Patient's question:
Detailed medical condition and consultation purpose: I always experience external genital itching during my menstrual period. Sometimes I scratch it with my hands, and it develops a few small blisters. What is this condition? What treatment methods are available?This condition has been troubling me, and I hope to receive guidance from everyone. Thank you in advance!
Current general condition: It is still itchy two days after my period.
Doctor's answer:
Vaginal itching is a relatively common symptom in gynecological diseases. It commonly occurs in the clitoral and labia minora regions, and in severe cases, it can involve the labia majora, the entire vaginal opening, the perineum, the anus, and even the inner thighs. It can affect women of any age. In mild cases, the itching is intermittent, sometimes occurring only after taking off clothes and getting into bed at night. In severe cases, the itching is persistent, and due to the unbearable discomfort, women may scratch or rub the itchy areas vigorously, or even scald the external genitalia with hot water, leading to exhaustion and irritability. At the same time, the skin in the affected area, due to repeated irritation and scratching, can cause secondary pathological changes, such as dryness and itching of the external genitalia, skin whitening, narrowing of the vaginal opening making intercourse difficult, and ultimately leading to leukoplakia of the external genitalia.There are local and systemic factors that can cause vaginal itching. Common local causes include:
1. Postmenopausal vaginal itching: Due to a lack or reduction of estrogen, the skin of the external genitalia undergoes connective tissue atrophy, hardening, and stimulation of the nerve endings in this area during the aging process.
2. Vaginal inflammation: Irritating secretions from vaginal inflammation can cause itching of the external genitalia. The most common causes are fungal or trichomoniasis infections. Severe fungal infections are often seen in diabetic patients. Additionally, although elderly patients with vaginal inflammation may have minimal vaginal discharge, they can still experience itching due to degenerative changes in the external genitalia and skin.
3. Urinary irritation: The external genitalia are frequently exposed to urine, which can cause itching, such as in cases of incontinence or diabetes.
4. Drug allergies or chemical irritation: Vaginal douching, applying medication to the external genitalia, or inserting medication into the vagina can cause itching due to direct drug irritation or allergic reactions to the drugs.