Itching of the vulva and labia is a common problem in the intimate sphere, which every second woman has had to deal with at least once in her life. This unpleasant sensation forces the fair sex to experience severe discomfort, which is a serious reason for immediately contacting a gynecologist. There are many reasons for the development of such itching of the labia in women, and it depends on them how the problem will be treated.

So, why do itching sensations in the intimate organs occur, and what are the ways to eliminate this symptom?

Why do the labia itch?

The appearance of itching in the area of external intimate organs is always a cause for concern for a woman. Anxiety and fear for one’s health are present even if one has only one sexual partner. When a woman experiences itching of the vulva, the labia begin to swell and peel, she plunges into panic, thinking about the most terrible diagnoses, namely sexually transmitted diseases or, in general, oncology.

Influence of household factors, allergies, stress

The most common reasons why the labia minora itch and itching occurs, which spreads to the large external intimate organs, are:

poor personal hygiene;
frequent use of aromatic pads, soap with an aggressive alkaline environment, and other detergents not intended for intimate areas;
wearing synthetic underwear;
ineptly performed depilation or traumatic damage to the delicate skin of the lips and lips, as a result of which it begins to itch, crack and swell;
swelling and flaky surface on the external genitalia can be caused by an allergic reaction to the use of sexual accessories, contraception, etc.;
Often the reason why large floors itch a lot. lips, and itching of the labia minora occurs, this is due to stress, nervous shock, depression.

Sexually transmitted infections, reproductive pathologies, hormonal imbalance

Severe itching, when the labia itches and the skin above them peels, occurs with a number of sexually transmitted infections, in particular candidiasis, ureaplasmosis, genital herpes or gardnerellosis. Gynecological diseases also lead to the development of unpleasant sensations. Patients suffering from reproductive pathologies (cervicitis, endometritis), as well as women who have entered menopause, complain that their clitoris itches, their labia are swollen and peeling.

Diseases not related to gynecology, but accompanied by itching in the intimate area

Itching of the vulva and labia cannot be ignored. As the pathological process progresses, these symptoms will become more pronounced and significantly worsen the woman’s quality of life. That is why the condition requires high-quality diagnostics, which will determine the true cause of itching and establish a course of therapy.

Before treating itching on the labia, the doctor always conducts an objective examination, which consists of examining the patient, collecting a history of the disease and highlighting its main symptoms. After this, the specialist prescribes a series of tests for the woman that will help find the true cause of the problem, namely:

general blood and urine analysis;
vaginal smear for bacteriological examination;
sowing secretions for flora;
Ultrasound examination of the pelvic organs.

Competent diagnosis of the causes of itching of the labia and clitoris is an important step on the path to recovery. It allows you to determine why the external genitalia began to itch, and makes it possible to find out how to get rid of such pathological manifestations.

Treatment

What to do if your labia are itchy? If a problem occurs, you should immediately contact a gynecologist to find out the true causes of the pathological condition. The course of treatment for the disease depends solely on its nature. Itching of the labia is eliminated using conservative methods, as well as traditional medicine, which have not lost their relevance today.

It is impossible to relieve genital itching and eliminate all the problems that cause it using one therapeutic regimen. During the period until treatment is prescribed, you can begin to wash yourself with infusions prepared on the basis of herbs with anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects, including nettle, chamomile, and oak bark. During treatment, it is necessary to avoid personal hygiene products of synthetic origin, which irritate the delicate skin in the external genital area.

Folk remedies that women often use at home do not always help eliminate the causes of itching of the labia. They are effective in case of an allergic nature of the disease or if it was provoked by nonspecific microorganisms. With this development of events, the symptoms of the disease can be alleviated by washing with herbal decoctions or rubbing the damaged areas of the skin with sea buckthorn oil. It will not be superfluous to anoint the inflamed areas with zinc ointment.

Preventive measures

Itching of the labia is always easier to prevent than to get rid of it later. To maintain her intimate health, a woman must constantly adhere to basic rules of personal hygiene:

you should avoid unprotected sex with little-known partners, during which there is always a high probability of infection of the body with pathogens of sexually transmitted diseases;
do not wear underwear made of synthetic fabrics and do not abuse scented pads, soap, etc.;
monitor the state of the immune system and treat intimate diseases in a timely manner.

In any case, if the labia and vulva itch, even without visible signs of inflammation, you should consult a specialist. After all, the causes and treatment of a pathological process are two interrelated things, so such a symptom may be the first manifestation of a developing disease, which is very easy to stop in the initial stages of formation.

Video on the topic

Itching of the labia is the most common female problem. She very often forces me to go to a gynecologist for help. Often itching can occur on the genitals or in the perineum. Upon examination, a specialist may detect redness, cracks and abrasions that have arisen due to constant scratching.

Causes of itching of the labia

The most common reasons may be:

Prolonged stress;
Hormonal changes in a woman’s body during pregnancy and the postpartum period, during menopause;
Inflammatory processes that occur in the uterus, appendages and vagina;
External stimuli.

Itching of the labia due to excessive or poor hygiene

The most common reason that itching may occur in the labia is improper care for intimate places. This may be due to simple negligence or due to ignorance. There are women who believe that there is no need at all for washing the intimate area. But experts advise washing intimate parts twice a day, as well as after sexual intercourse.

During menstruation, special care is required. Necessary change your tampon or pad more often and be sure to wash yourself every time. Hygiene products that absorb blood during menstruation provide a good environment for the spread of harmful microbes. And they very often cause inflammation and itching of the genital organs.

Best choose 100% cotton linen. But many girls prefer to wear synthetic beautiful panties. But they are good only for their appearance, but they do not allow moisture and air to pass through, they can cause redness, itching, and also rub the bikini area.

The same can be said about scented sanitary pads. They can cause allergies due to the content of various aromatic impurities in their composition. In this case, redness and itching are signs of an allergy.

