My Vulva Feels Itchy - What's Going On?

When there’s a sensation making your body feel uncomfortable, it’s hard to take your mind off it. It’s even more difficult when the discomfort is coming from within your undies. Since vulval itching feels really unpleasant (and scratching around there isn’t exactly a good look), you’ll want to sort this out – fast. What’s more, it could be an indication that something’s not quite right and needs to be looked at by your GP. Read on to learn what can cause vulval itchiness, when it warrants a trip to the doctor, and how it can be treated. 

Signs that something might be off 

A random bit of itchiness here and there isn’t much to be concerned about. But if it’s ongoing or you’re unable to relieve the itchy feeling, there might be more to it. Vulval itchiness often appears alongside other symptoms like: 

• Vulval discomfort
• Irritation or burning
• Redness or rash
• Lumps or bumps 
• Swelling or soreness
• Unusual discharge 
• Discomfort during sex or masturbation 

It’s important to note that vulval itchiness is external, causing discomfort to part/s of your external genitalia. (This includes your mons pubis, labia majora, labia minora, clitoris, urethral opening, and vaginal opening.) If the itching feels like it’s inside you, it could be related to your vagina or cervix, which are internal. 

Potential causes of an itchy vulva

There are so many reasons why your vulva might feel itchy, making it tricky to pinpoint. Some of the most common causes include:

Potentially irritating products used in the area (like scented or dyed toilet paper, body wash, hair removal products, douches, or lubricants)

Clothing making things uncomfortable (such as scratchy undies, too-tight shorts or pants, wearing wet swimmers for too long)

• Irritation from sweat or discharge
• Skin conditions like eczema, dermatitis, or psoriasis
• Health concerns such as sexually transmitted infections, bacterial infections, or yeast infections
• Hormones, medications, or other ongoing conditions 

Treatments for an itchy vulva

To deal with an itchy vulva, you need to find out what’s causing it. That way, you can treat it properly and hopefully prevent it from happening again. You might be able to figure it out through a process of elimination. Here are some things you can try to help reduce your itching: 

• Test out different products that you use around your vulva (e.g., if you’ve been using scented or dyed toilet paper, switch to something plain)
• Wear breathable undies and change them more regularly if you think sweat or discharge could be the culprit
• Wear looser-fitting shorts or pants
• Try using our ProSkin liners, which help to maintain a healthy pH balance around your vulva 

If these remedies don’t help, or you’re feeling concerned about the itchiness, it’s time for a visit to your GP. This is particularly the case if you have other symptoms going on at the same time. 

Depending on the cause of it, your GP might prescribe you oral or topical medication and make recommendations about how to reduce the itchy feeling. It’s important to avoid scratching the area as much as possible. Doing so can further irritate your skin. 

How to prevent vulva itchiness 

After you’ve sorted out your vulva itchiness, you’ll want to make sure it doesn’t happen again! Depending on what caused it in the first place, there are some preventative measures you can take to help keep your vulva feeling happy and itch-free: 

• Avoid using scented or dyed products around your vulva
• Opt for comfortable, breathable undies
• Wear comfortable shorts or pants that don’t ride up or feel too tight
• Use our ProSkin liners to keep feeling fresh
• Always wipe with toilet paper from front to back
• Discuss ongoing health conditions or medications with your GP
• Practise safe sex 

 
There’s no reason why you need to put up with an annoying, itchy feeling on your vulva. The quicker you can work out the cause of it and find ways to manage it, the better you’ll feel! While there are some steps you can take that may give you some relief, if the itching is persistent or concerning you, talk to your GP about it as soon as you can. 

Love, Libra x   

Essity Australasia makes no warranties or representations regarding the completeness or accuracy of the information. This information should be used only as a guide and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional, medical or other health professional advice.