Self Care Articles

Is this your symptom?

• Itching or dryness of external female genital area (vulva)
• Rashes of vulva, like sores, redness, blisters, or lumps

Some Basics...

• Vulvar symptoms include rash, itching, and dryness.
• These symptoms can have many different causes.

Causes of Vulvar Symptoms

• Bartholin's cyst
• Contact dermatitis (soaps or feminine products)
• Irritation after sex (lack of lubrication or a latex-condom allergy)
• Poison ivy
• Skin cancer
• Skin problems (lichen sclerosis, squamous hyperplasia)
• STIs (Herpes simplex, Syphilis, pubic lice, genital warts)
• Vaginal yeast infection

Common Causes of Vulvar Itching

• Skin Irritation: this can be caused by products like soaps, detergents, and douches. Urinary incontinence (loss of bladder control) can cause irritation from too much moisture. Do not use products that cause irritation and keep the area clean and dry. Good genital hygiene will help to prevent this.
• Allergic Skin Reaction: this can be caused by many products. These may be benzocaine (in Vagisil anti-itch cream) and antibiotic ointments. Latex condoms, nail polish, and perfumes may also cause a reaction. Stop using products that cause the allergic reaction. Keep the area clean and dry. Good genital hygiene can help prevent this.
• Menopause: during this time, the ovaries stop functioning. As a result, the body makes less estrogen. The skin in the genital area can become thinner. Women also note more dryness and itching. There are estrogen creams that can help these problems. A doctor will have more information about these medicines.
• Vaginal Yeast Infection: these can sometimes cause itching. Often, there is also a new or increased vaginal discharge. It is often thick, white, cottage cheese-like, and does not smell. There are a number of over-the-counter (OTC) medications to treat yeast infections.