They include irritation due to contact with fabrics or scented soaps, allergies, yeast infections, bacterial vaginosis, and certain skin conditions. STIs. Here are some of the leading suspects: Irritants(on exposure, can cause immediate stinging or burning), Allergens(symptoms may not appear until several days after exposure). Changing underwear and bathing or showering once a day help keep the vagina and genital area clean and less likely to become irritated. Her work has been published in medical journals in the field of surgery, and she has received numerous awards for publication in education. This article provides an overview of some common causes of vaginal and vulvar itching, along with links to more detailed articles. Vaginal creams are medications that are inserted into the vagina using a provided application device. What Causes a Yeast Infection Before Your Period? Please note the date of last review or update on all articles. Most vaginal creams should be stored at room temperature. But not every vaginal infection is caused by yeast. Some may contain tears or red areas from bleeding (often the result of scratching) and these areas may be painful and sting. Your vagina and vulva are covered by a mucous membrane, a moist lining made up of a thin layer of skin cells and cells that secrete mucus. Avoid douching and using fragranced feminine products, like tampons, pads and pantyliners. Read our, What to Look for in Yeast Infection Treatments. Vulvar inflammation is common, and most people experience relief once they begin treatment. Lichen sclerosus is treated with a cream or an ointment containing a high-strength corticosteroid (such as clobetasol), available by prescription. She has interviewed dozens of medical experts, tested out hundreds of products, and aims to provide quality recommendations that won't break the bank. They may also conduct tests to find out whats causing your itching. It often affects females of childbearing age. As the disease progresses, there's a danger that vulvar tissues will scar and shrink. Atopic and contact dermatitis of the vulva. Other symptoms may include: Your symptoms may get worse at specific times: The skin on your vulva is susceptible to damage. It will also help if you can provide a history of your symptoms and recall what seems to make them better or worse. Vaginitis refers to inflammation that affects your vagina inside your body. Hydrocortisone cream is often prescribed to reduce itching caused by certain skin conditions, such as atopic dermatitis. . Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a bacterial infection of the vagina. The cancer may appear to be a lump, an itchy area, or a sore that does not heal. This antifungal cream is marketed for a general jock itch, but reviewers say it relieves itching, burning, and other symptoms of yeast infections. Contraception. Yeast infections are not usually serious, but the symptoms can be bothersome. It affects people who are sexually active, but it is not a sexually transmitted infection (STI). Dispose of it if it has expired. Without treatment, vulvar inflammation can progress to an infection. You may also have an abnormal vaginal discharge. But aggressive cleansing can add to the irritation. Skip to content Care at Mayo Clinic Care at Mayo Clinic Keeping the genital area clean and dry and not using products that can irritate it can help. Low estrogen levels can lead to thinner, dryer vulvar tissues. Don't miss your FREE gift. On the vulva, skin surfaces are usually too moist for dry scaling, so psoriasis is more likely to appear in the form of pink patches with defined edges. Psoriasis. Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Coming to a Cleveland Clinic location?Hillcrest Cancer Center check-in changesCole Eye entrance closingVisitation and COVID-19 information. Yeast infections usually occur when something upsets the balance of . Each vaginal suppository contains the recommended 600 milligrams (mg) of 100% pure boric acid powder to target and eliminate excess yeast at the source. Get useful, helpful and relevant health + wellness information, 9500 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio 44195 |, Important Updates + Notice of Vendor Data Event. Antifungal medications which are available as creams, ointments, tablets and suppositories include miconazole (Monistat 3) and terconazole. Press the plunger down until it reaches its original position. (This condition and others are described, below, in "Vulvar conditions and their treatment.") The Best Diets for Cognitive Fitness, is yours absolutely FREE when you sign up to receive Health Alerts from Harvard Medical School. Vulvar dermatitis is a skin condition that causes an itchy, irritated and inflamed vulva. Choose clothes that allow your skin to breathe. A cold pack can also help relieve itching. They can prescribe treatments for infections that have already started. Skin patches that feel thicker than the surrounding skin. Please include what you were doing when this page came up and the Cloudflare Ray ID found at the bottom of this page. By Tracee Cornforth They may also work to prevent future yeast infections. Getting a diagnosis for vulva skin conditions. 1995;51(3):201-2. It does not need to be treated unless it's bothering you or you are pregnant and have a history of a premature baby. Use OR to account for alternate terms Best natural . (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8058221/). Is the ketogenic diet right for autoimmune conditions? Skin that feels as if its burning, stinging or raw. (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28778637/). Even if you can't pinpoint a change, that doesn't mean your standard routine isn't the culprit. (Most applicators provide markings to indicate where you should stop.). J Womens Health (Larchmt). There are several possible reasons for itching around the vulva and vagina. 2018;97(5):321-329. The area between the labia minora, the vestibule, contains the openings to the urethra and the vagina, as well as the Bartholin's glands, which are located on either side of the vaginal opening and produce lubricant for the vestibule. 