Itching and burning in the intimate area in women - how to treat?

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Itching and burning in the intimate area in women - how to treat?
Itching and burning in the intimate area in women - how to treat?
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Itching and burning in the intimate area in women

Itching and burning in the intimate area
Itching and burning in the intimate area

Itching and burning in the intimate area can begin to disturb a woman at any age. Most often, these unpleasant sensations are accompanied by hyperemia and swelling of the mucous membranes, as well as the appearance of microtraumas of the external genital organs. Itching is a specific skin reaction that causes you to scratch problem areas. This, in turn, poses a risk of infection by disease-causing pathogenic agents. They provoke inflammation and ulceration.

It is important to understand that a he althy woman who observes the rules of intimate hygiene will never experience discomfort in the intimate area. Therefore, the appearance of a burning sensation, accompanied by itching, is a reason for an urgent examination by a gynecologist. Do not engage in self-therapy and diagnosis, so as not to aggravate the course of a possible pathology. Only a doctor, having performed the necessary tests, will be able to make a correct diagnosis and prescribe adequate treatment.

In itself itching in the intimate area is not a disease. This is just a symptom indicating a pathological process in the genitals of a woman. Itching makes it clear that a failure has occurred in the body that requires attention. Measures can begin to be taken after the exact causes of itching are established. All methods of self-therapy, for example, douching, lotions, intimate baths, the use of creams, ointments and medicines are unacceptable. Illiterate treatment can not only not get rid of the pathology, but also cause serious harm to he alth. In addition, the clinical picture of the disease is disturbed due to self-treatment, and it will be more difficult for the doctor to make a correct diagnosis.

Causes of itching in the intimate area in women

All causes leading to itching of the vulva in women can be divided into the following groups, each of which contains many more sub-items:

  • Gynecological diseases.
  • Diseases not related to the reproductive system.
  • Other factors - endogenous and exogenous.
  • Gynecological diseases. Almost any sexual infection is accompanied by burning and itching in the intimate area. Normally, in the vagina and on the skin of the genitals of a woman there are always bacteria belonging to the opportunistic flora. However, without the influence of additional provoking factors, they do not cause discomfort.

When the causes that cause the reproduction of infectious agents appear, the process of inflammation begins, accompanied by itching and burning:

  • Candidiasis. This pathology is caused by yeast-like microorganisms belonging to the genus Candida. More often, women call candidiasis thrush, and doctors call yeast colpitis. In addition to itching and burning, which cause great concern to the patient, candidiasis provokes the appearance of thick, cheesy white discharge;
  • Vulvovaginitis, vaginitis, colpitis of a bacterial nature. Itching and discharge with an unpleasant "fishy" smell can cause opportunistic bacteria that have passed into the phase of active reproduction, most often this gardnerella. In addition, vaginitis and colpitis are often provoked by cocci and Escherichia coli. Mixed infections of the female genital tract can also be diagnosed. Before the next menstruation, discomfort increases.
  • Allergic reactions to sexual partner secretions. Sometimes it happens that women experience allergic reactions after unprotected intercourse. They occur on male sperm and lubricant, and cause a characteristic itching and burning sensation in the intimate area in women. Such situations occur quite rarely and they are associated with the incompatibility of the microflora of the couple. This is a rather serious problem that needs to be de alt with. It is possible that the reaction was provoked by food or drugs that the man takes. To find out exactly the cause, it is necessary to pass allergenic tests and samples.

Gynecologist Ekaterina Volkova - Why genital itching occurs:

In addition, there are many infections that can be sexually transmitted and exist in the body absolutely asymptomatically. With a decrease in immune forces, with the transition of chronic diseases to an acute stage, after viral infections, they can manifest themselves. Moreover, the itching can be mild and not cause the woman too much discomfort. Often the sexual intercourse that led to the infection occurs a long time ago, and the symptoms of burning and itching occur much later.