Another cause of itching may be excessive use of various deodorants, sprays and antibacterial soaps, as well as vaginal douching.

If the cause of itching of the labia is improper hygiene, then you can get rid of it very simply. To do this, you should wear only linen or cotton underwear, avoid unnecessary cosmetics, and streamline the care of your bikini area. Just take proper care of your intimate parts and use baths with herbs such as calendula, chamomile and string.

Diseases of the labia

The cause of itching of the female genital organs can be a variety of diseases. These include:

Herpes genital is a sexually transmitted disease caused by a member of the herpevirus family. A woman can become infected with genital herpes during oral, anal, or regular sexual intercourse. When the disease begins to manifest itself, the labia minora and majora, cervix and vagina begin to itch. Treatment is carried out with special medications that destroy the virus and strengthen women's immunity.
Candidiasis () is a disease that causes unbearable burning and itching. A sour-smelling white discharge appears from the vagina. Thrush is caused by yeast-like fungi, which are found in the normal microflora of the vagina. With hormonal imbalance, poor diet, decreased immunity or stress, such fungi begin to spread and lead to illness. Thrush causes itching after sex. The treatment is carried out by a specialist for both partners at once, based on the test results. Antifungal drugs are prescribed.
Trichomoniasis- a venereal disease that is sexually transmitted. Signs are: sharp and unpleasant-smelling white discharge, burning and itching of the labia minora and majora. A specialist can diagnose a disease only after conducting a thorough examination and reviewing all test results. Treatment will be effective only when both partners become healthier. During treatment, any sexual intercourse is contraindicated.
Gardnerellosis - This is a disease during which gardnerella in the vagina and lactobacilli balance are disrupted. The main symptoms are: burning sensation when urinating, itching of the labia, copious white discharge. As soon as signs of this disease appear, you must immediately run to the doctor. It is better not to self-medicate. When the doctor makes an accurate diagnosis, he will prescribe antibacterial suppositories or gels. When this method is completed effectively, lactobacilli are introduced into the vagina and means are prescribed to strengthen the immune system. If the treatment is carried out correctly (you cannot have sex during the treatment period), then you will get rid of this problem.
Athlete's foot - This disease can be contracted in a public place if personal hygiene products are not used. The disease manifests itself as itching of the labia minora and labia majora, as well as the appearance of small spots, in the middle of which an inflammatory focus is visible. The specialist makes a diagnosis after examining the patient and by microscopic examination of scales taken from the affected areas. Treatment is carried out with medications and personal hygiene.
Endometritis- inflammation in the inner lining of the uterus. The cause of the disease is infection in the uterus. Signs: expansion and itching of the labia, purulent discharge, pain in the lower abdomen as during menstruation. Treatment consists of taking antibacterial agents. Sexual activities are prohibited.
Kraurosis of the vulva and vagina- Women of more mature age are susceptible to this disease. Its manifestations are swelling of the lips, changes in the clitoris, dryness and itching.
Urogenital fistula- this disease manifests itself after childbirth, cesarean section, and certain types of urological and gynecological diseases. Causes inflammation in the vagina. It manifests itself as severe itching.
Allergy to sperm. This may be the cause of scratching of the labia minora and majora very rarely. Allergens can be sperm protein, foods or medications that a man uses. They can only be identified through special research.
Tumors benign or malignant can also cause itching of the labia minora and majora.

Impact of chronic diseases

Some diseases of the internal organs can also cause discomfort, redness and swelling of the female genital organs. Such diseases include:

Oncological diseases of the female genital organs;
Lymphogranulomatosis;
Anemia;
Leukemia;
Hepatitis;
Pyelonephritis;
Diabetes.

Only a doctor can determine the exact cause of why the labia may itch, based on laboratory tests and a visual examination of the patient. It should be remembered that you should not self-medicate. This can make the situation worse.

Hormonal imbalance is the cause of female discomfort

Women's hormonal levels change throughout their lives. This happens during the climatic period, after childbirth, during pregnancy and during menstruation. Teenagers often experience mood changes. In the process of restructuring during pregnancy vaginal microflora changes. After childbirth, the body has not yet fully recovered. But during menopause, female hormones are not produced in such quantities as before. This leads to itching and dryness in the perineum. During this period, the woman experiences discomfort. Treatment includes the use of restoratives, ointments and hormonal medications.

What to do if your labia are itchy

Only a doctor can determine the exact cause of which scratching may be caused using modern diagnostic methods.

Remedies and methods of treatment

After the specialist finds out the cause of discomfort in women's intimate places, he will prescribe a specific treatment. Itching can be cured by applying local medications. In parallel with them, the specialist prescribes vitamins and antibacterial agents. In addition to them, the following substances are used in treatment:

Anesthetics;
Hormonal drugs;
Antihistamines.

Prevention

Prevention includes the following measures:

Vitamin preparations will help strengthen the immune system of the female body, and visiting a gynecologist twice a year will help to detect the disease in time.

Itching and burning of the labia in women most often occurs for two reasons. The first is infectious lesions, many of which are transmitted sexually, and also occur when hygiene rules are not followed. If a woman has discharge with an unpleasant odor, then the cause of itching of the labia minora is infection. It is impossible to determine the disease by the smell and appearance of the discharge. In order to accurately diagnose and prescribe effective treatment, the doctor must carry out diagnostic measures.

When is it important to see a doctor?

Many women simply do not have time to monitor their health. A woman should begin to worry about her condition when the following symptoms appear:

green or yellow discharge;
redness and itching on the labia minora;
there is pronounced swelling on the labia.

In addition, if a woman suspects that discomfort in the genitals has arisen as a result of unprotected sexual intercourse, then it is important to consult a doctor.

Dangerous diseases

There are a large number of sexually transmitted diseases. Many of them lead to severe itching in the labia majora and minora.

