What causes itching in female genitals?

Vulvar itching is a very common symptom of gynecological diseases. The vulva is a particularly sensitive area. Various gynecological diseases and external stimuli can cause itching, making people unable to sleep or eat, and unable to sit or lie down. Vulvar itching often occurs on the clitoris and labia minora, and may also affect the labia majora, perineum and perianal area. Most of the attacks are paroxysmal and are usually worse at night. If the itching is severe, skin scratches may be seen. So what causes itching in the female vulva?

There are many reasons for vulvar itching. In summary, the most common local factors causing this disease are:

①External stimulation. Sometimes birth control pills can also cause itching. Itching can also be caused by tight underwear, friction between underwear, and irritation from menstrual belts. Vulvar itching can be caused by not paying attention to the hygiene of the vulva, irritants from vaginal secretions, vulvar secretions, sweat, moisture, immersion, chemical fiber underwear, unqualified menstrual belts, rough toilet paper, allergies caused by vulvar and vaginal medication, and frequent washing of the vulva with soap. Vulvar itching is often accompanied by anal itching, which is related to irritation from external hemorrhoids, long-term incontinence, anal fistula, anal fissure, anal excrement and fecal residues.

②Local diseases of the vulva. Local diseases of the vulva include gonorrhea, non-gonococcal urethritis, fungal or Trichomonas vaginitis, scabies, pubic lice, ringworm, atrophic keratotic lichen, leukoplakia, enterobiasis, contact dermatitis, cervicitis, etc. Anal itching in female children is often caused by pinworms and often worsens at night. In addition, anal itching often spreads to the vulva and causes itching. Apocrine prurigo and sweat gland follicle keratosis can also cause severe vulva itching.

③Systemic diseases. Systemic diseases mainly include diabetes, anemia, leukemia, polycythemia, skin diseases, hepatobiliary diseases (such as jaundice), kidney diseases, lymphoma, etc. In addition to general itching, vulvar itching is often accompanied. According to statistics, 3.4% of 500 diabetic patients had localized itching, mainly vulvar itching.

④Mental factors. If you are worried, depressed, nervous, or irritable, you will often feel itchy vulva, and the more you scratch, the more itchy it becomes.

⑤Dietary factors. Lack of iron, riboflavin, vitamin A, vitamin E, fat, etc. in food can cause dryness, flaking and itching of the vulvar skin.

⑥ Idiopathic vulvar pruritus: The cause is unknown and is related to emotional disturbance or certain minor stimuli.

Prevention and precautions:

Pay attention to treating the primary disease, keep the vulva clean and dry, and do not wash it too frequently with soap. Avoid scratching, alcohol and spicy food.

Avoid scratching, rubbing or washing with hot water.

Appropriate use of sedatives, safety drugs, and antihistamines can adjust mood, reduce anxiety and tension, and relieve itching.

Use topical antipruritic medication.

There are many reasons for female vulva itching. During treatment, it is necessary to remove chronic lesions, actively find the causes, and make corresponding external treatments. Be careful to avoid depression and tension. When female patients have Trichomonas or Fungus, in addition to placing the corresponding suppository in the vagina every night, the former can take metronidazole, and the latter can be treated with itraconazole one-day therapy. If the symptoms still cannot be relieved, you should go to the hospital for treatment, preferably under the guidance of an experienced doctor in a regular hospital.