What are the other Names for this Condition? (Also known as/Synonyms)

• Pruritus Vulvae
• Vulvar Itch
• Vulvar Pruritus

What is Itchy Vulva? (Definition/Background Information)

• Itchy Vulva (Pruritus Vulvae) may be described as persistent itching (pruritus) of the vulva leading to severe discomfort in girls and women. The vulva is the external skin part of the female genitalia that includes the outer and inner lips, the clitoris, and vaginal opening
• The condition is not uncommon; it is said to affect 10% of all women, at least once in their lifetime. Even though most women experience slightly itching vulva once a while, a chronic Itchy condition may require medical treatment
• Itchy Vulva may occur due to a variety of infectious and non-infectious causes, and sometimes, in the absence of any specific cause (cause unknown). It is typically a symptom of the underlying condition. Thus, undertaking a treatment of the underlying cause, usually results in a cure

Who gets Itchy Vulva? (Age and Sex Distribution)

• Itchy Vulva is a common condition that is generally seen in females of all age categories
• The condition is generally prevalent worldwide, and all races and ethnic groups are at risk for the same

What are the Risk Factors for Itchy Vulva? (Predisposing Factors)

Several risk factors have been identified for Itchy Vulva. In some girls/women, there may be a combination of factors that contribute towards itching of the vulva. The factors include:

• Certain infections
• Allergic and non-allergic skin conditions
• Cancers (affecting the vulvar region)
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding
• Menopause
• Increased sensitivity of the vulvar skin in some females
• Diabetes
• Emotional or psychological stress
• Urinary or fecal incontinence

It is important to note that having a risk factor does not mean that one will get the condition. A risk factor increases one’s chances of getting a condition compared to an individual without the risk factors. Some risk factors are more important than others.

Also, not having a risk factor does not mean that an individual will not get the condition. It is always important to discuss the effect of risk factors with your healthcare provider.

What are the Causes of Itchy Vulva? (Etiology)

Multiple different conditions or factors are known to present Itchy Vulva as a symptom. These may be categorized as infectious, inflammatory, hormonal, neoplastic, and neuropathic, among others. The cause may vary during childhood and adulthood.

Infectious factors include:

• Bacterial vaginosis
• Cytolytic vaginosis
• Genital warts
• Scabies
• Threadworm infection
• Thrush (infection by Candida albicans)
• Trichomoniasis

Inflammatory factors and skin conditions include:

• Contact dermatitis, which may be acute or chronic, arising from a variety of factors such as:
  • Cosmetics and toiletries, such as soaps and perfumes, including detergents
  • Clothing and innerwear (including fabric dyes)
  • Sanitary pads and toilet tissues
  • Condoms
  • Topical applications
  • Excessive sweating such as due to physical exertion
• Contact urticaria
• Dermographism
• Folliculitis
• Generalized body itch (from other underlying factors)
• Lichen planus
• Lichen sclerosus
• Lichen sclerosus et atrophicus
• Lichen simplex
• Psoriasis
• Seborrheic dermatitis

Hormonal factors may include:

• Lack of estrogen prior to puberty
• Pregnancy
• Breastfeeding
• Decreased estrogen levels following menopause

Neoplastic and neuropathic factors include:

• Cancers and benign tumors
• Diabetes
• Vulvodynia

In some cases, the exact cause of Itchy Vulva is unknown.

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Itchy Vulva?

The signs and symptoms of Itchy Vulva may include:

• Persistent itching and discomfort
• Redness (rashes) around the skin area
• The itching may be severe during nights resulting in sleeplessness
• Scratching the area can result in soreness and pain
• Vaginal discharge may take place
• It may ulcerate and bleed, leading to secondary infections
• In some cases, the itching may involve the groin and upper thigh regions too

The signs and symptoms of the underlying cause may be additionally noted, which may be mild or severe, and markedly vary from one individual to another.

How is Itchy Vulva Diagnosed?

Diagnosing the underlying cause of Itchy Vulva forms an important part of treating the condition. The diagnosis may involve:

• Complete physical examination with detailed medical history evaluation
• Examination by a dermatologist using a dermoscopy, which is a special device to inspect the skin
• Internal examination of the genitalia may be required
• Wood’s lamp examination: In this procedure, the healthcare provider examines the skin using ultraviolet light. It is performed to observe a change in skin pigmentation
• Complete blood count (CBC), antibody tests, and tissue culture
• Imaging studies, such as CT or MRI scans, may be necessary in some cases
• Tissue biopsy: A biopsy of the tumor is performed and sent to a laboratory for a pathological examination. A pathologist examines the biopsy under a microscope. After putting together clinical findings, special studies on tissues (if needed) and with microscope findings, the pathologist arrives at a definitive diagnosis. Examination of the biopsy under a microscope by a pathologist is considered to be gold standard in arriving at a conclusive diagnosis

Tests and procedures to diagnose the associated condition, if any present, is important.

Many clinical conditions may have similar signs and symptoms. Your healthcare provider may perform additional tests to rule out other clinical conditions to arrive at a definitive diagnosis.

What are the possible Complications of Itchy Vulva?

The complications due to Itchy Vulva may include:

• Severe discomfort and irritability; there can be discomfort while walking or sitting
• Social awkwardness
• Emotional stress and psychological trauma
• Sexual intercourse may be painful or uncomfortable
• Development of superimposed (secondary) bacterial and fungal infections
• Treatment complications

Complications of the underlying condition may be additionally noted.

How is Itchy Vulva Treated?

The management involves treating the underlying infection/disorder/tumor causing Itchy Vulva. Based on the healthcare provider’s assessment of the condition, the treatment measures may also include:

• Avoiding exposure or contact with substances that are (known) irritants and allergens
• Application of anti-itch, over-the-counter creams to provide relief from pain and itching sensation
• Oral medications and antibiotics
• Follow-up care with routine screening and check-ups are important and encouraged

A few self-care tips and home remedies may include:

• Scratching the affected areas must be completely avoided
• A comfortable, cool bath may help soothe the region
• Wearing smooth cotton (non-synthetic) clothes
• Use of mild perfumes, soaps, and detergents
• Refraining from sex, if necessary, for a period of time

How can Itchy Vulva be Prevented?

The occurrence of Itchy Vulva may not be preventable in some cases. However, the following factors may be considered to minimize the risk:

• Getting treatment for any underlying medical condition(s) that leads to Vulvar Itch is the most important preventative measure
• Maintaining good body hygiene and cleanliness

What is the Prognosis of Itchy Vulva? (Outcomes/Resolutions)

• The prognosis of Itchy Vulva is based on the nature and severity of the underlying causative factor, but is typically a short-term discomfort in many girls and women
• In many cases, the itchiness resolves following prompt diagnosis and appropriate treatment of the underlying condition

Additional and Relevant Useful Information for Itchy Vulva:

Cleaning the skin too harshly with strong chemicals or soaps may aggravate the condition. Avoid strong soaps and chemicals that could potentially aggravate the condition.