Most women equate vulvar itching with a vaginal yeast infection, but that’s only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to potential causes. With possibilities ranging from allergic reactions and infections to progressive conditions like lichen sclerosus and cancer, it’s important to see the doctors at The Ob-Gyn Center at the first sign of vulvar itching. Their expertise can quickly get to the underlying cause, so they can provide the treatment you need to stop the itching. To schedule an appointment, call the office in Las Vegas or use the online booking feature.
Vulva refers to your external genitalia, which means all the structures surrounding the outside of your vagina. For example, this sensitive region includes the outer and inner vulvar lips (labia majora and labia minora), the clitoris, vaginal opening, and urinary opening. The vulvar area also contains glands that lubricate your vagina and a network of nerves.
Vulvar itching is one of the most common symptoms of a problem that should receive medical care at The Ob-Gyn Center. Although women are often tempted to buy an over-the-counter product and treat their itching at home, that can end up making the problem worse.
These are some of the gynecological conditions that are often responsible for vulvar itching:
Yeast infections are renowned for causing extreme, unbearable vulvar itching. You may also have a vaginal discharge and burning or redness in the vulvar area.
This is a common vaginal infection that makes the vulvar area itch. It has numerous causes, including sex, douching, and pregnancy.
Vaginal atrophy occurs when the loss of estrogen at menopause causes vaginal dryness, thinning, and loss of elasticity. One of its symptoms is vulvar itching.
Vulvitis, or inflammation of the vulva, can arise due to many problems including low estrogen and wearing clothes that hold in moisture.
Your vulva can develop an allergic reaction to numerous substances such as bubble bath, soap, spermicides, and vaginal sprays.
Conditions that affect skin on your body can also develop in the vulvar area, including eczema, psoriasis, and contact dermatitis.
Lichen sclerosus causes white patches of thinning skin, while lichen planus causes purplish lesions on your vulva. Both progressively worsen, causing vulvar scarring and painful intercourse.
Vulvar itching is a sign of precancerous changes in vulvar cells or of full-blown vulvar cancer. You may also have inflammation, a lump or sore on the vulva, and changes in skin color.
There are numerous potential treatments for vulvar itching, depending on the underlying cause. Your doctor at The Ob-Gyn Center may perform allergy testing to determine the specific cause when an allergic reaction is suspected. Other common treatments include testosterone and estrogen (oral or as a topical cream), steroid creams, and gentle laser treatment with the MonaLisa® Touch.
Any time you have vulvar itching or you see changes in your vulva, call The Ob-Gyn Center or book an appointment online.
