead to genital warts or even cancer. In these cases, a woman may experience itching and discomfort, including irritation and burning. [10]

If we talk about infectious causes of itching, we should also mention vaginitis. Vaginitis is a general term for vaginal inflammation caused by various conditions, mainly bacterial vaginosis, trichomoniasis and bacterial candidiasis or yeast infection. The most typical symptoms are burning, itching and vaginal discharge, often accompanied by an unpleasant odor. Vaginitis can be effectively treated with antibiotics, antifungal or antibacterial creams and other medications, depending on the cause. [11]

Bacterial vaginosis is a very common infection that should be treated early because it can increase the chances of contracting STDs, including HIV, and developing pelvic inflammatory disease. It is characterized by an imbalance in the ratio of flora in the vagina. Excessive "bad" bacteria in the vagina is responsible for bacterial vaginosis. This leads to a fishy odor, white or gray discharge, and can also lead to burning during urination.

Itching in the intimate area after cystitis often occurs if the infection has infected the vaginal tract as well. This happens often due to untimely or insufficient treatment of cystitis. Sometimes it can be as a consequence of treatment of this pathology with antibiotics. Therefore, if there is such itching after cystitis, it is recommended to consult the doctor once again and take treatment if necessary.

Vaginal candidiasis, commonly referred to as a yeast infection, is a type of vaginitis caused by an overgrowth of yeast in the vagina. Yeast infections (also known as candidiasis) are common infections caused by Candida albicans yeast, which is a type of fungus. Yeast infections usually occur in warm, moist parts of the body, such as the mouth and moist areas of the skin. A yeast infection in the vagina is known as vulvovaginal candidiasis. Vaginal yeast infections are common among teenage girls, and about 75% of all women will have one at some point.

Vaginal yeast infections can cause: itching and irritation in the vagina redness, swelling or itching of the vulva (skin folds outside the vagina). There is also a white discharge that may look like cottage cheese and is usually odorless, although it may smell like bread or yeast. Then there is pain or burning when urinating (urine) or during sex.

Risk factors for this pathology are higher in pregnancy, diabetes mellitus (impaired glucose tolerance), treatment with broad-spectrum antibiotics (occurs in 28-33%). Therefore, itching in the intimate zone after antibiotics is more often caused precisely by fungi. The presence of small amounts of Candida on the skin, in the digestive tract and vagina is normal. A healthy immune system and some "good" bacteria control the amount of them in the human body. But yeast in the vagina can sometimes "overgrow" and lead to yeast infection symptoms. Taking antibiotics affects the immune system, can allow yeast to multiply.

Itching in the intimate zone in diabetes can be the first manifestation of pathology, or can indicate poor control of the disease. Elevated sugar levels in this case is an excellent factor that contributes to the formation of an invigorating environment on which yeast multiply. Therefore, itching of the intimate zone can indicate diabetes.

Mechanical causes of itching in the intimate area

Itching in the intimate area after shaving is one of the biggest drawbacks of this procedure. Itching, dryness, and ingrown hairs are very common but also very annoying. Why does itching occur? Skin irritation in the bikini area after shaving occurs in the form of micro cuts with the razor. They are caused by the pulling or twisting of the hair follicle by the blade. A razor "skipping" along the surface of the skin as it cuts can also cause irritation.

A common source of irritation is an allergy or sensitivity to ingredients in your shaving cream. Itching can therefore be caused by irritation of the skin and hair follicles themselves, in which case it appears immediately after shaving and subsides a few hours later.

Itching after depilation in the intimate area can also be provoked by an allergic reaction to the product that you use. In this case, itching will appear after contact with the product and will be accompanied by a pronounced redness. This reaction will not go away in a few hours, but will be expressed for several days.

How to avoid itching in the intimate area after depilation? First of all, try shaving more thoroughly. Be a little less aggressive in your shaving to avoid damaging your skin.

Secondly, make sure that you always use a very sharp machine. Bluntness of the blade causes several problems - of course, the blade is more prone to pulling on hair follicles rather than just cutting the stubble.

Also pay attention to how much pressure you use. People in general tend to press too hard, and too fast. This can cause the blade to pull or slip. Pay close attention to how the blade feels on your skin, and try to find a balance of pressure and speed for your skin to avoid blade bounce and slippage.

