Patient's question:
The external genital area of the lower body is always itchy, but it's not every day. I've visited several hospitals, and the examination results were all normal. They just prescribed some anti-itch cream, but it only treats the symptoms, not the root cause. Sometimes it still itches. Moreover, this itchy problem has been going on for over two years. Could it be the problem with sanitary pads, but I've been changing the brands of sanitary pads continuously. My underwear is also kept very clean. I really don't know what the reason is?Doctor's answer:
HelloVaginal itching often occurs inside the vagina, on the outer side of the labia majora, in the mons pubis, on the clitoris and labia minora, and in the perineum, and can spread to the area near the anus. It is a type of localized pruritus. It is often extremely itchy and tends to be worse at night. It frequently worsens during the menstrual period or after consuming irritating foods. Vaginal itching is often intermittent, but some cases are persistent, often worsening at night. When severely itchy, it can cause restlessness. Long-term itching can lead to ulcers, redness, swelling, or secondary infections. Due to prolonged scratching, the affected area may become infiltrated, thickened, and pigmented. Diagnosis is relatively easy because, clinically, only secondary skin lesions are present without primary skin damage.
Most girls suffering from this condition feel embarrassed to seek medical help and often do not receive timely treatment. Over time, the itching becomes chronic and persistent, affecting mental health. In severe cases, it can impact studies and work.
There are many causes of vaginal itching. Summarizing the local factors that commonly lead to this condition:
1. External irritation. Sometimes, birth control pills can also cause itching. Tight underwear, friction from underwear, and the irritation from menstrual pads can also lead to itching. Neglecting hygiene in the external genital area, such as vaginal secretions, external genital secretions, and sweat, can cause irritation. Moisture, saturation, synthetic underwear, substandard menstrual pads, rough toilet paper, medications used in the external genital area causing allergies, and frequent use of soap to wash the external genital area can all lead to vaginal itching. Vaginal itching is often accompanied by anal itching, which is related to conditions such as external hemorrhoids, long-term urinary or fecal incontinence, anal fistulas, anal fissures, and irritation from anal discharge and fecal residue.
2. Local diseases of the external genitalia. Local diseases of the external genitalia include gonorrhea