The most common ailments include:

Trichomoniasis is a disease caused by Trichomonas, which quickly spread in the microflora of a woman’s vagina. In addition, a woman with this disease develops a yellowish discharge, as well as unpleasant itching.
Candidiasis. When the disease occurs, a woman feels a burning and itching sensation in the genitals.
Pediculosis pubis. In this case, the source of the disease is lice, which lay their larvae in the pubic hair.
Chlamydia is the most common infection in women. It differs in that, in the absence of proper and effective treatment, it can provoke complications dangerous to health. These include damage to the urethra, rectum and cervical erosion.
Gonorrhea is a dangerous disease; it can lead to a serious inflammatory process in the appendages and uterus. The causative agent of gonorrhea is protozoan microorganisms. This includes gonococcus, which enters the human body through sexual contact with an infected person without the use of contraceptives. Most microorganisms are found in the patient’s vaginal secretions.
Herpes (genital form). Presented with a rash in the vaginal area, discharge with an unpleasant odor, as well as severe itching in the vagina without discharge.
Condylomas are growths on the surface of the skin that spread in the labia area, as well as near the anus. The causative agent of the lesion is the human papillomavirus.

Experts identify a large number of complications that can arise as a result of untimely initiation of treatment for a lesion:

Cervicitis is an inflammation of the uterine mucosa. It can appear not only due to a sexually transmitted infection, but also as a result of injury.
Endometritis is an inflammatory process in the uterus, accompanied by unpleasant pain in the abdominal area, which eventually spreads to the lower back. With such a lesion, the woman’s body temperature begins to rise. The disease can begin as a result of sexual infection, but not in all cases. For example, a miscarriage and subsequent improper treatment can lead to this condition in a woman.
Urethritis is inflammation of the urethral mucosa. In addition to the unpleasant symptoms, which are characterized by itching, the woman also experiences pain.

Diseases that lead to itching in the labia minora without discharge:

Itching without discharge can appear as a result of diabetes, in which case it is characterized by a sharp increase in the amount of glucose in the blood. Yeasts that feed on glucose and amino acids quickly spread on the genitals.
A burning sensation and a feeling of discomfort may appear as a result of psoriasis at the stage of its exacerbation. This lesion is non-infectious in nature; the reasons for its appearance have not yet been established. The vulva and labia area are affected by plaques during exacerbation of the disease.
Unpleasant burning and itching often occurs as a result of Keir's disease. This type of cancer is classified as squamous cell skin cancer. During the illness, a woman develops a smooth, single erythema that is located in the genital area. The main cause of the development of such cancer is the human papilloma virus.
Vulvar cancer is the rarest cancer. Most often occurs in women over 60 years of age. The main distinguishing feature of this disease is the asymptomatic nature of its development.

Digestive problems

In addition, the cause of itching of the labia minora may be problems with the functioning of the digestive system. These include:

Experiences, emotional turmoil and stress also often provoke itching. In this case, you can get rid of the lesion by taking tinctures of medicinal herbs, for example, valerian or motherwort.

Drugs that cause the disease

Itching of the labia minora may occur when taking the following medications:

Tamoxifen is an anti-estrogen that has a non-steroidal effect. A synthetic drug used in the treatment of breast cancer. If you study the instructions for the drug in detail, you will find unpleasant itching and burning in the list of side effects.
Some types of contraceptives.

Doctors do not treat burning sensation separately from the underlying disease. For this reason, when visiting the attending physician, the patient undergoes a complete diagnosis. During the examination, the doctor tries to identify the main cause of the disease. For inflammatory processes in the body, doctors carry out antibacterial treatment.

If vaginal itching in the vagina without discharge begins in an elderly woman, then she is prescribed hormonal and anti-inflammatory drugs. Fungal infections are eliminated with the help of special ointments and suppositories. Tablets are prescribed only in the most extreme cases.

Treatment during pregnancy

Unpleasant symptoms and a burning sensation during pregnancy can occur for the following reasons:

lack of hygiene;
allergic reaction to certain food products, cosmetic products, household chemicals, medications;
disturbances in the hormonal system;
stress and emotional stress;
sexually transmitted infections;
vaginosis;
underwear made of synthetic materials that irritate the skin;
negative impact on the body of climatic conditions in the place of residence (cold or heat);
excessive salts in the urine.

Itching and swelling of the labia minora do not always indicate the presence of a disease in the human body. The amount of hormones during pregnancy constantly changes, which negatively affects skin elasticity. With an increase in the abdomen and breasts, a woman often experiences stretching in these places, which provokes unpleasant itching, including the genital area.

An increase in the amount of estrogen in the body can negatively affect the liver and biliary system. Bile acids are produced in large quantities, which in some cases provokes their stagnation. But this condition needs to be confirmed. To do this, attending physicians conduct special diagnostics that help identify the condition of the liver and the quality of its work. A common cause of itching is candidiasis, which is most common in pregnant women.

Candidiasis by its nature is an inflammatory process in the mucous membranes, which are affected in large quantities by Candida fungi. Such a disease cannot be called safe for the body of a pregnant woman, since in some cases it can lead to diseases in the child in the womb. In this case, complications in the child occur during pregnancy itself and after birth. Diagnosis of the disease is simple: if the disease passes without symptoms, then a laboratory examination will help make an accurate diagnosis and begin the correct treatment.

Treatment of vulvovaginitis

How to treat vulvovaginitis? When treating the disease, it is important to follow the doctor’s strict rules and monitor hygiene: regularly wash the genitals, change underwear 3-4 times a day, and also keep the body clean. With vulvovaginitis, a woman should change her diet and eliminate foods with a large amount of carbohydrates. Treatment of the disease will be prescribed depending on the age of the patient (in girls during puberty, the body lacks estrogen), as well as on the site of spread of the disease (urinary tract, uterine appendages, and intestines).

