Patient's question:
The person you love has itchy external genitalia for a few days every month. They went to the hospital, but it didn't help. It naturally gets better after a few days. Is this normal?Doctor's answer:
Hello:Vaginal itching can be extremely uncomfortable and distressing. The causes of vaginal itching can generally be divided into local and systemic factors.
Local causes are as follows:
(1) The most common local cause is an increase in vaginal discharge, particularly due to vaginal infections caused by trichomonas or fungi, which produce large amounts of abnormal discharge that irritates the external genital area, leading to itching.
(2) If antiseptic solutions are used to rinse the external genital area or vagina, or if certain medications are inserted into the vagina (such as sulfonamides, penicillin, or chlorhexidine suppositories), this may cause allergic reactions or dermatitis in the external genital area, also leading to itching.
(3) Poor hygiene during menstruation, or the use of rubber or plastic menstrual pads without frequent cleaning of the external genital area, can result in prolonged accumulation of menstrual blood or vaginal secretions in the external genital area. Alternatively, wearing synthetic underwear can keep the external genital area in a moist and warm environment, often causing itching.
(4) Using strongly alkaline soaps or potassium permanganate solutions to clean the external genital area can cause dryness and a lack of natural oils in the skin, leading to itching.
(5) Individuals with scabies may experience itching due to the scabies mites crawling out of the anus and irritating the surrounding area and external genital area, especially at night, which can even disrupt sleep.
(6) If vaginal itching is not caused by the above factors, it may likely be due to itching symptoms resulting from various skin conditions of the external genital area, such as vulvar eczema, neurodermatitis, atrophiclichen planus, or vulvar dermatitis. These conditions not only cause varying degrees of itching but may also affect the skin of the external genital area.