How to treat vulvar and perianal itching

The female vulva and anus are two adjacent locations, so when the vulva is infected with bacteria, it may spread directly to the anal area and cause perianal itching. Especially for women who are menstruating, they must pay attention to genital hygiene, as this is an important period for vulvar bacterial infection. However, some women still experience symptoms of vulvar and perianal itching. Are there any treatments?

1. Etiology and treatment of vulvar and perianal itching

Eliminate local or systemic factors that cause itching, and use disinfectants to target Trichomonas, fungal infections, etc.

2. General treatment of vulvar and perianal itching

Pay attention to menstrual hygiene, keep the vulva clean and dry, and use Chinese medicine formulas for local fumigation and washing of the vulva. Avoid scratching. Do not wash with hot water and avoid using soap. Clothes, especially underwear, should be loose and breathable. Avoid alcohol and spicy or allergic foods.

3. TCM treatment of vulvar and perianal itching

Traditional Chinese medicine believes that damp heat and yin deficiency and blood dryness are the main causes of female vulvar itching. From the perspective of holistic treatment, the onset of vulvar itching is also closely related to the liver, spleen, kidney and other internal organs in the body, and involves the Ren and Du meridians. Some are caused by damp-heat in the liver meridians and leucorrhea soaking the genitals; some are caused by liver-kidney yin deficiency, loss of essence and blood, and malnutrition of the vulva. Vulvar itching often occurs interchangeably with leucorrhea, and in severe cases, it may also be complicated by vulvar pain.

4. Surgical treatment of vulvar and perianal pruritus

For intractable pruritus, surgery is performed to cut off the sensory nerve endings under the skin around the anus to achieve the purpose of relieving itching. There are many surgical methods, including elliptical skin excision and suture, skin flap transplantation, sensory nerve endings cutting, perianal subcutaneous separation, etc. Under local anesthesia, make a crescent-shaped incision on each side of the anus, dissect subcutaneously toward the anus, and cut off the sensory nerve endings under the skin of the external sphincter. Finally, the skin is repositioned and sutured, and bleeding must be stopped perfectly to prevent hematoma and infection.

Causes of vulvar and perianal itching

1. Local causes of vulvar and perianal itching

1.1. Special infections: Candidal vaginitis and Trichomonas vaginitis are the most common causes of vulvar itching. Lice and scabies can also cause itching. The itching around the anus and vulva of young girls caused by enterobiasis usually only occurs at night.

1.2. Chronic vulvar dystrophy has severe itching as the main symptom, accompanied by whitening of the vulvar skin.

1.3. Drug allergy or chemical irritation: Soap, condoms, Sanisol, mercurochrome, etc. can cause contact dermatitis due to direct irritation or allergy, resulting in itching symptoms.

1.4. Bad hygiene habits: Not paying attention to the local cleanliness of the vulva, sebum, sweat, menstruation, vaginal secretions, and even urine and feces will cause long-term stimulation to the vulva and cause itching.

2. Systemic causes of vulvar and perianal itching

2.1. Diabetes: Due to the irritation of diabetes to the vulvar skin, especially when accompanied by fungal vulvitis, vulvar itching is particularly severe. Many patients first seek medical attention due to itching and redness of the vulva, and are only diagnosed with diabetes after further examination.

2.2. When patients with jaundice, vitamin A and B deficiency, anemia, leukemia and other chronic diseases experience vulvar itching, it is often part of systemic itching.

2.3. During pregnancy and premenstrual period, congestion in the vulva may occasionally cause vulvar itching and discomfort.