We all know that pain is an indispensable symptom of almost all ailments. It is she who forces many people to pay attention to their he alth and visit a doctor. However, the body can also give other signals that something is not right with it. Among them, one can distinguish itching in intimate places. This phenomenon is not as scary as pain, but it also makes you suffer. Itching deprives sleep and rest, reduces efficiency, kills the desire for intimacy. What does such an unpleasant symptom indicate? Do I need to rush to the hospital when it appears, or can I get by with home remedies? What is fraught with self-treatment of itching in intimate places? In our article you will find answers to all these questions.
Why can women have itchy skin in an intimate place?
There are many reasons for this phenomenon, but all of them can be divided into two groups. The first includes those that are not associated with diseases. These include:
- Poor hygiene.
- The reaction of the skin and mucous membranes to the material of the underwear.
- Allergy to pads and tampons.
- Predominance of spicy and spicy foods in the diet.
- Hormonal disorders caused by certain medications, pregnancy.
- Itching in an intimate place after antibiotics (they kill beneficial microflora, which immediately use pathogenic and opportunistic microorganisms).
- Too violent sex.
- Inappropriate skin hygiene products (soap, shower gel).
- Frequent stress.
If the causes of itching in an intimate place in women are exactly like this, treatment with medications is not required.
How to know that the genitals itch not because of the disease? To do this, a woman must perform some actions:
- Start washing away not occasionally, but every day. It is advisable to use intimate hygiene products for this. If they are not available, you can replace them with baby soap. It does not contain chemical ingredients such as dyes, flavors, fragrances. Everything that manufacturers put there is chamomile or string extracts. In cases of hypersensitivity of the skin, you can wash yourself without soap at all, using only a pale pink solution of potassium permanganate or a decoction of chamomile. In medical practice, there are cases when women were allergic to chlorinated water with itching of the genitals.
- Change washing powder.
- Replace underwear, for example, synthetics for cotton, thongs for classic briefs.
- Startuse a different brand of pads and tampons.
You can also review your diet, daily routine, priorities in intimacy.
If hormonal disruptions are the cause of itching, it is still worth visiting a gynecologist. The doctor will select corrective agents that will improve the general condition of the woman and relieve the unpleasant symptom. If you treat itching only with "grandmother's" methods, you can achieve only a short-term improvement by driving the problem inside.
If all these methods do not help, there is a high probability that the cause of itching in an intimate place is a disease. In such a situation, an appeal to a doctor is necessary at least in order to find out what kind of ailment causes an annoying symptom. Without it, treatment is impossible.
In men, itching in the intimate area can appear for the same reasons, with the exception of pregnancy and pads.
Non-communicable diseases causing genital itching
Many women are embarrassed to go to the doctor with such a problem as itching in an intimate place. They believe that this symptom is inherent only in venereal diseases and fear that they will definitely be branded with an unflattering stigma. In fact, there are many ailments that have nothing to do with intimate relationships, but in which genital itching is observed. Among them:
- Bacvaginosis.
- Thrush (candidiasis).
- Enterobiosis.
- Diabetes mellitus.
- Lymphogranulomatosis.
- Oncological diseases of the female genital organs.
- Hepatitis.
- Kidney disease.
- Inguinal epidermophytosis.
- Diseases of the urinary organs.
- Pubic lice.
The gynecologist, who should be contacted initially, will conduct a series of tests. Based on their results, he will either prescribe treatment or send to other specialists - a urologist, oncologist, endocrinologist, dermatologist. Consider the features of the manifestation of the above ailments and how to treat them.
Bacvaginosis
It appears when the balance of microflora in the vagina is disturbed, in which the number of beneficial lactobacilli decreases or completely disappears, and the number of unhe althy gardnerella, streptococci and anaerobic microbes increases. Bacvaginosis can be caused by various reasons, among which there are also insufficient hygiene of the genital organs and hormonal disorders associated with age-related changes (menopause, puberty), with menstruation, with the use of certain contraceptives. In addition, too diligent hygiene procedures, consisting in daily douching, radiation therapy, taking cytostatics, antibiotics, and glucocorticosteroids, can disrupt the vaginal microflora.
A distinctive feature of this pathology is that both itching in an intimate place and discharge are present at the same time. Most often they are whitish-gray in color with a fishy smell. Pain during urination is rare, but women may experience significant discomfort during intimacy.
