What causes clitoral itching?

Sep 02, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Zhang Lu

Introduction

Vulvovaginal candidiasis is an infection caused by the overgrowth of Candida species. The pathogens and their metabolic products irritate the clitoris, causing intense itching, along with symptoms such as white, curd-like discharge and vulvar redness and swelling. Patients may use clotrimazole suppositories, fluconazole tablets, or nystatin vaginal effervescent tablets as directed by a physician to inhibit fungal growth and eliminate the infection.

Clitoral itching may be caused by poor hygiene habits, clothing irritation, clitoritis, vulvitis, or vulvovaginal candidiasis. If abnormalities occur, timely medical attention is recommended. Specific analysis is as follows:

1. Poor hygiene habits: Prolonged lack of vulvar cleansing may lead to accumulation of urine and secretions in the clitoral area, causing irritation and itching. It is important to develop the habit of cleaning the vulva daily with warm water, keeping the area dry, which can gradually relieve the itching.

2. Clothing irritation: Wearing synthetic fiber or tight-fitting underwear, or using irritating detergents to wash underwear, may leave chemical residues that irritate the clitoral skin, causing itching. It is recommended to switch to cotton, loose-fitting, breathable underwear and use mild, non-irritating detergents to reduce irritation.

3. Clitoritis: Infections caused by pathogens such as bacteria or fungi can lead to inflammation of the clitoris, causing itching, accompanied by symptoms such as redness, mild pain, and increased secretions in the affected area. Doctors generally recommend topical application of Compound Phellodendron Liquid, Clindamycin gel, or Miconazole Nitrate Cream to inhibit pathogens and reduce inflammation.

4. Vulvitis: Inflammation caused by pathogen infection or chemical irritation of the vulvar skin and mucous membranes can spread to the clitoris, causing itching, accompanied by symptoms such as redness, burning sensation, and abnormal secretions in the vulvar area. Doctors usually prescribe Povidone-iodine solution, Mupirocin ointment, or Fuyankang tablets to clean the affected area, control inflammation, and relieve itching.

5. Vulvovaginal candidiasis: Overgrowth of Candida can cause infection, with the pathogens and their metabolites irritating the clitoris, leading to intense itching, accompanied by symptoms such as white, curd-like secretions and vulvar swelling. Patients may follow medical advice to use Clotrimazole suppositories, Fluconazole tablets, or Nystatin vaginal effervescent tablets to inhibit fungal growth and eliminate infection.

In daily life, scratching the clitoral area should be avoided to prevent skin damage and secondary infection. Maintaining cleanliness and dryness of the vulva and avoiding the excessive use of irritating cleansers are also important. If clitoral itching persists or is accompanied by other discomforts, timely medical consultation and examination are necessary to identify the cause and initiate targeted treatment.

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What is the clitoris?

The clitoris is part of the female external genitalia, located at the junction of the two labia minora and above the urethral opening. It is composed of erectile tissue and rich in nerve endings, making it an important erogenous zone in females. Clitoral health is essential to female sexual health; if symptoms such as redness, swelling, pain, or abnormal discharge occur, they may be related to infections, trauma, or congenital developmental abnormalities, and prompt medical attention is required.

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What is the name of the female genitalia?

Under normal circumstances, the female genital area is medically referred to as the female external genitalia. The female external genitalia include the mons pubis, labia majora, labia minora, clitoris, and vaginal vestibule. The female external genitalia are an important part of the female reproductive system, and their structure and function have a crucial impact on women's reproductive health and sexual quality of life.

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Does the clitoris get bigger?

During sexual arousal, the clitoris temporarily swells and enlarges due to localized vascular congestion. This change is a normal physiological response and will gradually return to its original size as sexual excitement subsides, causing no impact on health. During puberty, influenced by hormonal changes within the body, the clitoris develops along with the reproductive system, undergoing a phase of enlargement until reaching full development and stabilizing in its final form.

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What are the white granules on the clitoris, and what should I do about them?

Under normal circumstances, white granules on the clitoris may be caused by conditions such as ectopic sebaceous glands, inadequate local hygiene, nonspecific vulvitis, fungal vulvitis, or genital warts (condyloma acuminata). It is recommended to seek timely medical consultation, identify the underlying cause, and then improve the condition under a doctor's guidance through general treatment, medication, or physical therapies.