Intimate health should be one of the priorities for all women. Therefore, paying attention to the signals from this area is essential, and for this reason, one should not ignore any symptoms – including itching.
Although in some cases it may seem harmless, intimate itching can indicate adverse health conditions. However, despite being common in some types of Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs), the symptom can also be a consequence of other causes — usually treatable, as long as there is proper individual medical guidance.
Here are five possible treatable causes of vaginal itching. The information is from “Women’s Health”.
1 – Bacterial Vaginosis
Bacterial vaginosis is a condition caused by the overgrowth of bacteria and imbalance of vaginal pH, with a prevalence in black women — for unknown reasons, which may have a genetic relationship, according to gynecologist and obstetrician Carroll Medeiros.
Besides itching, a typical irritation from the condition, bacterial vaginosis also has symptoms of discharge and strong odor, according to Mary Jane Minkin, doctor, clinical professor of obstetrics, gynecology, and reproductive sciences at Yale University, in the United States.
2 – Psoriasis
“Skin problems like eczema and psoriasis can occur due to an allergy or autoimmune issue,” says Dr. Natasha Chinn, emphasizing that the second condition can manifest on the skin around the vulva, in the groin area, and on the vaginal lips.
3 – Contact Dermatitis
“Soaps, bubble baths, a new type of underwear, or any other new product that comes into contact with your vagina can cause itching,” Mary Jane informs.
Therefore, if you present the symptom only in your intimate region, the professional suggests to observe if you have used any new product recently, to understand the cause of the irritation. After all, any scented product or with chemical additives can harm vaginal health — for this reason, hypoallergenic options are recommended.
4 – Yeast Infection
A yeast infection, caused by the fungus Candida, is commonly known for the symptom of intimate itching. However, the condition is also characterized by “a cottage cheese-like discharge, redness around the lips and vulva,” according to Mary Jane.
5 – Pubic Lice
Lice are not only a children’s issue. In adults, in fact, the insects can affect the intimate area and result in intense itching.
Like it affects the hair, the condition is also caused by contact. However, sex is not the only way to get pubic lice. “They are passed from skin to skin. So if you go to a dirty hotel and there are nits or lice in the sheets you slept on (…) or maybe you lend your pants to your sister and she has them,” Dr. Natasha Chinn concludes about the ways of contagion.
