CAUSES OF VAGINAL ITCHING & TIPS TO PREVENT IT

CAUSES OF VAGINAL ITCHING & TIPS TO PREVENT IT

Women of all ages suffer from vaginal itching from time to time. Itching, burning or irritation in a sensitive area like the vagina and vulva can be very uncomfortable.
Most of the times vaginal itching, burning and irritation is not a major concern. However, sometimes, it might be due to some infection and then it becomes a concern if proper treatment is not done on time. So, you must know the symptoms associated with each of the causes of vaginal discomfort so that you may know when and how to deal with the issue.

 Causes of Vagina Itching

There are several factors that can be responsible for vagina itching in a female. It is important to identify the cause, which plays a crucial role in subsequent management of the condition


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Bacterial Infection

You might be knowing that there are healthy bacteria living in this part of your body, to protect your sensitive organ. But sometimes, bad bacteria do invade and outgrow the number of good ones. This is commonly known as Bacterial vaginosis. So, along with vaginal itching, if you have inflammation, burning, discharges, and a fishy odor, visit a doctor to treat your vaginal infection.

Yeast infection

When the yeast candida grow excessively in your vagina and vulva, you suffer from what is called vaginal candidiasis. You will see a thick, white, cheesy discharge along with vaginal itching. Take proper steps to treat the condition.

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Sexually transmitted disease or STDs

Such diseases as chlamydia, genital herpes, genital warts, trichomoniasis, and gonorrhea can also lead to itching and irritation in vagina and vulva. The symptoms may include bumps, sores, or warts near mouth, anus and vagina; swelling in vagina, painful urination, night sweats, fevers and chills, vaginal discharge, bleeding from vagina (not menstruation), pain during intercourse, and severe itching in vagina. These diseases need immediate and proper treatment.

Menopause

The vagina walls of a woman gets dry and thin when she experiences menopause. This is due to the decrease in the production of estrogen hormone. This also causes vaginal itching and irritation.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Due to hormonal fluctuation, these conditions also make the vaginal walls dry and thin. This leads to vaginal itching and irritation.

Chemicals

The vagina of a woman comes in contact of various products that have a lots of chemicals in them such as creams, douches, contraceptive foams, laundry detergents, soaps, scented toilet paper, fabric softeners, and condoms. These chemical irritants are also a major cause of vaginal itching and burning.

Skin problems

Certain skin issues like Lichen sclerosus which mostly affects the genital and anal areas can also give you vaginal itching along with thin white patches around vulva (and sometimes in other parts also like breasts and upper arms). This is common in women after menopause. The symptoms include bleeding, blisters, and white spots on skin that might give permanent scars, bleeding, discomfort, pain and itching in vagina or around vaginal area

Tips to Prevent Vaginal Itching at Home

 

Deal with vaginal area cautiously

It is crucial because vagina, anus and urinary openings lie close to each other and you might catch infections that may give rise to vaginal itching and burning.

• After bowel movement, always wipe from front to back.
• Do not douche
• Change the diapers of infant girls frequently and regularly.
• Avoid sexual intercourse when experiencing vaginal itchiness and burning
• To avoid sexually transmitted diseases, lay stress on using condoms.
• Don’t scratch. This only aggravates the problem.

Proper clothing is important in stopping vaginal itching

Tight fitting clothes do not let the air keep your vagina dry. They also irritate your skin every time you move.

• Don’t wear too tight clothes. Loose clothing allows air to keep your body dry. Sweat can be the culprit for your recurring vaginal infections.
• Wear breathable clothes such as cotton. It wicks away the moisture and keeps the area dry. Cotton underwear also do not irritate skin like the synthetic ones do.
• Avoid wearing those fabrics that make your vagina itchy and hot. Don’t wear polyester, spandex, Lycra, lace, tights etc. close to your sensitive area.

Avoid irritating products

Chemical irritants are one of the major causes of vaginal itching and burning.

• Avoid fragrances added to products like toilet paper, laundry detergent and bubble bath.
• Don’t use soaps to clean vagina.
• Don’t use feminine hygiene sprays and douches. Remember, vagina is a self-cleaning organ. Water is enough to clean it.

 

Maintain proper hygiene

 

Proper hygiene is the per-requisite to prevent vaginal itching.

• Change your underwear daily.
• Take a bath or shower daily and wash the vagina properly with water only.
• As vagina has the capability of cleaning itself, you don’t need to use harsh soaps or cleansing agents for this part of your body. Using these products brings the sensitive skin here in contact with chemicals that might aggravate itching.
• Don’t wash the vagina excessively. It results in dry skin causing more itching.