Among such dangerous diseases:

  • Venereal infections. Wider than others, according to the Ministry of He alth of Russia, syphilis, gonorrhea, lymphogranuloma of venereal origin, donovanosis, soft chancre are widespread. Especially often, infection with the corresponding pathogens is recorded in some resort countries located closer to the south;
  • Chlamydia is a common disease in women. It is recurrent, often transforming into a chronic infection;
  • Trichomoniasis,which, in addition to itching, is accompanied by discharge with foam, with an unpleasant odor and with a yellow-green color;
  • Genital warts which are caused by the human papillomavirus. As a result, a woman develops warts on her genitals, causing discomfort;
  • Genital herpes,capable of causing severe itching in the vaginal area. In addition, a woman will be disturbed by formations that look like skin rashes. They, in addition to itching, are accompanied by painful sensations;
  • Mycoplasmosis and ureaplasmosis, as well as other sexually transmitted infections, are accompanied by itching;
  • Urethritis, cervicitis, endometritis - all these diseases can occur as complications of existing genital infections. When urethritis itches and inflames the mucous membrane lining the urethra, discomfort is accompanied by burning and pain during urination. With cervicitis, the mucous membrane of the cervix becomes inflamed, and itching occurs in the vaginal area. Cervicitis can also develop after an injury. With endometritis, the uterus becomes inflamed, and the woman is concerned about the discharge, which causes irritation of the external genitalia.

If the above diseases that can lead to itching and burning in the intimate area are more common in women of reproductive age, but there are also pathologies that more often affect women over 45.

Among those:

  • Kraurosis of the vulva This is a pathological process of an atrophic nature with a chronic course. It affects the skin and mucous membrane of the vulva, occurs against the background of age-related changes. In addition to a burning sensation in the area of the entrance gate to the vagina, a woman has a feeling of dryness and burning in the clitoris (which undergoes sclerotic changes), labia and the vagina itself (against its stenosis);
  • Atrophic changes in the vaginal mucosa. When a woman enters menopause, she releases less natural lubrication, causing the mucosa to dry out, become more sensitive, hurt and itch, especially after intercourse. Atrophic changes are provoked by menopause, when the vaginal tissues become thinner. In addition, autoimmune diseases can become the cause of atrophy;
  • Malignant and benign formations of the vagina, as well as the cervix and body of the uterus. Unpleasant sensations in the form of burning and itching can be provoked by such serious pathologies as polyposis growths, cancer, Gartner's passage cyst, myoma and fibroma;
  • Fistulas. They provoke inflammation of the vagina when they react with the urine they enter during the process of urination. Fistulas can form as a result of an incorrectly performed caesarean section, after intensive labor and undergone urological and gynecological operations;
  • Diseases of non-gynecological nature. Any infectious pathology starts the process of intoxication in the body. It affects all organs and organ systems, so it can cause itching anywhere.

The intimate zone of a woman in this regard is no exception:

itching and burning in women
itching and burning in women
  • Allergic reaction to any irritant provokes skin rash and dermatitis, which often appears in the genital area;
  • Diabetes mellitus is another disease, a symptom of which can be itching in the intimate area. To exclude such a diagnosis, it is necessary to take a blood test for glucose;
  • Chronic fatigue syndrome, susceptibility to stress factors. Especially often, anxious and sensitive women suffer from depressive moods, overwork and stress. It is known that any psychological disorders and diseases of the nervous system (neuropathies - peripheral and central) affect the skin receptors, causing itching, including in the intimate area;
  • Thyroid disease, pathology of the kidneys and liver. Disorders of the functioning of the thyroid gland, cirrhosis, hepatitis, leukemia, anemia and other diseases of the most important internal organs of a person have a negative impact on the entire body. This also applies to the crotch area;
  • Phthiriasis and helminthiasis. It turns out that infection with parasites (helminths) can provoke itching not only in the anus, but also in the vagina and surrounding external tissues. Therefore, often the gynecologist gives a referral for testing for worm eggs. Phthiriasis is another common and quite obvious cause of itching in the intimate area;
  • Diseases of the digestive system. Slight itching, burning sensation and pain in the vaginal area are sometimes caused by problems such as intestinal dysbacteriosis, hemorrhoids (internal and external), proctitis, fissures anus;
  • Hematological diseases. Cancer problems such as leukemia, lymphogranulomatosis, oncology of the female genital organs, even the early stage of the disease - all this can provoke discomfort in the perineal region;
  • Cause itching and burning in the intimate area in women can be cystitis, which is often combined with other sexual diseases: vaginal candidiasis, intestinal dysbacteriosis. Pyelonephritis is a frequent companion of cystitis. See also: Cystitis in women - causes, symptoms, how to treat;
  • Other factors - endogenous and exogenous. There are external and internal causes that can provoke itching and burning in the genital area in women, but they are not associated with pathologies of a gynecological nature or body in general.

