Some Basics...

• Vulvar symptoms include rash, itching, and dryness.
• These symptoms can have many different causes.

Causes of Vulvar Symptoms

• Bartholin's cyst
• Contact dermatitis (soaps or feminine products)
• Irritation after sex (lack of lubrication or a latex-condom allergy)
• Poison ivy
• Skin cancer
• Skin problems (lichen sclerosis, squamous hyperplasia)
• STIs (Herpes simplex, Syphilis, pubic lice, genital warts)
• Vaginal yeast infection

Common Causes of Vulvar Itching

• Skin Irritation: this can be caused by products like soaps, detergents, and douches. Urinary incontinence (loss of bladder control) can cause irritation from too much moisture. Do not use products that cause irritation and keep the area clean and dry. Good genital hygiene will help to prevent this.
• Allergic Skin Reaction: this can be caused by many products. These may be benzocaine (in Vagisil anti-itch cream) and antibiotic ointments. Latex condoms, nail polish, and perfumes may also cause a reaction. Stop using products that cause the allergic reaction. Keep the area clean and dry. Good genital hygiene can help prevent this.
• Menopause: during this time, the ovaries stop functioning. As a result, the body makes less estrogen. The skin in the genital area can become thinner. Women also note more dryness and itching. There are estrogen creams that can help these problems. A doctor will have more information about these medicines.
• Vaginal Yeast Infection: these can sometimes cause itching. Often, there is also a new or increased vaginal discharge. It is often thick, white, cottage cheese-like, and does not smell. There are a number of over-the-counter (OTC) medications to treat yeast infections.

When to Call for Female Genital Symptoms

Care Advice

All Women

What You Should Know:

• Vulvar symptoms include rash, itching, and dryness.
• These symptoms can have many different causes.
• You can treat mild vulvar symptoms at home.
• Here is some care advice that should help.

Pregnancy Test, When in Doubt:

• If there is a chance that you might be pregnant, use a urine pregnancy test.
• You can buy a pregnancy test at the drugstore.
• It works best first thing in the morning.
• Follow all package instructions.

Genital Hygiene:

• Keep your genital area clean and dry.
• Wash daily.
• Wipe from front to back after going to the bathroom.
• Wear underwear that is all cotton or has a cotton crotch.
• Do not douche.
• Do not use scented feminine products or soap.

Call Your Doctor If:

• Pregnancy test is positive or you have trouble with the at-home test
• Rash lasts more than 24 hours
• Rash spreads or becomes worse
• Fever
• Not better after 3 days
• You think you need to be seen
• Your symptoms get worse

Vaginal Yeast Infection

Genital Hygiene:

• Keep your genital area clean and dry.
• Wash daily.
• Wipe from front to back after going to the bathroom.
• Wear underwear that is all cotton or has a cotton crotch.
• Do not douche.
• Do not use scented soaps or feminine products.

Antifungal Medication:

• There are many over-the-counter (OTC) drugs to treat yeast infections.
• Sold in the United States: Femstat-3, miconazole (Monistat-3), clotrimazole (Gyne-Lotrimin-3, Mycelex-7), and butoconazole (Femstat-3).
• Sold in Canada: miconazole (Monistat-3) and clotrimazole (Canesten-3, Myclo-Gyne).
• Do not use yeast medication during the 24 hours before seeing a doctor. It may change the results of an exam.
• Caution: if you are pregnant, talk to your doctor before using these.
• Read the instructions and warnings on the package insert of all medicines you use.

What to Expect:

• You should be better within 3 days. If you do not get better within 3 days, see a doctor.

Mild Vulvar Itching

What You Should Know:

• Itching can be caused by many things. These can be new soaps/detergent, perfumed toilet products, and hormone changes. Sweating can also cause itching.
• Sometimes itching can be caused by a yeast infection.
• You can treat vulvar itching at home.
• Here is some care advice that should help.

Genital Hygiene:

• Keep your genital area clean and dry.
• Wash daily.
• Wipe from front to back after going to the bathroom.
• Wear underwear that is all cotton or has a cotton crotch.
• Do not stay in wet clothing or bathing suits.
• Do not douche.
• Do not use scented feminine products or soaps.

Cleansing:

• Wash the area one time with unscented soap and water. This will help to remove any irritants.

Sitz Bath:

• Sit in some lukewarm water for 10-15 minutes. You can also use a moist washcloth.
• Do this 1-2 times a day.
• Gently dry the area by patting it with a towel.
• This will help soothe the itchy skin.

Call Your Doctor If:

• Any rash lasts more than 24 hours
• Fever
• Yellow or green vaginal discharge
• Yeast infection is not better within 3 days
• You think you need to be seen
• Your symptoms get worse

Remember! Contact your doctor if you or your child develop any "Contact Your Doctor" symptoms.

Disclaimer: this health information is for educational purposes only. You, the reader, assume full responsibility for how you choose to use it.




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