Together with therapy to eliminate the main causes of the disease, the patient is prescribed medications that help improve immunity and protect the body from the effects of harmful microorganisms. They also carry out washing procedures and lotions with decoctions of medicinal herbs. Particularly effective are baths with decoctions of eucalyptus, sage and chamomile at a temperature of 38 degrees Celsius. Such procedures should be performed for 5 days for 15 minutes.

The main treatment of the disease is to take antibacterial agents, and in case of a specific form of damage, a whole complex of antibiotics. If you do not start treating the disease in time, it can quickly develop into an acute form and lead to a chronic disease.

The main prevention of severe itching of the labia minora due to vulvovaginitis is to maintain the immune system's defenses against harmful pathogens.

The most common form of vulvovaginitis is bacterial. It can be caused by viral and candida inflammations, as well as trichomonas infection.

Infection therapy

Symptoms and treatment of trichomoniasis in women are interrelated. After an infection enters the human body, the first visible signs of the disease begin to appear 4-5 days after the infection of the body. Depending on the location of the infection, the symptoms of the disease can vary significantly. The most common signs of infection include:

copious yellow or green discharge;
vaginal leucorrhoea, which is a clear sign of trichomoniasis;
discomfort during urination, as well as during sexual intercourse;
redness or inflammation of the vaginal mucosa, which can occur against the background of purulent discharge.

These are the main symptoms of trichomoniasis in women. Treatment of the disease includes complex therapy. In this case, the doctor prescribes the patient to take anti-trichomonas drugs - metronidazole and its derivatives.

Along with medications, local treatment with vaginal tablets and suppositories may be prescribed, which by themselves do not provide the desired effect. The following procedures can also be used for treatment: therapy to enhance immune defense, prostate massage, physiotherapy.

Gardnerellosis and its symptoms

What can be said about the treatment of gardnerellosis in women? Symptoms of the disease are copious vaginal discharge, which is characterized by a uniform consistency, a grayish-white tint and an unpleasant odor. In most cases, along with discharge in a woman’s vagina, an inflammatory process begins. In this case, she experiences a burning sensation and itching, which can only intensify during urination and sexual intercourse.

This is what concerns the symptoms of gardnerellosis in women. Treatment of the disease will involve two separate stages. It should be remembered that the second stage will not bring any results without the first.

To begin with, it is important to suppress the excessive growth of opportunistic flora. To do this, the doctor prescribes the woman to take antibacterial agents, most often special gels and suppositories are used. The course of taking funds lasts from 7 to 10 days.

The second stage of treating the disease is much more difficult than the first. It involves the colonization of the vagina with normal microflora. Before a course of taking medications containing lactic acid bacteria, you should undergo an analysis to determine the effectiveness of the first stage of treatment. Such a diagnosis will also help exclude thrush, which often occurs during antibiotic treatment.

During treatment, it is also important to follow a diet, from which spicy and fatty foods, spices and alcohol should be excluded.

Itching and burning in the genitals is an extremely delicate problem, which can sometimes be very difficult to talk about. In addition to psychological discomfort and unpleasant sensations, such signs may indicate the presence of some serious disease. This is often characteristic of sexually transmitted diseases, but can also be the cause of other gynecological diseases.

In addition, itching in the genital area can affect intimate life, since discomfort intensifies during and after sex, and sometimes can even turn into painful sensations, which completely discourages attraction to a partner. So what could be the causes of itching and burning of the labia?

Causes of itching of the labia

A common cause of genital itching is. One of the most common infections is candidiasis, or thrush. Itching can also often occur from bacterial vaginosis.

To correctly determine the type of infection that causes discomfort in the genital area, you should pay attention to the accompanying symptoms. White discharge, cheesy consistency, odorless, sometimes slightly foamy, most likely indicates the presence of thrush. But with vaginosis, symptoms such as itching in the genital area, pain during sexual intercourse and urination are much less common. Most often, women with vaginosis complain about discharge. While candidiasis accompanied by all of the above symptoms. As a rule, creams and regular ointments do not help. They only bring temporary relief, after which the desire to take a shower and get rid of these sensations will again appear. An effective remedy in the fight against thrush and vaginosis are antifungal drugs and antibiotics. At the same time, do not forget that they kill all bacteria indiscriminately and with prolonged use of the drugs you can disrupt your natural environment. Therefore, it is best to resort to preventive measures.
The main factors causing thrush are reduced immunity, negative effects from the use of antibiotics, changes in vaginal microflora. As a preventive measure, it is recommended to eat yoghurts rich in live lactic acid bacteria, red pepper, garlic, lingonberries, propolis, tea tree oil and grapefruit. It is also advisable to wear cotton underwear and have sexual relations only with a regular partner.
Bacterial vaginosis occurs frequently with uncontrolled use of antibiotics, previous inflammatory diseases of the genital organs, menstrual irregularities, long-term use of oral contraceptives or an intrauterine device. The main advice for preventing bacterial vaginosis is to use contraceptives containing 9-nonoxynol, and always use a condom for one-time sexual intercourse. Do not forget that bacterial vaginosis can cause female infertility.

Also, the labia may itch due to:

allergies to various cosmetics that contain chemical or perfume additives that cause irritation and itching,
synthetic tight underwear,
inaccurate depilation of intimate areas, for example, by shaving, or hair removal with irritating creams,
sexually transmitted infections
non-inflammatory diseases of the external genitalia: such as cancer, allergies, pubic lice, leukoplakia.

To find out why you are suffering from itching of the external genitalia, first of all, you should identify the exact cause. If this is not due to wearing the wrong underwear or personal hygiene products, you should definitely consult a specialist. If upon examination you are found to have ulcers or rashes, then such signs usually indicate a lesion genital herpes.