If itching after the elimination of the following etiological factors does not stop after three days, then it is advisable to consult a gynecologist:

  • Wearing unhygienic underwear. It may be too tight, tight or uncomfortable, or made from synthetic materials. As a result, a greenhouse effect is created in the intimate area, often combined with injury to the skin. Poor quality underwear is one of the most common causes of itching and burning in the intimate area in women;
  • The use of hygiene products with irritating components included in their composition. Harsh chemicals, preservatives, fragrances, fragrances found in soaps, deodorants, shower gels can cause itching. In addition, sanitary pads, tampons, and toilet paper are potential hazards. Even washing powders that are used to process linen often cause unwanted manifestations from the genitals. An allergic reaction may occur to the dyes included in clothing;
  • Hypocooling of the pelvic organs and external genitalia, as well as their overheating can cause itching;
  • Creams and tablets used intravaginally, ointments and vaginal suppositories used to prevent unwanted pregnancy can cause itching and burning in the intimate area;
  • Contraceptives like the condom are also often irritating and itchy. Female genital reactions can occur to the latex it is made from. In addition, lubricants, spermicides, and lubricants that condoms are treated with are potential irritants. As a rule, an unwanted reaction occurs immediately after intercourse;
  • Prolonged nervous tension and severe stress can cause itching in the intimate area and throughout the body as a whole;
    • Violation of the diet, excessive passion for a variety of diets leads to a lack of vitamins and beneficial trace elements, this negatively affects the immune system, the ability of the skin to regenerate and causes irritation and itching in the intimate areas. In addition, the passion for semi-finished and instant products has a negative impact due to the abundance of allergenic preservatives and dyes in them. Itching in the intimate area can cause spicy, pickled and sweet dishes;
    • Failure to follow the rules of intimate hygiene. At least once a day, a woman should wash her genitals without using soapy solutions.

    Itching in intimate area after taking antibiotics

    antibiotics
    antibiotics

    Unreasonable intake of antibacterial drugs in excess of the recommended dosages can provoke a pathological reaction of the body, which is expressed in allergies and dysbacteriosis. These processes are often accompanied by severe itching in the intimate area.

    The following conditions can provoke itching after the end of a course of antibiotic therapy:

    • Vaginal dysbiosis. Normally, there are up to 40 types of bacteria in the vagina. They mutually control each other's activity and protect the woman from pathogenic flora. Taking antibacterial drugs can upset this balance, harmful bacteria will begin to prevail over beneficial ones. As a result, the woman will develop vaginal dysbacteriosis with all the accompanying symptoms;
    • Allergic reactions. Taking any medication threatens to develop allergies. Often it manifests itself in various skin reactions. Therefore, itching in the intimate area while taking antibiotics may be due to allergies. This process may be accompanied by the appearance of a rash like urticaria or a rash characteristic of measles, in the form of erythema or contact dermatitis. After discontinuation of the drug and taking antihistamines and enterosorbents, itching usually disappears. It is also possible to use ointments with glucocorticoids, however, they are prescribed for prolonged skin reactions. The most dangerous in terms of the development of contact dermatitis are antibacterial drugs of the penicillin series;
    • Intestinal dysbacteriosis can also cause itching in the intimate area. Or rather, not dysbacteriosis itself, but the consequences that it causes: vaginitis, colpitis, urethritis, candidiasis, etc. As you know, it is intestinal dysbacteriosis that is the most common complication of taking antibacterial agents.

    In order to prevent the development of undesirable consequences from antibiotic treatment, it is necessary to avoid self-administration of antibiotics. Dosage, frequency of administration, timing of the therapeutic course, parallel intake of eubiotics - all these issues should be decided by the attending physician. If itching still appears, then consultation with your doctor is necessary.

    Itching, odor and discharge in women's intimate area

    It is normal for every woman to have vaginal discharge from time to time. In young girls, they may be more abundant than in women of reproductive age and menopause. They should be inconspicuous, transparent, or with a cream or white tint. There is no smell from such secretions. Their consistency is liquid, during the process of ovulation, the discharge can become stretchy and slimy.

    If the discharge emits an unpleasant odor and causes itching, then this is considered abnormal.