9500 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio 44195 |, Important Updates + Notice of Vendor Data Event, (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26125955/). o [ abdominal pain pediatric ] Never boil your reusable applicator or use extremely hot water, as this can cause the plastic to melt or deteriorate. Bethany. People assigned female at birth who havent reached puberty have lower estrogen levels than people who menstruate. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. STIs are a group of infections that a person can contract after having sexual contact with a person who has one. Potential side effects could include irritation and local burning." There are no warning signs for genital itching unless it is accompanied by pain and/or discharge that looks or smells abnormal. With vulvar eczema, your vulva may appear swollen, red or darker than the surrounding skin similar to vulvar inflammation. If using a vaginal cream saved from before, check the expiration date. Hormonal vaginal cream may be prescribed after menopause or during breastfeeding when low estrogen levels cause vaginal dryness and itching. Your bed can be an ideal option, though you may want to place a towel underneath you to prevent any cream from spilling on your linens. Your provider may recommend that you: Your provider may order additional tests to rule out rarer, more serious conditions that may be causing vulvitis, like lichen sclerosus or vulvar cancer if these treatments don't help. A sitz bath is taken in the sitting position with water covering only the genital and rectal area. As a seasoned health writer, Jennifer Niedunderstands how vital quality product recommendations are for treating symptoms safely and effectively at home. The medication is typically used twice daily for 10 to 14 days, followed by twice weekly for three to six months. These may include: The itching will usually go away after the person stops using these products. Because yeast infections can cause itching burning, and redness, it's important to have over-the-counter yeast infection medicines on hand. Natural Remedies OTC Treatments Things to Avoid When to See a Healthcare Provider Home remedies for vaginal itching depend on what's causing your discomfort. Menopause. The vaginal treatment can be for one, three, or seven days depending on the severity of your symptoms, says Dr. Frank. Less common causes include skin disorders such as psoriasis Psoriasis Psoriasis is a chronic, recurring disease that causes one or more raised, red patches that have silvery scales and a distinct border between the patch and normal skin. Apps to accelerometers: Can technology improve mental health in older adults? Vulvitis Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention, Causes of Vaginal Itching During Pregnancy, At-Home Bacterial Vaginosis Testing Kits Help You Screen at Home, Patient preferences in the treatment of vaginal candidiasis, Current treatment options for postmenopausal vaginal atrophy, Characterization and treatment of recurrent bacterial vaginosis, Safety and efficacy of bedtime versus daytime administration of the miconazole nitrate 1200 mg vaginal ovule insert to treat vulvovaginal candidiasis, Tampon Study Group. Infection or allergy? Avoiding these triggers can help prevent the itching. The active ingredient is clotrimazole, which research shows is effective at fighting infections caused by yeast and certain bacteria. Active ingredients in vaginal creams are absorbed into the body through the vaginal walls. Click to reveal You can develop razor burn from shaving pubic hair on your vulva. Intense vaginal itching and burning happen to many women at one time or another. Vaginal infections that cause itching and discharge require antibiotics or antifungal drugs taken by mouth or inserted into the vagina. Often, you can get rid of vulvar dermatitis by avoiding the substances that are causing your itching and practicing better vulvar care. Redness and swelling on your inner labia (lips of your vagina) and elsewhere on your vulva. Probiotics and calcium carbonate, potassium chloride, and stone root aids combine in this daily supplement to relieve yeast infections internally. To diagnose vulvar eczema, the clinician will ask about your symptoms; your history of eczema, allergy, and related conditions; your vulvar cleansing habits; and any products the vulva has been exposed to. Even those that sound designed for vulvar care like A&D Original Ointment, baby lotion, or Vagisil contain chemicals that could irritate or cause contact dermatitis. Your provider may smell (take a whiff of) your discharge to see if its fishy. Genital itching is a problem only when it persists, is severe, recurs, or is accompanied by pain or by a discharge that looks or smells abnormal, suggesting an infection. If a medical product (such as a prescription cream) or a brand of condom appears to cause irritation and itching, it should not be used. It also walks you through everything you need to know to properly use vaginal cream. Some of these medications are available . Vaginal creams can be messy and may leak out during the day, so -- depending on how bad your infection is . Dont be embarrassed if you notice redness, itching, burning or any other signs of inflammation in your genital area. However, if you are using the prescription oral medication for yeast infection (metronidazole), you should not drink alcohol with it. Most people tolerate the oral treatment much better, and it has the added benefit of being much cheaper than over-the-counter. Barbara Frank, OB-GYN and medical adviser to Attn: Grace, "Serious allergic reactions arent common, but if you do experience symptoms, make sure to get medical help right away. Skin patches that look red or darker than the surrounding skin (depending on your skin . Your clinician may prescribe a topical steroid cream or ointment. Wash your hands with soap and water and then follow these steps: Reusable applicators should be cleaned by pulling the plunger to remove it from the barrel and washing it with mild soap and warm water. Other products (such as creams, feminine hygiene sprays, or douches) should not be applied to the vaginal area. Remember, even