Read also: Herpes on the labia: causes, treatment

The cause of itching of the labia may be unprotected sexual intercourse, which is accompanied by painful urination and unusual discharge, which indicates a sexually transmitted infection. The external genitalia can also itch due to precancerous diseases, kraurosis and leukoplakia. Most often, such diseases occur in women after thirty.

How to cure itchy labia?

Diseases of the mucous membrane of the genital organs;

During a course of treatment with certain medications;

Disturbance of the normal microflora of the vagina;

In case of disruption of metabolic processes in the body, the activity of the endocrine system and other organs;

During stressful situations;

With insufficient hydration of the genitals.

Regarding the treatment of itching of the labia majora, first of all, you should visit a specialist doctor who will prescribe the appropriate tests and studies, as well as treatment.

In addition to the treatment prescribed by the doctor, additional therapy can be used in parallel, but you should first consult with your doctor.

Taking herbal infusions internally;

Tampons with herbal ointments and gels.

Itching of the labia minora - how to get rid of it?

If itching is felt in the labia minora area, this may indicate infection with sexually transmitted or infectious diseases. In this case, you must definitely visit a doctor.

It should be remembered that itching of the labia minora will not go away on its own, so it is extremely important to undergo the appropriate tests and studies in a timely manner and begin a course of treatment.

Unpleasant sensations can occur as a result of diseases such as kraurosis, tumors, leukoplakia. It is mandatory to undergo a full examination to exclude reasons that are not true.

Itching of the labia during pregnancy and treatment methods

During pregnancy, a woman's body undergoes many different changes, some of which can cause discomfort. For example, vaginal itching. In some cases, itching leads to insomnia, but if the itching is severe, a nervous breakdown may occur.

The causes of itching include the following:

Failure to comply with prescribed hygiene rules;

Allergic reactions caused by household chemicals or hygiene products;

Inflammatory processes provoked by sexually transmitted diseases or fungal infections;

Weakening of the immune system, disruption of the normal microflora of the vagina;

The development of diseases such as: hepatitis, diabetes mellitus, ovarian dysfunction, blood diseases;

Stressful situations.

What actions will help relieve genital itching during pregnancy?

Follow all rules of intimate hygiene, change panty liners and tampons every 5-6 hours.
Underwear should be chosen from natural fabrics.
Wash your genitals daily. Use special gels and soaps no more than once or twice a week.
It is necessary to follow a diet: include porridge, fresh fruits, cottage cheese, kefir in the menu.
You should not overheat the body in general and the genital area in particular.
Until the discomfort disappears, it is better to refuse intimate relationships.

First of all, you need to visit a gynecologist, since self-treatment and taking medications can lead to undesirable consequences not only for the expectant mother, but also for the child. Under no circumstances should you start taking medications without consulting your doctor.

If your labia are inflamed and itchy: why and what to do?

What to do if the labia are itchy, because such a problem is delicate, and it causes a lot of inconvenience. The labia may not only itch, but also hurt. This often happens to women before menstruation, but the reasons may be more serious. In the presence of such a problem, representatives of the fair sex lose peace and do not know how to organize their day, since they constantly have to remember unpleasant sensations.

What could be the reasons

If you notice that your labia are itching, you should figure out what could be causing this discomfort. If we consider the main ones, we can highlight the following factors:

Women's lips may burn if they have used various products for depilation or intimate hygiene; this is a manifestation of individual sensitivity;
The menstrual cycle has begun, and you have chosen the wrong pads; often such situations are caused by scented pads.
The outer labia can become inflamed and swollen due to the presence of infectious diseases, this could be genital herpes, candidiasis, trichomoniasis and a number of other sexually transmitted diseases.
The presence of diabetes mellitus in women can also cause similar discomfort.
Such swelling and hardening may indicate cancer.
Tight underwear, especially during menstruation, can cause discomfort. It is worth excluding the constant use of such underwear.
Itching of the vagina and labia may occur in women due to taking certain antibiotics; this is a side effect. In this case, you need to consult a doctor who will help you choose another drug.
We noticed that we were itching a lot and a lump appeared after hygiene procedures; this could be an allergic reaction to ordinary soap.

Is it worth having dangerous relationships?

If you don’t understand why your labia are itching, you should rule out the presence of sexually transmitted infections. The list is long, including gonorrhea, trichomoniasis, and genital herpes. Each disease can manifest itself with unique symptoms, for example, with gonorrhea, you can observe profuse purulent discharge, which has an unpleasant odor. And the labia hurt quite severely, and a burning sensation may also be felt when urinating.

When the labia are swollen and itchy, it is worth ruling out the presence of herpes, which can be contracted through household means. Such a disease cannot be ignored, as it can develop into a chronic form. If unfavorable factors arise for it, such as allergies, hypothermia, infections, then the disease will arise with renewed vigor.

If you have chlamydia or ureaplasmosis, your labia may itch after sex. Such diseases are transmitted both through household objects and sexually. Additional symptoms include pain in the lower abdomen, which radiates to the groin and perineum. Scabies and lice pubis are also considered common problems; with such diseases, the labia will become hot and may swell.

Inflammation of the labia can be a symptom of inguinal erythmia, which is usually classified as a contact disease; it is transmitted sexually. Small rashes may occur, and the lip is very itchy. Then swelling appears, and then compaction, itching is observed at the edges of this compaction. This disease implies spread to other parts of the vagina; the mucous membrane is the optimal environment for spread.

Also, the reason may lie in the appearance of thrush, which is quite common among women. It causes moderate pain, a reddened appearance of the labia, and a cheesy discharge. The same symptoms can be identified in ganderellosis, but it differs in that the discharge has a peculiar smell of spoiled fish.

About personal problems

If you pay attention to the features of the vagina, it is worth noting that it is already populated by microorganisms. They are divided into beneficial and opportunistic. When immunity decreases, the opportunistic part becomes active and multiplies rapidly. This makes the acidity of the environment higher, which is why such unpleasant sensations appear, the desire to scratch the labia.

