![]() Examination will probably involve your doctor looking at the skin of your vulva and may also involve an internal (vaginal) examination. Often, your doctor will be able to find the cause of your itchy vulva (pruritus vulvae) after talking to you and examining you. If you think you have thrush and have been using cream that you have bought from a pharmacy but it isn't getting better after a week, stop using the cream and go to see a doctor.įind a range of women's health pharmacy services, delivered by local providers at a time that suits you Book now Do I need to be examined for an itchy vulva? Go to see your doctor or go to your nearest genitourinary medicine (GUM) clinic. If you have an itchy vulva (pruritus vulvae) that is persisting, don't be embarrassed. ![]() When should I see a doctor for an itchy vulva? In some cases, including some severe cases, no cause can be found for an itchy vulva. It may also make an itchy vulva which is due to some other cause last long after the original cause has settled. Usually there is a small lump or warty bit of skin as well as itch.DiabetesĬan cause an itchy vulva, particularly if the diabetes is not well controlled and sugar levels are tending to run high. For example, a generalised body itch may be a side-effect of some medicines or due to some blood disorders, thyroid problems or kidney or liver disease. Generalised body itchĪny cause of generalised body itch may also cause an itchy vulva. There is also an increased risk of vaginal discharge and thrush during pregnancy, which may also cause itch.Ĭan cause an itchy vulva due to low oestrogen levels.This can cause an itchy vulva due to swelling of the veins in the vulva (vulval engorgement).Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is also available as tablets or patches that will help any other symptoms of the menopause too. Local oestrogen can be helpful, either used as a cream, tablet or plastic ring inserted into the vagina, where it will help just these symptoms.Low oestrogen levels can start before the actual menopause, ie when you are still having periods.The low oestrogen levels can also cause vaginal dryness.Because of lower oestrogen levels, the vulval skin tends to become thinner and drier during and after the menopause.Scrubbing too vigorously with toilet tissue can also contribute.In little girls a particularly common cause is careless or inadequate washing or drying of the area, and wiping the bottom in the 'wrong' direction (towards the front). ![]() This can make the skin of the vulva moist and irritated.Skin conditions that may affect vulval skin Fabric conditioners - may cause an itchy vulva or just irritate a vulva that is already itchy.Textile dyes - for example, in coloured underwear.Creams, including treatments for, for example, thrush.The vulval skin can become sensitive to anything that comes into contact with it, such as: Sensitivity of the vulval skin is the most common cause of persistent vulval itch. Some sexually transmitted infections, such as trichomoniasis and genital warts. ![]() Therefore, if you have a persistently itchy vulva, you should see your doctor to find out the cause.Ĭauses of an itchy vulva tend to differ slightly between adults and children. It can be caused by many different conditions. What causes an itchy vulva?Īn itchy vulva (pruritus vulvae) is a symptom, not a condition in itself. It can lead to scratching and rubbing which can break the skin and can lead to soreness, bleeding and skin infections. Vulval itching can affect any woman, at any age. About 1 woman in 10 sees a doctor about a persistently itchy vulva at some stage in her life. The itch may be particularly bad at night and may disturb your sleep. However, pruritus vulvae means the itch is persistent and causes distress. Most women experience a slight vulval itch now and again. The vulva consists of the external female sex organs, including the labia, clitoris, Bartholin's glands and the area of skin just outside the vagina. 'Pruritus vulvae' simply means itching of the vulva.
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