Vaginal itch
What causes vaginal itchiness?
Itching of the vulva (the part of the body around the vaginal entrance) is a distressing problem for many women.
Often it will be put down as ‘just another attack of thrush’ and anti-thrush creams may be used to relieve the discomfort.
Although thrush — a yeast infection called Candida — is certainly a common cause of this problem, there are many other reasons why intense itching may occur in the vulval area. Stress and anxiety can produce many different symptoms, including vulval itching.
Who does lichen sclerosis affect?
Various skin problems may be responsible for the itch. The most important of these is a condition called lichen sclerosis (kraurosis vulvae when affecting the vulva). This can occur at any age, including children, but is most common in women who are past the menopause.
What are the symptoms?
In lichen sclerosis there is inflammation, with redness of the skin, which may have white areas of thickening and sometimes a purplish bruised appearance. As well as intense itching, the affected woman may experience pain when passing urine, discomfort during intercourse and notice tiny fissures (cracks) in the skin.
How is lichen sclerosis treated?
Lichen sclerosis is usually treated by applying strong steroid creams to the affected area. This may have to be continued for up to 3 months.
Other causes of itchiness
Other skin problems to cause itching in this region include dermatitis due to allergies or contact with irritating substances. A wide range of things may be responsible. Of particular importance are perfumed soaps and vaginal deodorants.
Apart from thrush, which is often worse just before a period or after intercourse, other vaginal infections can also cause itching. Some degree of discharge from the vagina is often a clue that infection is present.
Causes of itchiness in children
In children, itching in the vulval area may be due to worms — usually threadworms. These can usually be seen around the anus as tiny white ‘thread-like’ objects. Thrush is uncommon once a child is out of nappies, but bacterial vaginal infections occur quite often in little girls. Occasionally foreign bodies such as parts of toys, beads and so on find their way into the vagina and may produce a discharge with itching.
Importance of seeking treatment
When lichen sclerosis is present there is a small, but important, increase in the risk of cancer developing in the vulval area. It can be embarrassing to seek help about itching in such a personal part of the body, but unless there are very obvious signs of thrush (thick white or yellow discharge), it is important to get your doctor to check for other causes.
Last Reviewed: 13 October 2004
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