How should vulvar itching be treated?

Patient's question:

Patient is a 33-year-old female with a previously good health condition. She is experiencing severe itching in the genital area.

Doctor's answer:

General Treatment
Pay attention to menstrual hygiene, keep the external genital area clean and dry, and avoid scratching. Do not use hot water for washing or soaps. Clothing, especially underwear, should be loose and breathable. Avoid alcohol and spicy or allergenic foods.
Traditional Chinese Medicine Treatment
Traditional Chinese medicine believes that damp-heat accumulation and yin deficiency with blood dryness are the main causes of female external genital itching. From the perspective of holistic treatment, the onset of external genital itching is closely related to the liver, spleen, and kidney organs within the body, as well as the Ren and Du meridians. Some cases are caused by damp-heat from the liver meridian accumulating downward and soaking the genital area, while others are due to yin deficiency and blood loss in the liver and kidneys, leading to lack of nourishment for the external genital area. External genital itching often co-occurs with leucorrhea, and in severe cases, it may lead to external genital pain.
Etiological Treatment
Eliminate local or systemic factors that cause itching. Disinfectants are used to target trichomoniasis, fungal infections, and other conditions.