Itching in the vulva, the outer portion of the female genitals, can cause raw skin, discomfort, and pain. Causes include contact dermatitis and yeast infections. The fleshy outer lips of the vulva, the labia majora, are covered with pubic hair and contain fat that helps cushion the area. Antifungal creams are meant to be inserted inside the vagina, but the cream can also be used outside. Most cases are relatively mild and can be treated at home with proper skin care and over-the-counter topical medications.
If you experience pain and itching in your genital area, you may have vulvar dermatitis. It might happen after a long bike ride or after sex. If you notice inflammation or burning if you switch laundry detergents, try using an over-the-counter miconazole cream on the area. If you’re still uncomfortable after using it for a few days, call your doctor. Recommended guidelines for healthy vulvar skin include decreasing and removing chemicals, moisture, or rubbing (friction). Products listed have been suggested for use because of their past success in helping to.
To treat itching, use antifungal or antibiotic creams placed in or on the vagina and vulva, or by oral medications. For itching that disrupts one’s life, take an over-the-counter Benadryl cream (not gel, because the gel contains alcohol; that stings), or a soothing oil. To restore normal vaginal pH balance to minimize infection and symptoms, take a 25 mg Benadryl tablet at night.
Yeast infections can cause similar symptoms to other medical conditions, so it’s important to be safe with medicines. Physical therapy includes various techniques that may ease pain. Common vulvar skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, lichen planus, and lichen scherosus can also help manage the condition.
📹 Itchy Down There? HOW TO STOP GENITAL ITCH *Dermatologist* @DrDrayzday
0:00 Genital itching: causes and tips to stop the itch 1:02 What causes genital itching? 4:32 Allergens that can cause genital itch …
Can you put hydrocortisone on outer labia?
To treat mild redness in the labia, apply a nonprescription hydrocortisone cream to the genital area. If the odor and discharge have resolved, continue using the cream until the redness is reduced. Teach your child not to sit in a wet bathing suit for extended periods, drink enough fluids daily to keep urine light-colored, and teach proper hygiene, including proper wiping and gentle patting after urination to avoid irritation. Remember to avoid rubbing the genital area after urination.
What medicine is good for swollen labia majora?
Labia irritation from allergies or sex may respond to OTC or prescription hydrocortisone or steroid creams, and a medical professional may need to lance, drain, or surgically remove a problematic Bartholin’s cyst. To treat and prevent labia swelling, apply a cool compress, take warm baths and OTC pain relievers, avoid douching, wear tight clothing, avoid perfumed detergents, soaps, and menstrual products, consult a doctor about other birth control methods, avoid painful sex, use a lubricant to reduce friction, and consider adding yogurt and probiotics to your diet. These treatments can help prevent labia swelling and promote healthy vaginal hygiene.
What ointment is good for the outer labia?
External cuts around the vaginal opening or inner or outer labia can be soothed with topical medication or barrier ointment. Topical antibiotics like Bacitracin or Aquaphor can help encourage faster skin healing, but Neosporin is not recommended due to its allergic reaction risk. Antibacterial ointment should not be applied inside the vaginal canal unless directed by a healthcare professional. These cuts are deeper than simple cuts but not immediately causing bleeding or gaping. It is important to consult a healthcare professional before applying medication.
How do you treat an irritated labia majora?
To relieve symptoms of vaginal irritation, try using emollient soap substitutes, gently dabbing genitals after urination, applying barrier creams or ointments, wearing loose underwear, and using vaginal lubricants during sex. Irritation can be caused by skin conditions, infections, or other health issues, and treatment depends on the underlying condition. Temporary irritation is usually non-threatening and can be treated at home. If irritation is caused by an underlying condition, symptoms may be more identifiable.
What cream is good for red itchy labia?
Vasisil® Medicated Cream with Lidocaine is an efficacious solution that effectively relieves intense, burning itch, including itch caused by yeast infection.
How do I get rid of the outside of my labia?