    Such discharges require attention and medical attention:

    • A sour smell and change in consistency (cheesiness) may indicate the onset of vaginal candidiasis. There are many reasons for this disease (hormonal disorders, dysbacteriosis, taking medications, using inappropriate hygiene products, etc.);
    • Clear foamy discharge may be a symptom of chlamydia infection;
    • If the whites have a grayish tint and an unpleasant fishy smell, then this may indicate gardnerellosis, bacterial vaginosis. At the same time, the vaginal microflora, represented by lactobacilli, is disturbed, the beneficial flora is replaced by anaerobic bacteria and gardnerella. Traces on linen, as a rule, do not leave such secretions. However, during intercourse, the smell of rotten fish appears, the discharge intensifies after intimacy. There can be many reasons for grayish whiteness with an unpleasant odor - a decrease in immune defense, menopause, hormonal dysfunction, pregnancy, menopause, intestinal dysbacteriosis, etc.;
    • If the discharge becomes greenish, has an unpleasant smell, becomes abundant, then this speaks in favor of an inflammatory reaction and suppuration. It is the abundance of leukocytes that died in the fight against inflammation that gives the secretions a greenish tint. The stronger the inflammatory reaction, the richer the color will be, the stronger the smell and itching in the intimate area;
    • If the discharge has a yellowish tint, accompanied by itching and smell, then this may be a sign indicating a Trichomonas infection. A similar color is caused by the defeat of the vaginal Trichomonas, and there are not too many leukocytes in it.

    Increased leucorrhoea can be triggered by inflammation of the appendages, vagina, cervix (cervicitis) or organ body.

    The following types of discharge, accompanied by itching and odor, should be the reason for going to the doctor:

    • Abundant, white, with cheesy patches;
    • Transparent foamy discharge;
    • Brown stains on linen between periods. Any pathological discoloration of discharge;
    • The appearance of a putrid, sour, "fishy" smell;
    • Leucorrhoea, accompanied by burning sensation during urination due to an increase in body temperature, when there is a feeling of dryness and discomfort, both after intercourse and regardless of intimacy.

    Profuse, odorless and itchy discharge

    Copious discharge
    Copious discharge

    Discharge from female representatives should be, as this is the result of the normal functioning of the vaginal mucosa. It is thanks to the secretions that it produces self-purification, gets rid of various bacterial microorganisms, dead epithelial cells, menstrual blood, and accumulated mucus.

    In the vast majority of cases, vaginal discharge is colorless and odorless. But sometimes their volume can increase, which makes a woman alert. In some cases, there is indeed cause for concern, since heavy discharge can indicate serious illness. However, the discharge at the same time changes its texture and smell, causing discomfort and itching. In this case, you need to seek help from a specialist.

    The increased volume of secretions that are colorless and odorless may indicate the following reactions and processes occurring in the body:

    • Ovulation period has come;
    • The next period is approaching;
    • Woman is sexually aroused;
    • There has been a change in the climate zone;
    • Pregnancy taking place;
    • Severe stress was transferred;
    • The girl has entered puberty.

    It is worth remembering that the volume of vaginal discharge throughout the day should not exceed one teaspoon or 2 ml. They should have a uniform consistency and not have an unpleasant odor.

    Itching and burning in the intimate area without discharge

    Causes that can lead to itching and burning in the genital area in the absence of discharge may be as follows:

    • Violation of the rules of intimate hygiene (affects contact with urine, activity of sweat glands, folded structure of the external genital organs, etc.);
    • Illiterate depilation and the use of a razor to remove hair (scratches and other microtraumas appear, ingrown hairs can also irritate the skin);
    • The effect of temperature changes on the genitals;
    • Wearing tight-fitting underwear (size mismatch, coarse seams, poor quality materials);
    • Injured genitals;
    • Using intimate soap (too much use) leading to intimate dryness and itching;
    • Using poor-quality pads and tampons that can cause an allergic reaction;
    • Prone to allergic reactions;
    • Diabetes;
    • Hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism;
    • Diseases of the liver and gallbladder (itching is caused by the accumulation of bile acids in the body, can occur anywhere on the body, including the perineum);
    • Genital herpes;
    • Pubic lice.

    Some diseases of the gynecological sphere, with certain features of their course, may not be accompanied by discharge, but cause a sensation of itching and burning, for example, ureaplasmosis, trichomoniasis and others. Therefore, if discomfort of an unexplained etiology occurs, it is necessary to seek the advice of a doctor.

