Patient's question:
The external genital area of the lower body is always itchy, but not every day. I have visited several hospitals, and the examination results have all been 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 have been changing the brand 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 often worsens during menstruation or after consuming irritating foods. Vaginal itching is often intermittent, but some cases are persistent, and it tends to worsen 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 easy because, clinically, only secondary skin lesions are present without primary skin damage.
Girls suffering from this condition are often embarrassed to seek medical help, often delaying treatment, which can lead to chronic, persistent itching. Over time, this can affect mental health, and in severe cases, it can impact studies and work.
There are many causes of vaginal itching. Among the local factors that can trigger this condition, the most common include:
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 vaginal area, such as vaginal secretions, external vaginal secretions, and sweat, can cause irritation. Moisture, saturation, synthetic underwear, substandard menstrual pads, rough toilet paper, and medications used in the external vaginal area causing allergies, as well as frequent use of soap to wash the external vaginal 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, anal discharge, and residual fecal matter.
② Local diseases of the external genitalia. Local diseases of the external genitalia include gonorrhea