if you're seeing an experienced clinician, several visits may be needed to diagnose and improve certain vulvovaginal conditions. Vulvitis is a common complaint that people discuss with their gynecologists. People can have BV with no symptoms. Reviewers also note it worked quickly to cure symptoms and wasnt bothersome at all. The prognosis for vulvitis is excellent. If preferred, suppository applicators are sold separately. You can email the site owner to let them know you were blocked. All rights reserved. Vaginal yeast infection treatments typically come in 1-day, 3-day, and 7-day strengths. Its common with vulvar dermatitis to develop dry, itchy skin in these folds. These symptoms are common enough that they may suggest various disorders or diseases affecting your genitals. Lichen sclerosus is characterized by thin white areas on the vulva around the opening of the vagina. Thanks for visiting. Wash your vulva with mild, unscented soap and warm water no more than once a day. Prescription and OTC vaginal creams treat dryness, infections, and more. Learn about other symptoms and effective treatments for this uncomfortable condition. On vulvar skin, the most common symptoms are soreness, burning, and rawness. (The term "lichen," as applied to skin disorders, refers fancifully to skin lesions that resemble lichen on rocks.) Vulvar itching (vulvitis) is the most common symptom of vulvar dermatitis. The specific symptoms and treatments will depend on the cause. The itching may range from mild to severe. Doctors first ask the woman questions about her symptoms, particularly whether she has any symptoms of infection, and about her medical history. (2020). The link you have selected will take you to a third-party website. Either way, your provider can help. Vaginal itching and irritation can occur even if you don't have a vaginal infection. Synthetic underwear that traps moisture and irritates your vulva. If using the vaginal cream, follow the package . The same good habits used to treat vulvitis can prevent it from happening in the first place. This is a common condition in which new skin cells are produced too rapidly, leading to thickened, scaly patches of inflamed and red skin on various parts of the body. These include the following: Eczema. By some estimates, one in 30 older women has lichen sclerosus; it's especially common in women with psoriasis. Learn more about BV and how to treat it here. The thicker cream stays put and absorbs well to calm burning and itching quickly. Dont postpone scheduling an appointment with your provider if your vulva looks or feels abnormal. The usual treatment is application of a high potency corticosteroid ointment for several weeks, then slowly tapering the dose. However, it is usually for a longer period of time.. vaginal irritation. Signs and symptoms of vaginal cancer. 2023 by The President and Fellows of Harvard College, Do not sell my personal information | Privacy Policy. In more severe cases, your skin may be so irritated that it sticks together. (2019). If eczema affects an area of the vulva called the vestibule, it may cause stinging and burning. Women should talk to their doctor before they stop using prescription products. Enter search terms to find related medical topics, multimedia and more. If youve never had a yeast infection before or dont have any experience taking these medications, something like an insert may be intimidating. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. The trusted provider of medical information since 1899, Reviewed/Revised May 2022 | Modified Sep 2022. We selected this single-dose cream as the best overall pick because it contains 6.5% tioconazole ointment, which has been shown to be an effective ingredient in treating yeast infections and other types of bacteria. Vij A, Sood A, Piliang M, Mesinkovska NA. Vaginal wall tissue thins, dries, and can become inflamed, which can cause vaginal itchiness, burning, dryness, inflammation, and pain during sex. If you complete treatment and you are still uncomfortable or if your symptoms worsen significantly, you should call your doctor. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. Pat dry, and apply any prescribed medication or a soothing and protective substance such as Vaseline or olive oil. For over 10 years, she has reviewed products, interviewed experts, scrutinized ingredients, and pored over research studies and claims, to help readers like you understand what works for your specific conditions. Yeast Infection vs. UTI: What Are the Differences? Naturally, OTC therapies will not work when the diagnosis is incorrect. Get the latest in health news delivered to your inbox! Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 06/21/2022. Yen. Active Ingredients: Clomitrazole (1%) | Doses: Multiple | Uses: Relieves itching and burning. Clotrimazole Vaginal Cream will cure most vaginal yeast (candida) infections. And if your skin is already irritated, you may exacerbate the problem by introducing preservatives (such as alcohol or propylene glycol) and other ingredients contained in many antifungal remedies. You can assemble it to store away once it is dry, such as in the morning if you are using it before bedtime. Use to remove results with certain terms They work by killing the yeast, just like the prescription treatment does." Doctors examine the sample under a microscope to check for the microorganisms that cause yeast infections, bacterial vaginosis, and Trichomonas vaginitis. Vulvar dermatitis is a common skin condition that causes an irritated, itchy vulva. A problem with the immune read more and lichen sclerosus Lichen Sclerosus Lichen sclerosus is a disorder that tends to cause itching and can cause scarring in the area around the anus and genitals. When vaginal or vulvar itching occurs, women usually assume it's a yeast infection and treat it with an over-the-counter antifungal cream. The labia majora, labia minora, and clitoris are made up of erectile tissue, that is, tissue that can become engorged with blood. A board-certified physician from our Medical Expert Board reviewed this article to ensure accuracy of ingredients, proper dosage, and effective forms of treatment.