What causes vaginal itching in women?
Apr 18, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Lv Aiming
Introduction
Female genital itching may be caused by conditions such as vulvovaginal candidiasis, trichomonas vaginitis, and vulvar dystrophy. Candida infection invades the tissues, causing vaginal inflammation and resulting in itching of the vulva and vagina. Infection with Trichomonas vaginalis disrupts the vaginal environment and leads to vulvar itching. Vulvar dystrophy is caused by degenerative changes and pigment alterations in the vulvar skin and mucosa, leading to symptoms such as vulvar itching.
Female genital itching may be caused by conditions such as vulvovaginal candidiasis, trichomonas vaginitis, or vulvar dystrophy.
1. Vulvovaginal Candidiasis
Candida is an opportunistic pathogen that normally exists in the human vagina without causing disease under healthy conditions. When immunity decreases, Candida can invade tissues and cause vaginal inflammation, leading to symptoms such as itching of the vulva and vagina, burning pain in the vulvar area, and dyspareunia (pain during intercourse). Under medical guidance, topical antifungal treatments such as miconazole nitrate suppositories, clotrimazole suppositories, or terbinafine hydrochloride gel may be used to improve symptoms.
2. Trichomonas Vaginitis
Frequent use of vaginal douches or washing, which disrupts the natural vaginal microenvironment, excessive sexual activity, or long-term use of immunosuppressive agents may increase susceptibility to infection by Trichomonas vaginalis, resulting in trichomonas vaginitis. This condition causes symptoms including vulvar itching and increased vaginal discharge. Medications such as metronidazole tablets, tinidazole tablets, or ornidazole tablets may be taken as prescribed by a doctor to eliminate the parasite and relieve symptoms.
3. Vulvar Dystrophy
Vulvar dystrophy is a common chronic condition caused by degenerative changes and pigment alterations in the female vulvar skin and mucosa, leading to symptoms such as vulvar itching, dyspareunia, and whitening of the skin. It is recommended to use topical corticosteroids under medical supervision based on the specific condition. Commonly used medications include triamcinolone acetonide acetate cream, hydrocortisone butyrate cream, and fluocinonide acetate cream to alleviate vulvar itching.
In addition, genital itching could also be due to genital warts (condyloma acuminatum). It is advisable to visit a hospital for a thorough examination to determine the exact cause and receive timely and appropriate treatment.