Labiaplasty is a procedure that involves shortening or reshaping the vaginal lips using a scalpel or laser, and removing unwanted tissue. The loose edge may be stitched with fine, dissolvable stitches. Recovery may take up to two weeks, and the skin may take a couple of months to fully heal. To maintain healing, keep the area clean, avoid sex for at least four weeks, and avoid physical activity for 4 to 6 weeks.
How do you treat an outer labia rash?
Vulvitis is an inflammation in the vulva, or genitals, which includes the soft folds of skin surrounding the vagina. It can be caused by infection, allergic reaction, or injury. The vulva is a moist and warm part of the body, making it vulnerable to irritation and infection. Both vulvitis and vaginitis describe inflammation affecting reproductive parts. Vulvitis affects the genitals, or vulva, the outer part of the reproductive anatomy, while vaginitis affects the vagina inside the body.
Inflammation affecting both the vulva and vagina is called vulvovaginitis. Healthcare providers may prescribe over-the-counter hydrocortisone ointment or topical estrogen cream to alleviate itching and other symptoms of vulvitis.
What OTC can I use for swollen labia?
To alleviate vaginitis symptoms, limit exposure to irritants and apply an over-the-counter cortisone cream to the external genitalia. Avoid applying the cream to the urethra, vaginal opening, or internal vaginal canal. A swollen vulva is a common symptom of vaginitis, often caused by bacterial, yeast, viral infections, vaginal bacteria imbalances, skin disorders, or low estrogen levels. Vaginitis can also cause other symptoms.
What to do if your outer labia is swollen?
To reduce swelling of the labia, individuals can use cool compresses, sitz baths, probiotic supplements, reducing sugar intake, and removing allergens and irritants. Cool compresses can be purchased online and used multiple times a day. Sitz baths, which involve sitting in a bathtub filled with warm water, can encourage a small cyst to drain. Probiotic supplements may also help prevent vaginal infections. Reducing sugar intake and avoiding sugar, processed foods, and fruit juices can help with recurrent yeast infections.
Removing allergens and irritants can also help alleviate swelling. To prevent swelling, individuals should practice good hygiene, use pads instead of tampons, avoid douching, wear loose clothing, cotton underwear, avoid perfumed products, use antibiotics when necessary, take probiotics, use barrier contraception, lubricate during sexual activity, and wipe from front to back after using the bathroom.
Why is the skin on the outside of my labia itchy?
Vulvar dermatitis is a condition where the vulva becomes red, painful, and itchy. It can be caused by heat or wetness, scented soaps, powders, creams, toilet paper, spermicides, or clothing. It can also be caused by skin conditions like eczema. Doctors may perform tests to identify the cause of symptoms. Treatment involves medicine and home treatment, with the advice of not scratching the rash. Follow-up care is crucial for treatment and safety. Attend all appointments and contact your doctor or nurse advice line if you experience problems. It is also important to keep track of test results and medication usage.
Why my labia majora is itchy and red?
Vulvar dermatitis is a condition where the vulva becomes red, painful, and itchy. It can be caused by heat or wetness, scented soaps, powders, creams, toilet paper, spermicides, or clothing. It can also be caused by skin conditions like eczema. Doctors may perform tests to identify the cause of symptoms. Treatment involves medicine and home treatment, with the advice of not scratching the rash. Follow-up care is crucial for treatment and safety. Attend all appointments and contact your doctor or nurse advice line if you experience problems. It is also important to keep track of test results and medication usage.
📹 Can I moisturize my vulva?
Can you moisturize your vulva? The vulva is the outer, hair-bearing area of the vagina, and it can sometimes become dry.
Thank you so much for this article. We all need to talk about a subject that’s actually quite common. When I called my gynecologist about this problem, I was determined not to be embarrassed and came right out with “I need to see Dr X about intense itching on the vulva.” There, I said it, matter-of-fact with no coyness. So they didn’t need to ask me more when I got there. The doctor had a heads up, and I acted totally cool about it — like we talk about these things all the time. (I deserved an Oscar for my performance.) But it worked to get over that initial embarrassment.