If it's these kinds of inconveniences that bother you,do not try to deal with them by douching with solutions of soda, vinegar or something else. The microbes that have bred in the vagina must be destroyed, and the lactobacilli should be repopulated. This is only possible with medical drugs. To know which antibiotic to use, the doctor must take a swab from the vagina and do a bakposev. With its help, the composition of the microflora is determined. But in practice, they find out the type of bacteria only in those cases when the classical therapy regimens do not help the patient. How to get rid of itching in an intimate place caused by bacterial vaginosis?
Treatment consists of two stages. On the first one, “bad” microbes are killed, and on the second, “good” microbes are settled. The algorithm is:
Metronidazole (gel) is injected into the vagina for 5 days
or
2% Clindamycin (cream) administered for 7 days
or
Take Tinidazole orally once a day for 3 days and at the same time insert suppositories containing clindamycin into the vagina.
With any scheme, they drink a Metronidazole tablet once for the entire treatment.
At the end of this stage, take a break for 2-3 days.
Further therapy includes the following:
- 5-10 days in the morning and evening "Acilact" (candles) is inserted into the vagina.
- Take "Befiliz" orally (according to the instructions attached to the drug).
Thrush
It's a fungal disease. Its "culprit" is Candida mushroom. It belongs to the group of opportunistic microorganisms and is always present in the microflora of the vagina, as well as the oral cavity and small intestine. Diseasebegins to develop when the number of colonies of the fungus gets out of control. The main reason for this is a decrease in immunity. This condition can be caused by:
- Frequent colds, hypothermia.
- Stress.
- Treatment with antibiotics.
- Many diseases of the internal organs of various etiologies.
- Hormonal disorders.
- Sudden weight loss.
- Impaired metabolism.
- Obesity.
- Bad diet.
- Alcoholism.
- Tobacco smoking.
- Increased physical activity.
- Staying in areas with unfavorable ecology.
With candidiasis, itching in intimate places in women increases in the evening. At the same time, curdled discharge with an unpleasant odor (not fishy, as with bacvaginosis) may appear. Itching is often accompanied by burning during urination. The reason for this may be the scratching of the genitals during sleep. Another sign of candidiasis is redness and swelling of the genitals, and in some women, an additional rash on the skin.
Diagnosis is by smear.
Treatment is carried out on the basis of antifungal agents, which the doctor selects individually for each patient. Drugs of choice for external use (creams, gels, ointments): Clotrimazole, Miconazole, Pimafucin, Lomexin, Canison and their analogues.
Drugs of choice for oral use: Flunol, Pimafucin, Miron, Mycoflucan, Fluconazole, Diflazon and their analogues.
Additionally, vitamin complexes and prebiotics are prescribed.
Enterobiosis
This is one of the types of helminthic invasions. The reasons for its appearance in adults are poor hygiene (dirty hands, unwashed fruits and vegetables). There are many worms that parasitize in the human body. Enterobiasis is caused by pinworms. Their life cycle includes coming out of the anus at night to lay eggs in the perianal folds. This process is accompanied by severe itching in intimate places. Worms provoke it so that the eggs get under the victim's nails, and then into the oral cavity. In women, pinworms often crawl into the vagina, delivering a lot of discomfort. Finding pinworms on your own is very difficult. You need to go to the hospital, take a scraping from the perianal folds. The treatment of the problem is very simple - you will need to take an antihelminthic drug. Suitable "Vermox", "Decaris" and many others. The course is carried out twice. The first - immediately after the diagnosis, the second - after 14 days. By this time, all the worms will be removed from the eggs in the body. During the period of helminthic invasion, it is necessary to wash yourself after each trip to the toilet for the purpose of defecation, change underwear every day, treat all family members.
Pubic pediculosis (phthiriasis)
The cause of the problem are small (up to 3 mm long) insects - pubic lice. You can pick them up from a sexual partner or in the household way - through clothes, towels, bedding that an infected person uses. It is very difficult to see lice or their nits with the naked eye due to their negligible size. Signals of infection canserve:
- Itching in an intimate place.
- Multiple scratches.
- Orange dots on shorts.
- Brown spots on the skin - bite marks.
As a treatment, it can be advised to remove all vegetation from the causative site, which must be treated with one of the drugs for pediculosis: Medifox, Nittifor, Pedillin, Vitar.
At the same time, you need to boil bed and underwear, as well as treat your sexual partner.
