Pururitis Vulvae (Vulvar Itching)

Vulvar itching can be very uncomfortable and embarrassing for those living with it. While the cause of vulvar itching often varies, common triggers include allergies, yeast infections, and irritants like soaps or perfumes.

Woman resting her arms on a city balcony

Fortunately, some treatments can help provide relief in NYC. Several options are available to individuals seeking relief from their vulvar itching symptoms, from over-the-counter topical creams to prescription medication and lifestyle changes.

What is vulvar itching?

Vulvar itching is a common condition that affects many women. It is characterized by an uncomfortable or burning sensation in the vulva, often accompanied by redness and swelling. In some cases, a thin white discharge may be present.

As the condition progresses, women may experience itching in other body parts, such as inside their thighs or near their pubic region.

Other symptoms associated with vulvar itching include:

Pain
Redness
Swelling
Burning
Tenderness
Thinning of the skin
Broken skin in the affected area.

If left untreated, vulvar itching can lead to further complications such as scarring or discomfort during intercourse.

What are the causes of vulvar itching?

There are many potential causes of vulvar itching, including:

Vulvar skin conditions, such as lichen sclerosus
Vulvar atrophy (thinning of the skin due to a decrease in testosterone and estrogen)
Contact sensitivity to irritants or allergens, such as detergents, soaps, or feminine products
Recurrent vulvar infections, such as STIs, bacterial vaginosis, or yeast infection
Chronic irritation due to scratching (lichen simplex chronicus)
Menopause
Stress
Hormonal changes
Tight clothing
Certain medications
Skin conditions such as eczema or psoriasis
Poor hygiene habits
Alteration in vaginal pH

How can I prevent and treat vulvar itching?

The best way to prevent vulvar itching is to:

Avoid scented products, such as soaps or detergents
Change out of damp clothing right away
Wear cotton underwear
Use condoms during intercourse
Always wipe from front to back after bowel movements

Treatment for vulvar itching typically involves finding and eliminating the underlying cause and using over-the-counter (OTC) creams and lotions to reduce discomfort.

In more severe cases, prescription medications may be necessary. Your pelvic pain doctor may prescribe the following:

Antibiotics to clear STIs or bacterial vaginosis
Antifungal drugs to treat yeast infections
Creams for vaginal itching related to menopause
Certain oral and topical medications

In some cases, there are some things you can do at home to help keep symptoms at bay, such as:

Cool compresses
Cold baths or showers
Wearing loose-fitting clothing
Avoiding irritating detergents and soaps
Keeping the area clean and dry
Avoiding activities that put pressure on the vulva
Reducing stress

Schedule A Consultation

Why choose Pelvic Pain Doc for your vulvar itching treatment?

When treating vulvar itching, Pelvic Pain Doc is a perfect choice. Our leader, Dr. Sonia Bahlani, is an OB-GYN who brings unique insight into women's pelvic health. After completing her residency in OB-GYN, Dr. Bahlani understood the extent to which women suffered from pelvic floor disorders in NYC, often struggling to find relief.

Determined to help these women, she sought additional training and completed a fellowship in urology at one of the world’s premier institutes for pelvic pain treatment. This experience has given her the skills and knowledge necessary to provide specialized care for women suffering from vulvar itching and other symptoms of pelvic health conditions.

Pelvic Pain Doc is dedicated to helping improve the quality of life of those living with chronic pain or discomfort related to a gynecological condition.

Through education and advanced treatments, we strive to restore our patients' comfort, function, and quality of life. Contact us today.