I’ve brought this up to my GYNO 2 times. First year, she admitted I had a cut and broken skin from my itching, told me to use coconut oil. Came back a year later, told her the itching was still a really big problem and the coconut oil didn’t really do anything. She shrugged and told me to try anti-itch cream. I said “that’s okay to use inside the v@gina??” And she cocked her head like she didn’t understand my itching was actually more interior than exterior and just said yes. That was before the pandemic and I haven’t been back since but honestly it hasn’t gotten better. So even bringing it up to a GYNO of all people didn’t help.
Very informative article. So important to see a doctor over vaginal issues and never assume what is going on. I assumed I had a nasty yeast infection. Turned out, I somehow caught a staph infection in my vaginal canal. Omg, it’s like a yeast infection on steroids! It was awful. After the meds I did start to get a yeast infection. Doctor gave me a med that took care of that quickly, thank goodness. Thankfully it seems to be cleared up now but it took months to recover from.
Thanks to everyone sharing information, especially the good doctor. I also have this problem and frankly I am so upset that women have to dig around for any information on vulva itching. Plus many doctors, especially men, just push medication. Here is some info that I have found that has helped me so much. Water and your hand is the best way to wash down there, no chemicals at all, not even from a wash cloth. I wash my bras (I get a rash under my breast) underwear, pj bottoms and bath towel with Ivory infant detergent (non scented). I throw in 1/4 cup of baking soda, wash it on the heavy duty cycle for an extra rinse. No fabric softener or dryer sheets. I air dry bras and the rest goes into the dryer with dryer balls to help combat static. Make sure your underwear is not tight. I have a portable bidet that I use regularly to keep clean (just water). Pat dry the vulva area only. I air dry after showers. I also soak in the tub with baking soda if needed. Especially be clean before bed. Sleeping is a big healing time so make the best of it. I have used zinc oxide but it is hard to get off when the skin underneath is sore. Mostly this all works but occasionally, I use Canesten cream or 0.5% hydrocortisone cream. Between all this, I am comfortable. Best of luck. Sorry for the novel.
Menopausal vaginal atrophy is BEYOND itch it is knife fissures and skin abrasion just from wearing underwear! Ladies when you hit 50 do your research on ALL menopause symptoms these symptoms go far beyond just the irritating painful itch that occur at 60. Vaginal narrowing, UTI’s, yeast infections from out of nowhere. I haven’t had a UTI or yeast infection in 20 years because I take very good care of myself, but that has no bearing on the misery that befalls you. BE YOUR OWN ADVOCATE I went to 4 GYN’s in my Doc’s office got no help and at 60 am dealing w/this! Dr.Dray is a godsend for addressing women’s physical issues!!
I remember my Mother talking to me about this when she went through Menopause. Her doctor said that women don’t feel comfortable talking about this and was grateful that my Mom discussed this issue . So then my Mom felt that it was her mission to talk to her 3 daughters! I just love how my Mom always wanted to keep her daughters informed !
I’m a Retired OB/GYN RN…I have recently had a couple bouts of a contact dermatitis in and on the vulvar region and I finall have realized that the cause is the small paanty liners specifically for urinary Leakage. It became so irritated that I developed very painful cysts. All of this finally began to resolve after a round of a potent antibiotic. I hadn’t realized the actual cause at that point, but my skin overall is going thru major changes.. I’ve actually begun to acquire cysts c acne on my face, and I don’t understand why.vbi had a total TVH at 37 …I’m now 65. I’ve never taken hormone replacement..due to the migraines which is the original reason for my TVH in the first place. They were severely affecting my life in every way possible, and the pain was unrelenting! The hysterectomy worked ! Now I’m suffering skin problems like I am 14! I’m embarrassed to go to the store because of mt complexion …and hardly a week goes by where I’m able to go without hesbvy makeup. But worse than that, the urinary leakage along with a pH change is causing extreme itching and irritation. I am washing underwear in baking soda, and doing my best to wear loose fitting clothing. Talc made it much worse, and the only comfort is ice packs and sitz baths with baking soda. I’m in a hot California climate all summer and cold in the winter. I never had hot flashes or ant signs of estrogen depletion, but his skin situation is annoying!
