Itchy Vulva (Pruritus Vulvae)

An itchy vulva (pruritus vulvae) is common. It can be upsetting and troublesome. There are many causes.

Treatment varies, depending on the cause. However, many of the general measures listed below can help to ease the itch, whatever the cause.

What is an itchy vulva (pruritus vulvae)?

Pruritus vulvae means itching of the vulva. The vulva is the area of skin just outside the vagina. Most women experience a slight vulval itch now and again. However, pruritus vulvae means the itch is persistent, and causes distress. The itch may be particularly bad at night and may disturb your sleep. About 1 woman in 10 sees a doctor about a persistent itchy vulva at some stage in her life. Vulval itching can affect any woman, at any age. It can lead to scratching and rubbing which can break the skin and can lead to soreness, bleeding and skin infections.

What causes an itchy vulva (pruritus vulvae)?

An itchy vulva is a symptom, not a condition in itself. It can be caused by many different conditions. Therefore, if you have a persistent itchy vulva, you should see your doctor to find out the cause.

Causes of an itchy vulva tend to differ slightly between adults and children. However, they can include the following.

    Infections. For example: thrush, threadworms, scabies, and some sexually transmitted infections.
    Skin conditions may affect vulval skin. For example: eczema, psoriasis, lichen simplex, lichen planus and lichen sclerosus.

    Sensitisation of the vulval skin to soaps, perfumes, deodorants, excessive sweat, condoms, wet wipes, textile dyes, detergents, fabric conditioners, sanitary wear, etc.

    Urinary or faecal incontinence. This can make the skin of the vulva moist and irritated. In little girls a particularly common cause is careless or inadequate washing or drying of the area, and wiping the bottom in the 'wrong' direction (towards the front). Scrubbing too vigorously with toilet tissue can also contribute.

    Menopause. Because of lower oestrogen levels, the vulval skin tends to become thinner and drier after the menopause, and this can make it prone to itch.

    Pregnancy can cause itch due to vulval engorgement. There is also an increased risk of vaginal discharge and thrush during pregnancy, which may also cause itch.

    Breast-feeding can cause itch due to low oestrogen levels.
    Any cause of a generalised body itch may also cause itching of the vulva. For example, a generalised body itch may be a side-effect of some medicines or due to some blood disorders, thyroid problems or kidney or liver disease.

    Diabetes can cause itch in the vulval area, particularly if the diabetes is not well controlled and sugar levels are tending to run high.

    Lichen sclerosus is a condition of the vulva which causes itching and soreness and is more often seen in women with immune conditions such as thyroid disorders or diabetes.

    A cancer of the vulval skin is an uncommon cause. Usually in these cases a small lump or nodule is present.

    Unknown causes. In some cases, including some severe cases, no cause can be found.

Do I need any investigations?

Often, your doctor will be able to find the cause of the itchy vulva after talking to you and examining you. Examination may involve your doctor looking at the skin of your vulva and may also involve an internal (vaginal) examination. They may suggest that swabs should be taken from your vulva and/or vagina to look for causes of infection..

Sometimes, other tests may be suggested, including blood tests - for example, to look for diabetes, thyroid, kidney or liver problems, etc. Skin patch testing may be suggested in some cases to determine if there is something that may be sensitising and causing irritation of the vulval skin. A separate leaflet called Patch Testing for Contact Dermatitis gives further details. Rarely, a biopsy of the vulval skin may be suggested. A small sample of the skin is taken and examined underneath a microscope.

What are the treatments for an itchy vulva (pruritus vulvae)?
Treating the cause

Most of the time, when a cause can be found, the cause can be treated and the itch improves. However, depending on the underlying cause, sometimes prolonged or repeated treatment may be needed. Your doctor will advise on the best approach depending on the particular cause.

The treatment varies, depending on the cause. For example, identifying and stopping the use of anything that may be sensitising the vulval skin, using antifungal cream for thrush, using antibiotic medicines for certain infections, using steroid cream for various skin conditions, using hormone cream or hormone replacement therapy (HRT) if the itch is related to the menopause.

In young girls, learning to wipe gently from front to back, and to wash and rinse well and dry even when showering (when the vulva can be missed or left soapy) will help.

General treatments

These are treatments which are likely to help with vulval itch whatever the cause:

Moisturisers

Bland moisturisers (emollients) such as aqueous cream or emulsifying ointment can help to ease the itch, whatever the cause. You can use these in addition to most other treatments. Use them liberally. They can also be used as a soap substitute. Emollients such as aqueous cream can be stored in the refrigerator to keep them cool. If you are feeling particular irritation, using some cool emollient from the refrigerator on the skin may be soothing.