Always make your first pass in the same direction as the bristles. Going "against the stubble" or even sideways often results in more hair pulling than necessary. If you choose to do a more aggressive direction to get a smoother shave, it will be much easier on your skin after most of the hair has already been cut off.

Other elements include using a good shaving cream - it should be thick enough for cushioning, but smooth enough for the blade to glide smoothly. Make sure you don't go through a lot of passes, especially without shaving cream to protect your skin. Also consider switching to a sensitive or non-allergenic brand if you feel your skin might be bothered by any of the ingredients. Finally, you can try doing a skin care routine before and after shaving.

Itching in the intimate area after shugaring is less common, because the procedure is less traumatic than depilation. But the hair follicle is also involved in the process, so there may be slight irritation, especially if the area after the procedure was exposed to temperature or sweat. Often there may be itching after the first procedure due to the formation of small inflammatory elements. In such cases, you should realize that you should avoid scratching the area at all costs, as this can cause additional infection. It is best to treat with a non-alcoholic antiseptic to avoid itching.

Itching in the intimate area from soap is also caused by active skin irritation, especially if you have dry and sensitive skin. In such a case, you yourself should notice the connection of itching with the use of a particular soap, and remove this product from your use.

Itching in the intimate area after the sea can be dangerous, because the sea is a public facility that can be a source of many bacteria. Often, the sea can contain E. Coli and other pathogens that, when in contact with irritated skin in the intimate zone, cause infection. Therefore, if you have other symptoms besides itching, you should definitely rule out an infection that you can easily get in the sea.

Itching after a pool in the intimate area is often caused by irritating agents in the water. Most pools are cleaned through the chemical chlorine, which kills bacteria. This is usually a good thing, because otherwise the heat or hot water ends up being a breeding ground for all the bacteria you definitely don't want.

When chlorine gets in too deep and kills some of the good bacteria that are supposed to help your vagina stay healthy, it's no wonder you'll start feeling itchy and other symptoms.

Also, excess chlorine in the water can lead to bacterial vaginosis. So just avoid swimming pools immediately after depilation or if you have sensitive skin.

Itching in the intimate area after menstruation can be caused both by the menstruation process itself and by the use of pads. During the cycle, there are many changes that occur in the uterus and vagina. There may also be changes in the vaginal mucosa that are related to changes in hormones. During menstruation, when hormone levels are low, the vagina may be drier than usual.

It also causes a decrease in estrogen levels. Vaginal tissue has estrogen receptors. As estrogen levels decrease, the tissue can become dry and irritated. When it is the end of menstruation, there is less water that has been provided by the flow and this is why the vagina can be very itchy. After a few days, the itching should go away. If it doesn't, some type of infection or inflammation may be the cause of the itching.

Itching in the intimate area from pads is often due to poor quality or allergies to the very material used to make the pads. If you want to use disposable pads, use only hypoallergenic organic organic disposable cotton pads. Avoid tampons because they can also create a more ideal opportunity for bacterial growth. They can dry out the vaginal canal by absorbing its natural moisture.

Itching in the intimate area after childbirth can be considered normal if it is the only symptom. This can be explained by the hormone surge that occurs during childbirth. At the same time, the lack of blood supply to the intimate area can cause dryness of the skin and mucosa, which provokes itching.

One difficult problem that some women face after their C-section is constant itching all over the skin. Itching in the intimate area after a c-section is most likely caused by an allergic reaction to pain medication, it's really just a side effect. For whatever reason, not everyone feels it, just as the medication will make some women sick while others feel fine. While there is no way to predict if you will have itching after a C-section, the best way to deal with it is to immediately communicate the need for medication that will relieve the itching.

Itching in the intimate area after Hexycon can be caused by an allergy to the drug, as well as to any other drug that is applied topically. Hexicon is often used as an antiseptic in the form of suppositories, so it can not only provoke allergies, but also cause dry skin, which will provoke itching.

Itching in the intimate area is not always a sign of infection - every woman should understand this. If itching is the only symptom, then, most likely, its cause is allergic or mechanical. A change in the nature of discharge along with itching indicates the need to consult a doctor.