    Itching in the intimate area during pregnancy

    Itching in the intimate area during pregnancy
    Itching in the intimate area during pregnancy

    Skin itching that occurs in the perineal region at the time when a woman is carrying a child is an unfavorable manifestation of pregnancy. Most often, its cause lies in the hormonal changes that occur in the body of a pregnant woman.

    Serious fluctuations in hormonal levels often cause a malfunction in the functioning of the immune system. As a result, the microflora of the vagina changes, the number of pathogens increases. This can provoke colpitis, candidiasis, dysbacteriosis and other diseases. Therefore, if itching appears in the intimate area at the time of gestation, it is urgent to seek advice from an obstetrician-gynecologist. He will perform the necessary tests and, if necessary, select the appropriate therapy. It is strictly forbidden to self-medicate while carrying a fetus, as this endangers the he alth of the unborn child.

    When detecting vaginal candidiasis, a pregnant woman should not panic. According to available statistics, from 80 to 90% of all women bearing a child suffer from it. With timely and correct therapy, its success without consequences for the fetus is almost 100%.

    In addition to the fact that itching can be triggered by hormonal changes, the cause can be both general diseases and pathologies of the gynecological sphere, as well as exogenous and endogenous factors listed above.

    It is important to remember that from the 14th week of pregnancy, vaginal discharge intensifies, which is provoked by the work of the placenta, which begins to produce progesterone. Therefore, during this period, you need to pay increased attention to intimate hygiene. It is worth making sure that the discharge does not emit an unpleasant odor, since its presence is a sign of a woman's ill he alth.

    Special requirements for the hygiene of pregnant women are also due to possible urinary incontinence and increased work of the sebaceous and sweat glands. All this can also provoke itching in the intimate area, especially against the background of insufficient care.

    Underwear worn by the expectant mother should be comfortable and made from quality natural materials.

    How to treat itching in the intimate area?

    To get rid of the unpleasant feeling of itching and burning in the genital area, you must try to exclude all possible factors not related to diseases of the body and the reproductive system.

    • Perhaps a new shower product, laundry detergent, inexpensive laundry, etc. was purchased and used;
    • Starting birth control is another cause of itching in the intimate area;
    • You need to listen to the body, think about what could become an exogenous factor provocateur of itching and burning.

    If the probable cause is established, but after its elimination, the itching does not stop for three days, a visit to the doctor is mandatory.

    Dubious and unprotected sexual intercourse is a reason to undergo a gynecological examination even in the absence of itching. If a symptom appears (even after a long time), a visit to the doctor is mandatory. Latent infections can quietly exist in the body, exerting a pathogenic effect on all its systems. A sign that helps to suspect a hidden disease is increased itching during the ovulatory cycle and before or during the next menstruation. After menstruation, itching becomes less pronounced, or disappears completely. It is impossible to cure a sexually transmitted infection on your own. The type of pathogen, its sensitivity to antibacterial drugs should be determined in the laboratory, and only after that they are selected. In addition, the doctor recommends vitamin therapy, physiotherapy, selects means to normalize the intestinal and vaginal microflora, etc.e.

    Curdled discharge and itching in the intimate area are common symptoms of thrush. You should not buy popular drugs or suppositories without determining the cause of the disease. They will help only temporarily drown out unpleasant manifestations, and candidiasis threatens to become chronic. Only a specialist can help determine the etiology of the disease.

    Gynecologist Ekaterina Volkova - Discomfort in the vagina, what to do at home. Simple remedies:

    In case of atrophic processes affecting the genital mucosa, doctors select hormonal drugs. It is possible that they will be locally applied and will allow a woman in menopause to get rid of itching and burning in the intimate area. You can't take hormonal drugs on your own. They have a large number of serious side effects and can provoke cancer.

    Gynecologist Ekaterina Volkova - Dryness in the intimate area and methods of correction:

    You also do not need to do any douching without a doctor's recommendation. Most gynecologists generally oppose this procedure and prescribe it only when absolutely necessary. Therefore, in order to get rid of itching and burning in the intimate area, it is necessary, first of all, to consult a doctor. Only in this way the problem will be completely eliminated, and the woman's he alth and quality of life will not suffer.

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