Personal problems can also be related to hormonal levels, including endometriosis and endometritis. With them, the labia may turn red, become inflamed, cause severe itching, and sometimes even spotting occurs, which women often confuse with those that occur during menstruation. Upon examination, a specialist may detect a seal.

Chronic diseases

But the labia can also itch due to chronic diseases, which include:

hepatitis;
diabetes mellitus;
anemia;
lymphogranulomatosis.

If you want to understand why it itches due to neoplasms or leukemia, then it is worth considering that such ailments cause changes in the vaginal environment. The mucous membrane loses its former qualities, which is why a problem with the labia arises. Inflammation also appears with pyelonephritis, because salt secretions with such a disease irritate the mucous membrane, and the itchy syndrome does not cease to haunt you.

When not to treat an itch

To get rid of unpleasant sensations, sometimes you just need to find the cause:

There is no need to look for something to anoint the inner and outer edges of the labia if depilation is the cause of the itching.
This condition often occurs before menstruation; as soon as menstruation begins, the problem will go away on its own. If the itching does not go away during menstruation, you should consult a specialist.
Poor choice of gaskets can cause a similar reaction.
Wearing synthetic underwear or tight underwear causes the skin to become very hot, which is why it starts to itch.
Hygiene products are used that contain fragrances or dyes that are not suitable for you.

What to say about pregnancy

You need to decide what to do if you experience itching during pregnancy. It is necessary to exclude the presence of serious problems, but such a state while expecting a baby is natural. Blood fills the labia more actively, which is why slight itching may occur.

How to get rid of symptoms

If you notice the red color of the labia, you can no longer tolerate the itching, you should consult a specialist, and then follow all the doctor’s prescriptions. There is no single scheme that would eliminate itching in various diseases. Therefore, it is necessary to initially determine the cause, and only then will it be difficult to choose the right method for treatment. If you have sexually transmitted problems, you should consult a doctor for proper treatment, and if you have allergies, you need to identify the allergen.

It doesn’t matter which side of the labia itches, if the disease is infectious, it will not go away on its own.

Diabetes mellitus or pyelonephritis requires treatment of the underlying disease, not the symptoms. Ureaplasmosis and chlamydia can be eliminated by contacting a doctor, because he draws up an individual treatment regimen. Pubic lice are an unpleasant problem, but they are easy to get rid of with depilation and special ointments. Therefore, try not to dwell on unpleasant sensations, but rather consult a doctor.

It may be a symptomatic manifestation of serious diseases. First of all, for a woman such a sign is extremely unpleasant and creates a constant feeling of discomfort. In most cases, itching is not the only symptom; for example, with thrush it is accompanied by whitish discharge. This disease may be a consequence of impaired microflora and a weakened immune system.

Of course, itching of the labia in women raises thoughts about the possibility of infection. But there is no need to panic, because, for example, thrush does not belong to the category of such ailments. However, it is necessary to consult a gynecologist, since this symptomatology characterizes many sexually transmitted diseases.

Itching of the labia must be treated in a timely manner, because diseases such as cervicitis or colpitis subsequently develop into a chronic form, and this will require a more serious approach to treatment and the expenditure of one’s own strength and nerves. In order to avoid such serious consequences, you should consult a specialist at the first discomfort.

Most often, itching in women is a sign of the development of vulvitis. This disease means the presence of an inflammatory process in the vaginal area, which is accompanied by severe discomfort and a pungent odor. Sometimes these symptoms are accompanied by noticeable pain during urination. The cause of this disease is considered to be a violation of the microflora, for example, when using low-quality soap. Therefore, to prevent vulvitis, it is better to purchase special intimate hygiene products.

Symptomatic manifestations of gonorrhea and trichomoniasis include itching of the labia, discharge characterized by a foamy structure and very These ailments are considered infectious diseases, infection of which most often occurs as a result of unprotected sexual intercourse. And trichomoniasis generally occupies a leading position, since it occurs more often than other diseases in women. Moreover, you can notice and feel the presence of pathology a couple of days after sexual contact. But if painful sensations during sex are added to the above symptoms, then we can talk about the presence of another problem. For women undergoing menopause, itching of the labia is a particular warning sign, so it is important to see a doctor for further advice.

Itching of the labia, or rather, the disease that caused it, is often quickly and painlessly treated, so there is no need to worry. The specialist conducts an examination, based on which he makes a preliminary conclusion. If necessary, tests and studies are prescribed to make it possible to accurately establish a diagnosis. Modern medicine offers a wide range of drugs for external and internal use that help get rid of problems in the shortest possible time.

A course of antibiotics is considered the most effective (if we are not talking about thrush), but such drugs are so potent that they have a negative effect on the body’s condition, since the degree of immune defense is significantly reduced. In addition, long-term use of drugs of this type can cause addiction, that is, infectious agents adapt to the active substance and become immune to it. Then the problem of itching remains, and the reaction to antibiotics disappears. Therefore, most doctors, whenever possible, try to first carry out conservative treatment, for example, using natural pads, suppositories and tampons. The substances included in their composition cope well with unpleasant sensations in the groin area.

Itching of the genitals is an extremely unpleasant symptom that can cause a lot of trouble for a girl. There could be many reasons why. Moreover, not all of them mean the presence of any serious diseases. In any case, you should not give in to the temptation and scratch the itchy area, because... Such actions can lead to damage to the top layer of skin. An ulcer may form at this site and become infected. And this will lead to the appearance of an inflammatory process.

Itchy labia - don't use a razor

The main reason may be shaving. For example, if after the procedure you did not wash yourself well enough and there are shaved hairs left on your skin. They are the ones that can cause itching. Another reason is irritation after using a razor. During this procedure, the top layer of skin is removed. Irritation can also be caused by ingrown hairs.

