Why Do I Itch "Down There?"
There are lots of comments around the blogs here about itching and burning in the vaginal area and what might cause it. Here are some possibilities:
Related Topics: Technorati Tags: yeast infection, pubic lice, scabies. genital herpes, miconazole, clotrimazole, eczema, vaginal itch, women's health
- Yeast Infections: Yeast infections of the labial area can be treated with an over-the-counter vaginal yeast cream (e.g., containing miconazole or clotrimazole).
- Pubic Lice or Scabies: Two other causes of itching that is worse at night or with heat are scabies or crab lice. One does not have to be sexually active to acquire one of these infections. Over-the-counter remedies are available to kill the lice and eggs.
- Genital Herpes: Another possibility would be a herpes outbreak. Sometimes a woman could have a very mild first outbreak then years later have a more severe second outbreak. If herpes is a culprit, you may notice several discrete lesions rather than a generalized rash in that area. If you have NEVER been sexually active then I would discount herpes as a possible cause.
- Eczema: One can get an eczema type rash on the vulva as well. This would be treated with a steroid cream.
Related Topics: Technorati Tags: yeast infection, pubic lice, scabies. genital herpes, miconazole, clotrimazole, eczema, vaginal itch, women's health
12 Comments:
Here's a natural treatment for yeast infection that has worked for me and for others that have tried it. Mix together plain yogurt and acidophilus (taken from opened capsules). I suggest about six capsules to a cup of yogurt. Then apply liberally to the affected area before bed, and during the day if you are staying home. If you have an applicator from a tampon, or OTC yeast treatments, draw some of the mixture into the tube and insert it into the vaginal carefully. Yes, it is messy and a bit smelly, but use a pad and wear loose clothing. Sometimes one application will suffice; but, I recommend repeated application for several days. Keep the mixture cool in the refrigerator and "enjoy" the added benefit of relief from burning. Give it a try. It's natural, and may finally bring an end to that never-ending yeast infection as well as periodic ones; and an end to potentially harsh and expensive medications and doctor visits.
When you are without a yeast infection, I also urge you to use panty liners to avoid contact with your panty fabrics; and even buying new panties after you have recovered from a yeast infection. Try to sleep in a nightie without panties, avoid bubble baths, use mild soaps for cleansing. My gynocologist particularly warned me that Dove as the most irritating for the vaginal area.
I hope someone finds these suggestions helpful. I had not experienced a yeast infection until about two years after my second child. Then yeast became a recurrent problem for me. These recommendations have kept me infection free for several years.
Good luck.
When this happened to me neither my family doctor nor my gynecologist could find the reason. It wasn't yeast or anything else. What it was was a symptom of diabetes. It's not the most common symptom so it is often times overlooked. When everything else comes back negative, check your blood sugar.
To help prevent any yeast infections I regularly drink a glass of cranberry juice- it works!!!
Seems to keep that area at the right pH.
i drink a lot of water everyday and juice.
I had this problem over 2 years. The itching was enough to drive someone insane. No other symptoms than that. No change in discharge. Doctor had me try a hormone cream, then some other cream. They didn't work. Then she had me take fluconazole. Seemed to work, but came right back. I thought it could have been from using Nuva Ring for 3 years, changed back over to the pill. Still there. Had biopsies done. She was checking for Herpes, which I knew I didn't have. Came back negative, but showed a little yeast infection. My problem was far from little. She had me take, after fighting with my insurance company, a dose of fluconazole 3 weeks in a row. I got off birth control, I believe that was the problem the whole time. Funny how it went away then. I had tubal litigation almost 9 months ago and haven't had a problem, down there since. But new problem is inconsistant periods. But it beats scratching myself raw.
I went from having an itch for a couple of days before and/or after my period to having one every day of the month for over 2 years! Gyno couldn't find anything wrong but prescribed about a dozen different things and nothing worked. Decided on my own to use white/unbleached washclothes & cotton panties, Cheer Free, Bounty unscented dry sheets, Downy Free and Dove unscented (any other brands bring the itch right back). Within a month the itching was gone...gyno thinks it might have been contact dermatitis. Have only had a few episodes in over ten years. Hope this info helps.
Don't forget about trichomoniasis, which is an STD. Then there's also allergic reactions to spermicide, latex and whatever else may be used "down there." Remember too that douching does more harm than good!
Peace
I am 52 years old and for the first time in my life I have started this itching and I don't think it is on the inside just the outside.I will definitly try these sugestions. The over the counter sure isn't working for me, and I hate paying the money to a dr to just give me diflucan and send me home. So thanks for the tips. I am just happy to come across this blog because I find it hard to talk to other women about this subject. jbug of SC
You have not mentioned another serious diagnosis, Lichen sclerosus. LS refers to a benign, chronic, progressive dermatologic condition characterized by marked inflammation, epithelial thinning and distinctive dermal changes. It also causes the itching symptom, and if ignored can progress to more serious stages so it should be reported to your physician.
I, too, have had an itch "down there" for years. More than one gyno have checked me for everything imaginable, and all tests have come back negative. I don't use latex condoms, nor am I on the pill, plus I don't have a yeast infection. I even went to a dermatologist for a facial issue and told him about the itching, and he told me that I have contact dermatitis and suggested using nothing but Dove or Aveeno, and use nothing that contains aloe, glycerin, or lanoline. I tried Dove for a while and All Free and Clear for my clothes, and the itch continued (thanks for the tip about the irritants in Dove!), then I tried using no soap at all, but it obviously was in my clothing, so I tried putting them in the washing machine with nothing but white vinegar, and that helped some. The most effective body wash I use now is Aveeno Exczema Body Wash. It is expensive, but it definitely works! I'm the only one using it, so it'll last for awhile in my house. I'll also try the suggestion about the yogurt, though, because the itch does come back periodically. Hey, what can I lose?!?!
I thought I was the only one who has this horrible labial itching. I'm 52 and entering menopause next month, and even though I feel great, I attributed this itching to depleting hormones. I recently had the flu and bronchitis and my doc gave me 2 inhalers - a steroid and albuterol. Since I only take herbal or natural supplements, I only used these inhalers 3 or 4 times each. Meantime, I had 2 lymphatic massages to push the bronchial issues out, but it also pushes any stagnation out (the meds). I stopped taking the meds 2 weeks ago and the itching started last week. Very coincidental. I tried a few natural remdies, but found Aveeno Dry Skin Lotion to work best. I even bought a small tube to bring to work, just in case. . . Hope this inconvenience doesn't last much longer, it can become unbearable & frustrating.
Well, looks like Aveeno
wins. I'm going to have to go get some because I can't take this much longer at all. I am going to see a doctor tomorrow and I'm going to bring it up. I feel that it's spreading. Anybody have this happen? jbug
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