Inguinal epidermophytosis
This disease affects men more often, but it also occurs in women. It is caused by the fungus Epidermophyton floccosum. You can catch it in the classic way for fungal diseases - in baths, saunas, swimming pools, if you do not attach importance to hygiene. The fungus multiplies well in the folds of the skin, where there is increased sweating - in the groin, under the armpits, and in women under the mammary glands. Sometimes it captures areas of the skin around the anus, and in men it spreads to the scrotum. The symptoms of the disease are easily recognizable. These are pink spots with a flaky surface, gradually increasing in size. Their edges are clearly limited, and vesicles and pustules are observed in the center. When the inflammatory processes in the center of the spot are reduced, the skin is cleared. Therefore, the spots always look like rings. If they are located in the inguinal region, near the anus and on the scrotum, there is unbearable itching in intimate places in women and men.
Diagnosis is carried out by taking a scraping.
Treatment is local. Preparationschoice: "Lamisil", "Clotrimozol", "Ketoconazole", "Mikoseptin" and their analogues.
With inguinal epidermophytosis, baths with decoctions of celandine, chamomile, string are very helpful.
Diseases of the urinary organs
These are urethritis, pyelonephritis, cystitis, inflammation of the ureters and kidneys. These ailments occur for various reasons, the most common of which is infection with pathogenic microorganisms. With urethritis and cystitis, itching and burning in an intimate place are almost always observed. Other characteristic features:
- Sharp pain during urination.
- Temperature.
- Lack of appetite.
- Fatigue.
- Pain in the lower abdomen.
Itching of the genital organs in these diseases may begin due to the fact that during inflammatory processes urea decay products are released, which have the property of irritating the mucous membranes and epidermis.
If the patient experiences itching and burning in an intimate place, he should consult a urologist for appropriate diagnosis and treatment.
In diseases of the internal organs that cause itching of the genital organs, patients should receive the necessary treatment under the supervision of doctors of narrow speci alties - an endocrinologist, an infectious disease specialist, a hematologist, an oncologist. The presence of these ailments is indicated by their characteristic symptoms.
Infectious diseases
Very often the cause of itching in an intimate place in women and men are sexually transmitted diseases. These include:
- Chlamydia.
- Gonorrhea.
- Genital herpes.
- Trichomoniasis.
- Mycoplasmosis.
All of them in the vast majority of cases are transmitted through intimacy with a sick partner. It is very rare to catch a sexually transmitted disease through a towel or clothing that an infected person has used.
Chlamydia
The "culprit" of the disease is a bacterium called chlamydia. It often affects women, which is explained by the peculiarities of the vaginal mucosa. Chlamydia can be asymptomatic. It depends on the individual characteristics of the organism. If the signs appear, then not very intense. Patients may feel itching and burning in an intimate place. Women also experience foul-smelling discharge of a purulent-mucous nature, pain in the lower part of the peritoneum, and bleeding between periods. In men, chlamydia resembles urethritis and is accompanied by pain in the urethra, scrotum, testicles, and lower back. There may be discharge from the urethra.
Treatment of itching and burning in an intimate place caused by chlamydia is carried out only with the help of antibiotic therapy. Drugs of choice: Erythromycin, Roxithromycin, Oleandomycin, Clarithromycin, Azithromycin (taken once), Doxycycline.
In addition to antibiotics, Fluconazole and Interferon are prescribed.
Gonorrhea
Gonococcus bacteria “reward” us with this sore. With unprotected intercourse, out of 4 women, 3 get gonorrhea (for comparison, only 1 becomes infected with chlamydia). itthe disease can occur in acute and chronic forms. Approximately 50% of those infected do not experience any symptoms. In the remaining men and women in the acute form, purulent discharge, pain, itching and burning in intimate places are observed. The reason is that the microbe penetrates the mucous organs and causes severe inflammation in them. At the same time, the act of urination is incredibly painful, the patient's condition is severe, the genitals swell, eczema may develop on the skin, sometimes there is necrosis of the foreskin.
Treatment is carried out with the use of antibiotics (intramuscularly and orally). Drugs: Ceftriaxone, Doxycycline, Azithromycin.
Trichomoniasis
This infection brings us the bacterium Trichomonas vaginalis. This disease affects both sexes, but itching in intimate places is observed only in women. Also, patients experience burning and pronounced pain when urinating due to hyperemia of the mucous membranes. From the vagina stand out pus with blood impurities. The smell of discharge is fishy, which some may mistake for bacvaginosis. However, with trichomoniasis, there are ulcerations of the mucous membranes of the vagina, which is a hallmark. In men, the symptoms of this disease often resemble prostatitis.
To make an accurate diagnosis, microscopic examination of secretions is carried out, as well as PCR, NASBA.