Itchy labia - do not wear synthetic underwear

Not all women choose the right underwear. Some people prefer beautiful, but not very comfortable models. Wearing underwear that is too tight or synthetic can cause itching. But besides this, there is a risk of getting gynecological diseases, because synthetic underwear does not allow air to circulate freely.

Itchy labia - allergy to hygiene products

Perhaps the reason lies in the shower gel. Often flavors, dyes and preservatives cause allergic reactions. Especially when in contact with such a delicate area of skin as the labia. For intimate hygiene, it is better to use special products that do not contain fragrances or other irritating components.

Itchy labia - allergy to pads

Sometimes women experience itching after using certain pads. For example, those in the production of which dye is used. Of course, flowers and ornaments painted on the pad are cute. But this can cause irritation. Also, do not get carried away with various scented pads. The skin in intimate places is extremely delicate, so you need to use only hypoallergenic products without patterns or odors. You should also not forget about timely replacement of gaskets.

Itchy labia majora - vaginal dysbiosis

Various bacteria live in the vagina. Normally, their number is balanced. But if immunity decreases (after illness, stress, change in climate conditions, etc.), beneficial bacteria may not cope with their duties. Usually dysbiosis is not dangerous, and soon the balance is restored. But it is better to consult a doctor.

Itchy labia - STD

Itching can also signal the presence of a disease. This is especially true if, in addition to discomfort, there are the following signs: the discharge has changed color, an unpleasant odor has appeared. If your labia are itchy, do not self-medicate. See your doctor. He will make a diagnosis and prescribe treatment. If you try to solve the problem with folk remedies, you will only harm yourself.

Almost all women at least once throughout their lives experience the fact that the labia minora or majora begin to itch. There are many reasons for this phenomenon, and not all of them require treatment. But in some cases, feeling that the skin of the intimate areas is itching, it is necessary to contact a specialist for urgent treatment.

To know whether a woman needs medical help, it is worth familiarizing yourself with the most common causes of such symptoms.

Mucous membranes are a very thin and delicate part of the external intimate organs. The entire thickness of their integumentary tissues is permeated with nerve endings, and because of this, any irritating factors cause strong sensations.

Experts divide the main causes of itching in this area into the following categories:

external factors;
gynecological problems;
pathologies of internal organs and systems;
sexually transmitted diseases;
hormonal changes.

External factors

Often the cause of discomfort is factors that do not require therapy. It is important for a woman to know what external irritants can cause increasing itching in the intimate area:

Neglect of personal hygiene. Bathing once a day is unacceptable for women. Doctors advise cleaning the labia after waking up and before going to bed, and also remembering to wash the vulva after each sex session and visit to the toilet.
Wearing inappropriate underwear. Synthetic fabric often causes irritation to the skin and mucous membranes of the intimate areas, so it is necessary to give preference to the daily use of panties made from natural materials that provide good air exchange and prevent fogging in the groin area. In addition, itching and burning in this area may be due to large seams or poor quality lace.
Tampons and pads. Despite the fact that they are designed specifically to provide comfort during menstruation, their use can cause problems. This is because the moist and warm environment inside these products is an excellent environment for the rapid proliferation of microorganisms, and menstrual fluid is a suitable food for most of them. To avoid unpleasant consequences, you need to replace tampons and pads with new ones at least every 3 hours. Itching can also be caused by dyes or deodorants used to deodorize pads.
Allergic manifestations. The labia can itch even due to a simple food allergy. But most often, the allergens for the intimate area are the ingredients of the products that a woman uses to wash her vulva, intimate deodorants and other cosmetics. This reaction may cause severe itching and swelling in the perineum.
A woman's labia may itch due to epilation or depilation of the bikini area, after which irritation often occurs on the skin. Itching also appears when hairs grow back.
Stress, significant mental stress, depression and strong feelings can cause itching for women whose skin is prone to reactions in response to emotional changes.

The main sign that the external genitalia itches for external reasons is the absence of pathological discharge from the vagina.

Gynecological problems

Gynecological diseases very often cause discomfort in the vulva and perineal area. Symptoms such as itching, burning, swelling and hyperemia may be due to the development of one of the following diseases:

Vaginal dysbiosis(violation of the microflora composition). There can be many reasons for the development of such a disease, ranging from taking antibiotics to a general decrease in immunity and hypovitaminosis. A decrease in the number of lactobacilli becomes the reason for the development of pathogenic microflora, which causes unpleasant symptoms. Often, altered vaginal discharge with a pungent odor is observed.
Endometritis. This pathology occurs due to the proliferation of the intrauterine walls. In this case, purulent discharge, frequent pain in the pelvic region, and swelling of the labia majora are observed. Often, with such a diagnosis, the monthly cycle is disrupted, body temperature rises, and the uterus is clearly palpable, as its structure enlarges and hardens.
Leukoplakia of the genitourinary organs. With it, symptoms develop very slowly and appear in the form of white “plaques” on the mucous epithelium. Without treatment, the disease can develop into a malignant tumor.
Bartholinitis. With this pathology, the gland, which is located near the entrance to the vagina, becomes inflamed. The external intimate organs become swollen, reddened, and painful sensations are observed during walking, running or sexual intercourse. Small ulcers filled with pus often appear on the surface of the vulva. Itching occurs both during the development of ulcers and during their healing.
Vulvovaginitis. With this disease, itching and swelling are localized in the area of the labia majora and minora, which are affected by the inflammatory process. In some cases, they swell so much that they cause difficulty walking. The causes of this pathology include violations of intimate hygiene requirements or mechanical trauma to the vagina after medical examinations or abortions.

Disorders of the microflora or vulvovaginitis can be caused not only by a lack of intimate hygiene, but also by excessive use of soap with an antibacterial composition or douching with antiseptics, which wash away beneficial bacteria from the vagina.

Most gynecological diseases, if left untreated, cause dysfunction of the reproductive organs and can lead to absolute infertility.

