Itchy Down There? Understanding and Treating Vaginal Itching

Yes, absolutely! Everyday products are a very common cause of vaginal and vulval itching. The skin in the vulvar and vaginal area is incredibly sensitive and can react to various chemicals, fragrances, and dyes found in many common household and personal care items.

This type of irritation is often referred to as contact dermatitis of the vulva. It occurs when your skin comes into contact with a substance that either irritates it directly or triggers an allergic reaction.

Here’s a list of common everyday products that can cause itching:

• Scented or harsh soaps: Many common soaps contain perfumes, dyes, and strong detergents that can strip the natural protective oils from the delicate skin of the vulva, leading to dryness, irritation, and itching.
• Bubble baths: The chemicals that create bubbles and scents can be particularly irritating when the vulva is exposed to them for extended periods.
• Scented detergents, dyes, and fabric softeners: Residues from these products can linger on underwear and other clothing that comes into direct contact with the vulva. The chemicals can cause irritation or allergic reactions.
• Scented pads, liners, and tampons: These often contain perfumes and chemicals that can be highly irritating.
• Feminine sprays, wipes, and deodorants: These products are generally unnecessary and can severely disrupt the natural pH balance and bacterial flora of the vagina and vulva, leading to irritation and infection.
• Douches: Douching is strongly discouraged by medical professionals as it washes away beneficial bacteria, leaving the vagina more vulnerable to infections and irritation.
• Scented, dyed, or ultra-soft/quilted toilet paper: The dyes, perfumes, and even the chemicals used to make paper extra soft or strong (like formaldehyde) can irritate the sensitive vulvar skin. Unbleached, white, unscented toilet paper is generally recommended.
• Spermicides: These chemicals, often found in certain condoms, gels, or foams, can be highly irritating to some women.
• Latex condoms: While less common, some individuals have a latex allergy, which can cause itching and irritation.
• Lubricants: Some lubricants contain ingredients (like glycerin or parabens) that can cause irritation or promote yeast growth in sensitive individuals.
• Synthetic fabrics: Materials like nylon and polyester can trap heat and moisture, creating a warm, damp environment conducive to bacterial and yeast overgrowth, and can also cause friction.
• Tight-fitting clothing: Restrictive clothing like tight jeans or leggings can also increase heat and moisture, leading to irritation.
• Wet bathing suits or sweaty workout clothes: Remaining in these for too long can create an environment for irritation and infection.

When that intense itch strikes, immediate relief is often the top priority. Here’s what you can do:

1. Cool Compresses: Apply a clean cloth soaked in cool water to the vulvar area. The coolness can help numb the area and reduce the sensation of itching and burning. Do not rub.
   
2. Avoid Scratching: As tempting as it is, scratching will only worsen the irritation, potentially break the skin, and increase the risk of secondary infections.
   
3. Gentle Cleansing: Rinse the external vulva with plain, cool or lukewarm water. Do not use soap during an active itch, as it can further irritate. Pat dry gently with a clean, soft towel (don’t rub).
   
4. Wear Loose, Breathable Clothing: Switch to loose-fitting, 100% cotton underwear and loose clothing (like skirts or loose pants) to allow air circulation and reduce moisture and friction. Avoid synthetic fabrics and tight clothing.
   
5. Remove Irritants: If you suspect a product is causing the irritation (e.g., new soap, laundry detergent, scented toilet paper), stop using it immediately.

Yes, you can use specific anti-itch creams, but it’s crucial to choose the right one and understand its purpose. Anti-itch creams primarily offer symptomatic relief by reducing the sensation of itching. They do not cure the underlying cause of the itching if it’s an infection (like yeast or BV) or another medical condition.

The type of over-the-counter (OTC) cream depends on the suspected cause:

1. Antifungal Creams like  Clotrimazole (available as Canesten or Candid V cream) can be used if you are certain you have a yeast infection (e.g., you’ve been diagnosed before and recognize the symptoms like thick, white, cottage-cheese-like discharge with intense itching). Caution: If it’s not a yeast infection, these won’t help and might delay proper diagnosis and treatment.
2. Low dose 1% Hydrocortisone Creams can be used for external vulvar itching due to general irritation, allergies, or mild dermatitis. It works by reducing inflammation. Caution: Only use externally on the vulva, not inside the vagina. Use sparingly and for a short period of 3 days or as directed. Prolonged use can thin the skin. This will not treat an infection.
3. Topical Anesthetic Creams containing 2% lidocaine can be used for temporary, immediate numbing relief from severe external itching or pain. Caution: These only mask the symptom and don’t treat the cause. They should be used sparingly and not for prolonged periods, as they can sometimes cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.

While coconut oil offers natural moisturizing and some antimicrobial properties, it is not a substitute for medical diagnosis and treatment for vulval or vaginal itching. While coconut oil might offer temporary symptomatic relief, it generally does not treat the root cause of vulval itching. In many of these cases, coconut oil could even delay proper diagnosis.

The vagina has a naturally acidic pH (around 3.8-4.5) that helps keep harmful bacteria and yeast in check. Coconut oil has a higher, more alkaline pH (around 7-8). Introducing an alkaline substance into the vagina can disrupt this delicate balance, potentially making you more susceptible to bacterial infections like BV or even worsening existing ones.

Being an oil, it can create a film that traps moisture and warmth, which might paradoxically create a more favorable environment for some bacteria or yeast to thrive, especially if it’s already imbalanced.

If you use latex condoms for contraception or STI prevention, do not use coconut oil as a lubricant. Oil-based lubricants, including coconut oil, can break down latex, rendering condoms ineffective and increasing the risk of unintended pregnancy and STI transmission.

While some very mild UTIs might clear up on their own, especially in healthy adult women, it’s generally not advisable to leave a UTI untreated. The risks of complications far outweigh the benefit of hoping it will resolve, and many “self-cleared” UTIs can return with intensified symptoms or lead to more serious issues.

Progression to Kidney Infection: This is the most common and serious complication. Bacteria from the bladder can travel up the ureters to one or both kidneys. If untreated, kidney infections can lead to permanent kidney damage, high blood pressure, life threatening sepsis, organ failure and death.

If a pregnant woman has an untreated UTI, it significantly increases the risk of serious complications for both the mother and the baby, including:

• • Kidney infection in the mother
  • Premature labor and delivery
    
  • Low birth weight in the baby