Itching inside labia minora

Itching on the inside of the labia minora is a symptom that many women experience and is also one of the symptoms of vaginal itching. There are many reasons that cause vaginal itching in women, such as trichomoniasis, bacterial vaginosis, eczema, common warts, diabetes, anemia, and even lack of vitamin A or B vitamins, all of which can cause vaginal itching in women. Next, I will introduce you to some relevant knowledge about vaginal itching!

1. Causes

1. Local causes

Vulvovaginal candidiasis and Trichomonas vaginitis are the most common causes. Bacterial vaginosis, atrophic vaginitis, pubic lice, scabies, enterobiasis, common warts, herpes, eczema, vulvar hypopigmentation diseases, drug allergies, irritation from skin care products, poor hygiene habits, etc. can also cause vulvar itching.

2. Systemic causes

Systemic diseases such as diabetes, jaundice, vitamin A deficiency, vitamin B deficiency, severe anemia, leukemia, intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy, etc. can cause vulvar itching.

3. Unknown causes

The cause of some vulvar itching is still unknown.

2. Typical symptoms

1. Vulvitis

It often occurs on the inner and outer sides of the labia minora or the labia majora. In severe cases, it can affect the entire vulva. Patients often complain of itching, pain, and burning sensation in the vulva, which worsens during activity, urination, or sexual intercourse. Physical examination revealed local congestion and swelling. There are often scratches, and there may be eczema or ulcers. In patients with chronic inflammation, the skin or mucous membranes become thickened, rough, and may become cracked.

2. Vulvar epithelial cell hyperplasia

Vulvar itching is a characteristic symptom, which is often unbearable, and the more it itches, the more you scratch.

3. Vulvar lichen sclerosus

The main symptoms are itching in the lesion area, pain during sexual intercourse and burning sensation in the vulva, which are milder than those in patients with vulvar squamous hyperplasia. Dyspareunia may occur in the late stage. The itching symptoms in young girls are usually not obvious, and they may feel discomfort in the vulva or perianal area after urination or defecation.

3. Treatment Methods

Treatment is directed at the cause:

1. Vulvitis

Always keep your vulva clean and dry, and do not wear synthetic underwear. Eliminate the source of irritation, avoid sexual intercourse during the acute phase, and get adequate rest. Wash the vulva or take a sitz bath with 1:5000 potassium permanganate solution 2 to 3 times a day. If there is an ulcer, you can use neomycin ointment or chlortetracycline ointment. Physical therapy such as ultrashort wave or microwave therapy can also be used, and Chinese medicine decoction and fumigation can also be used.

2. Vulvar epithelial cell hyperplasia

The treatment of this disease should first let the patient keep the vulva clean and dry, and prohibit the use of soap and other irritants to clean the vulva. Underwear should be made of cotton with good ventilation to avoid aggravating the condition. Avoid scratching the affected area with hands or instruments, and avoid spicy and irritating foods and allergenic foods. (1) Sedative and anti-allergic treatment: For those who have obvious symptoms of mental stress and suffer from insomnia, sedative, hypnotic and anti-allergic treatment can be used.

(2) Local medication: Topical treatment with corticosteroids is recommended to control itching. At the same time, add external medication for auxiliary treatment.

(3) Laser treatment: It can destroy the skin layer as deep as 2 mm, and at the same time destroy the nerve endings in the dermis, thereby alleviating itching symptoms.

(4) Surgical treatment: For patients who are ineffective with drug treatment or whose disease has become malignant, local lesion resection or simple vulvar resection can be performed, and regular follow-up should be performed after the operation.

3. Vulvar lichen sclerosus

General treatment is the same as for vulvar squamous cell hyperplasia. ① Local drug treatment: Apply 2% testosterone propionate cod liver oil ointment 3 to 4 times a day. ②Laser treatment: recurrence is possible.