Pathologies of internal organs

The folds of the lips major and minor itch, swell and tingle in many acute or chronic diseases not directly related to the woman’s genitourinary system. Such symptoms appear with diabetes mellitus, various types of hepatitis, lymphogranulomatosis, anemia, benign and malignant tumors, diseases of the hematopoietic organs, etc.

To determine the causes in such cases, specialists evaluate the accompanying symptoms that arise during the current illness, or prescribe an extensive additional examination.

Sexually transmitted diseases

With diseases transmitted during sex, burning, itching, tingling and other uncomfortable sensations can be very strong. They cause discomfort and affect not only a woman’s sexual activity, but also all other areas of activity, as they interfere with proper sleep, reduce performance, cause irritability and can cause serious complications.

Among the main sexually transmitted diseases that cause itching of the labia are the following:

. Appears against a background of weakened immunity, which often occurs after serious illnesses or long-term chronic illnesses. Itching with herpes is combined with a strong burning sensation, which reaches its peak at the time of the appearance of herpetic pimples filled with liquid. By the time the pimples and blisters heal, all unpleasant symptoms gradually subside.
Athlete's foot in the groin. An infection that at the first stage manifests itself in the form of small spots near the labia. At first, the size of these spots is small, but then gradually increases and grows up to 10 centimeters in diameter. In the center of the spot there are blisters that are very itchy.
Gardnerellosis. With this infection, the labia minora become significantly swollen and very itchy. A characteristic symptom is an unpleasant fishy odor emanating from the vulva. The inside of the vagina is covered with homogeneous whitish or grayish mucus, which gradually seeps out. Against the background of gardnerellosis, inflammation of the ovarian appendages may develop, which is a dangerous gynecological diagnosis that requires immediate treatment.
. This sexually transmitted disease causes an inflammatory process in the vagina, in the cervix, causing the secretion of an insufficient amount of secretion from the gland responsible for secreting lubricant during sex. For this reason, discomfort is felt during sexual intercourse. In addition, the production of copious vaginal discharge begins, which smells very unpleasant, causes irritation and itching.

This video explains how to get rid of itching due to genital herpes.

Patients with symptoms of sexually transmitted diseases turn to a venereologist or gynecologist, who can accurately determine the cause and relieve the woman of unpleasant sensations with the help of competent treatment.

Hormonal changes

Almost all hormone surges provoke changes in the mucous epithelium of the labia, which begin to itch and itch. Such phenomena are observed during puberty, pregnancy, breastfeeding, menopause or before the onset of menstruation. This is due to swelling of the skin and mucous membranes or a violation of acidity in the vagina.

In girls in adolescence, such symptoms are due to the immaturity of the endocrine glands. At the stage of growing up, they may not work in harmony, which can lead to unpleasant sensations in the vulva area.

Before the onset of menstruation, itching in the labia is caused by a sharp jump in progesterone, which also affects the emotionality of girls and women, making them more irritable and vulnerable.

Pregnancy is a period of major hormonal changes in a woman’s body. The external genitalia may become swollen and itchy, especially in the first trimester. In addition, during pregnancy, the cause of itching can be dysbacteriosis, which often plagues expectant mothers. An imbalance of microflora develops against a background of extreme stress on the immune system. After giving birth during the breastfeeding stage, a woman’s hormonal system continues to work in a special mode, adjusting to new functions, so during this period, uncharacteristic sensations in the groin area and perineum may also appear.

During menopause, there is a sharp decrease in estrogen, which is responsible for the protective properties of the epithelium of the genitourinary organs. This leads to dryness, flaking and, as a result, the labia majora and minora become very itchy.

If necessary, such problems can be solved by using local antipruritics, hormone replacement therapy, or drugs that enhance immunity.

How to relieve discomfort

Only comprehensive treatment prescribed by a qualified specialist can completely relieve symptoms.

But some measures can be taken before visiting a doctor to make life easier during diagnosis and examination:

When washing, you can use infusions of celandine, chamomile, string, or use a solution of furatsilin (1 tablet per 250 ml of water). The water for washing should not be cold, so as not to chill the genitals, but at the same time, you should not use hot water, so as not to burn the delicate skin.
If the epithelium is too dry, then you can use special pharmaceutical sprays and lubricants based on natural extracts.
You should avoid sex during treatment so as not to increase the already noticeable irritation.
It is necessary to exclude spicy foods, alcohol and foods containing yeast and possible allergens from the diet.
You can use baths with infusion of sage, yarrow or St. John's wort. Soda baths also have an anti-inflammatory effect.
The development of fungal microflora is stopped by douching with a weak solution of potassium permanganate. After douching, the epithelium can be treated with borax in glycerin.
Tampons soaked in solutions of miramistin or chlorhexidine are successfully used for dysbacteriosis.
Creams and suppositories, such as micomazole, tioconazole or clotrimazole, work well as antipruritics. They cannot be used often, but they are quite suitable for quick relief of the condition. The ideal form of such preparations is gel-like, as it allows the product to be fully absorbed and provide quick results.
Rapid relief of symptoms occurs after irrigation with a soda-salt solution in boiled water. Such irrigation can be carried out up to 3 times a day, preferably at equal intervals.

Independent use of measures to relieve itching without additional therapy will not eliminate the complication, but will only weaken the symptoms and contribute to the transition of the underlying disease to a chronic form.

In order to prevent discomfort, you should adhere to preventive measures:

refuse panty liners;
do not use tight underwear made of non-natural materials;
avoid hypothermia of the pelvis and legs;
periodically take multivitamin complexes;
use barrier contraception methods;
undergo annual examinations with a gynecologist.

Compliance with these measures and careful care of your health will help not only get rid of all the troubles caused by such symptoms, but will help strengthen the immune system and a general positive attitude, which should be a woman’s constant companion.