You can buy moisturisers at pharmacies, or obtain them on prescription. However, there is a slight word of caution. Occasionally, some people become sensitised to various ingredients that are in some moisturisers. This can make itch worse. This is unusual, however, and bland moisturisers without added perfumes do help symptoms in most cases.

Try to avoid the itch-scratch cycle

The itch-scratch cycle occurs when scratching causes more itching - which causes more scratching - which causes more itching - etc. So, if you scratch, it may make the itch worse. Excessive scratching can also cause thickening of the skin - which then becomes even itchier. Therefore, apart from any other treatment, try not to scratch if at all possible. Keep your nails cut short and don't wear nail varnish. Consider wearing cotton gloves at night to stop scratching in your sleep. Scratching may also damage the vulval skin and increase the risk of the skin becoming infected with germs (bacteria).

General vulval skin care and other advice

The following may also help ease vulval itching, whatever the cause.

Clothes

    Wear loose 100% cotton underwear. Avoid nylon or synthetic underwear material which tends to block fresh air, and causes you to sweat more.

    Change your underwear daily.
    Avoid wearing tight-fitting clothes such as cycling shorts or leggings. Skirts and dresses are probably better than trousers. Stockings are probably better than tights. The aim is to allow some air to get to the vulva, and not to allow it to become too sweaty.
    Consider wearing no underwear - for example, when you are at home, or at night.

Washing

    Wash your vulva gently, once a day. Do not scrub or wash vigorously and avoid using a sponge or flannel to wash with. Over-cleaning may make symptoms worse. Use a bland, unscented moisturiser as a soap substitute. (Using water alone may dry out the skin and make symptoms worse.)
    Taking a shower is generally better than having a bath, as it is easier to wash the vulva - but take care to wash off any soap..
    Do not put on your underwear until your vulva is fully dry. Dry the skin gently with a soft towel. A hairdryer may be useful to dry properly. Make sure it is on cool and held well away from the skin.
    Try to avoid getting shampoo (which runs down your body in a shower) on to the vulva, where it may irritate.

Other general advice

    Sometimes soaps, perfumes, bubble baths, deodorants, scented creams, the dye in toilet tissue, etc, can irritate (sensitise) the delicate vulval skin. Don't use any of these on your vulva or in your bath water or shower. Use plain, non-coloured toilet tissue. Use non-perfumed sanitary towels and panty liners and try to avoid using them on a regular basis. Consider avoiding plasticised 'one-way' top sheets which can cause sweating and reduce air circulation. Avoid antiseptics or special vaginal washes.
    Some people develop a skin sensitivity to a washing powder or fabric conditioner. This is uncommon, but it may be worth considering changing to a different brand of washing powder, and not using any fabric conditioner or biological washing powder for underwear.
    Avoid condoms that are lubricated with spermicide, as they can be sensitising. Similarly, avoid perfumed lubricants.
    Do not shave pubic hair.

Help with sleep

An antihistamine medicine at bedtime may help if sleep is affected. Antihistamines do not have a great effect on the itch, but some cause drowsiness (for example, hydroxyzine). This may help you to sleep. A doctor or pharmacist can advise on which antihistamines are sedating.

What if no cause is found?

In most cases, a cause can be found for an itchy vulva. Treatment is then aimed at the underlying cause. However, in some cases no cause can be found. The general advice given above on clothes, washing, etc, will usually help. In addition, your doctor may advise that you use a mild steroid ointment such as hydrocortisone for a week or so. This often settles the itch within a few days. It may also help to break any itch-scratch cycle that has developed. However, you should not use steroid ointment regularly on the vulva, as it can have a thinning effect on the skin with long-term use.

Note: steroid ointments can make some conditions of the vulva worse. Some steroid creams are available 'over the counter', but you should see a doctor about a persistent itchy vulva before using any treatment, particularly steroid treatments.

Some women find an itchy vulva embarrassing, particularly if it becomes a persistent (chronic) problem. It can make them feel distressed and depressed and may interfere with their sex life. If you feel like this, go to see your doctor. They may be able to help, and it is more likely than not that a simple treatment will solve the problem.

Sources: Dr Tim Kenny   ., Dr Mary Lowth ., Prof Cathy Jacksox


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