Trichomoniasis is treated with shock doses of "Metronidazole" (tablets inside). Antibiotics, antifungal drugs, immunomodulators are also prescribed. Patients are prescribed to undergo a course of physiotherapy, procedures for washing the urethra (microclysters,douching).
Mycoplasmosis
This disease is caused by a whole group of mycoplasma bacteria. According to some data, there are 4 of them, according to others - 11. They can be introduced into the mucous membranes of various organs of the genitourinary system, and therefore the disease occurs in the forms of urethritis, cervicitis, salpingitis, vaginitis. Some women experience itching in an intimate place without discharge, or they are so scarce that they are not given importance. More characteristic symptoms include burning during urination, pain in the lower back, in the lower abdomen, bleeding during menopause. In men, the symptoms are almost the same. In addition, they may complain of pain in the scrotum and groin.
Diagnosis of mycoplasmosis is carried out using PCR, RIF, ELISA.
Treatment of the disease is performed only with the help of antibacterial drugs - tetracyclines, lincosamines, macrolides, fluoroquinolones. Drugs are prescribed by a doctor based on a study of the resistance of bacteria found in a particular patient.
Genital herpes
The cause of itching in an intimate place can be the well-known herpes simplex virus (HSV 2). Curiously, about 90% of earthlings are affected by it, but only a part of them develop a sexual disease if the virus additionally enters the body during sexual contact. In women, the disease is diagnosed twice as often as in men. Reasons:
- Low immunity.
- Unprotected intercourse.
- Intrauterine device.
- Abortions.
Sometimes a person can infect himself by transferringhands viruses, for example, from the lips to the genitals.
A distinctive symptom is a rash characteristic of herpes on the genitals, as well as in the perineum, around the anus, on the thighs. In addition, there are headaches, fever, burning, pain and itching in intimate places in women. Ointments for this disease give an excellent effect. Most often assigned "Gerpferon". In addition, acyclic nucleosides "Acyclovir", "Valacyclovir", "Famciclovir" are orally prescribed
Pregnant and lactating itching in intimate places: causes and treatment
During pregnancy, a woman almost always has hormonal disorders and a weakened immune system. These two conditions are very suitable for pathogenic microbes that begin to multiply intensively in the microflora of the vagina, which leads to an imbalance. Its manifestations are itching in the genitals, sometimes painful urination, swelling of the mucous membranes.
A woman must follow the instructions of the gynecologist, take all tests on time, since such a harmless (at first glance) phenomenon as itching can be the “first sign” of serious complications of pregnancy, sometimes leading to miscarriage.
In mothers who have given birth, the vaginal microflora is not restored in one day. Therefore, for some time after giving birth, they will experience itching in the vagina.
When itching occurs in pregnant women, doctors prescribe a series of tests to find out what caused it, and according to the results, they prescribe a treatment that is individual for each woman.
Treat itching inintimate place in women with folk methods
If the cause of an unpleasant symptom is not an infectious disease that requires mandatory antibacterial or antifungal therapy, you can resort to folk methods to relieve itching. Here are some of them:
- Start washing with tar soap.
- Make an ointment from propolis. To do this, take 15 g of propolis and 100 g of glycerin, place the ingredients in a warm place so that their state becomes liquid, mix well and send to the refrigerator to solidify. Use this remedy as needed.
- Make a sitz bath in a solution of potassium permanganate.
- According to numerous reviews, a very effective treatment for itching in intimate places in women with Vagisil cream, which must be applied strictly according to the instructions.
- Folk healers advise for itching in the vagina to douching with decoctions of chamomile, calendula and nettle in any combination. Dry raw materials are taken in a tablespoon per glass of boiling water, brought to a boil and removed from the fire.
- Sea buckthorn oil is placed in the evening in the vagina on a tampon. You need to tie a thread to it so that the tampon can be easily removed in the morning. You can make sea buckthorn oil at home. There are several ways, but we offer the easiest and fastest. You need to take any number of ripe sea buckthorn berries, squeeze the juice out of them, and pour the cake with olive oil, heat it up a little and set aside to infuse for a day. After 24 hours, the oil is filtered and used for its own purposes. Store this product in the refrigerator.
- Use fresh carrot juice for douching,diluted with water (1:2).
In conclusion, I would like to remind you that it is imperative that you first find out the cause of the itching that appeared in the genitals, and only then begin treatment. Otherwise, serious he alth problems can be provoked, up to miscarriage, impotence or childlessness.