Yeaaah! Dr Dray, thank you so much for educating women on this issue. I lived with undiagnosed lichen sclerosis for TEN years because I lacked skill and assertiveness in talking about this with doctors. I kept getting diagnosed with yeast but it never helped… and I knew it wasn’t yeast… but I didn’t know what it was and I was unable to assertively tell them it wasn’t being addressed. The real diagnosis only came after I had developed a stage 1 vulvar cancer. Not fun. I know that’s a bit beyond the scope here… but women need to hear these words and have their sexual health normalized… preferably BEFORE terrible outcomes take place. Thank you for this work… it’s important.
I love all of her suggestions and have followed most of them. My derm suggested I try zinc oxide and wow, what relief that has given me. I’ve used it for about five years, once or twice a day. Just a very thin coat on the outside vulva only, is so soothing. I buy a large jar Rugby brand from Amazon and it’s about $10 and lasts for many months.
Thanks for the reminder to not be embarrassed about talking to your doctor. It’s really easy to feel shy about it, but just hearing your reminder is giving me the confidence to make sure I really talk to my doctor at my next appointment. It’s hard, but the feeling of having checked in with my doctor about something is such a relief, it’s worth it the stress of broaching the uncomfortable subjects. Your articles make me a better, more proactive and receptive patient, I think. Thank you!
Dear Doctor Dray what a thoughtful article that was, I’m stunned wow. Encouragement is the key Miss Andrea and thanks for giving that feeling vibe because not only is good for the doctor’s job but also humane. Humane because it creates a healthy relationship between doctor and patient, in which the individual is calm and doesn’t fear to be embarrassed. Pain and itch are bad but you are not alone either woman or male you have your doctor and others to support you. All of you are wonderful and lovable creatures stay safe and don’t be embarrassed my lovelies 💖💖💖😇😇💙🙏💎😍💪😉.
As soon as you said “some of them a lot scarier” I started to cry 😞 because unfortunately that is my situation currently. I am getting seen by a doctor, and I have a follow up procedure to see where I’m at after another bad Pap smear. Hopefully all is well this time. Thank you for talking about this Dr Dray ❤
Thanks for covering this issue–people might not initially think of it as a dermatological issue, but it is. I myself have been dealing with it in the past year, including going through unnecessary yeast infection treatment. One potential cause that you didn’t cover here is that your own vaginal discharge may be irritating externally due to its low pH–after finally going to see my gyno about it, she identified it as the potential culprit in my case. Cleansing the area with sensitive baby wipes (NOT “feminine hygiene” wipes) seems to have helped.
I deal with a lot of irritation down there too, itching and also skin fissures which are extremely painful (feels like shards of glass being rubbed !!). I use Eucerin eczema relief cream after I shower and it seems to have helped. Also changing my underwear twice a day instead of once, I think my own discharge is a culprit in my case
Dr Dray, when I saw this topic I hoped that you would talk about Lichen Sclerose. A lot of woman with this condition walk around without knowing it for years because they think it’s one of the topics you did discus here. If noticed in time it can prevent so much problems and even cancer.. Please give this topic some atention. 🙏
Happy New Year Dr. Dray!! Thank you so much for your articles like this one. I have been diagnosed with atopic dermatitis and I never thought it would also show up in the vaginal area as well. I’ve been told that your vagina is a self-cleaning unit so I don’t use products down there other than soap and water. I’ll exclude the soap and see if that helps. Also I am 52 I am still dealing with perimenopause. So I can also see a link between the itch and lowering levels of estrogen. I feel better about it. Since perusal many of your articles I have been able to be in better control of my flare ups. I feel more confident of caring about myself as well. I have learned so many things that they didn’t teach us back in school, and things our parents either never knew or ever wanted to discuss. I look forward to more of your articles in this new year. Love and Light!! 🙂