General Information

Common Causes of Vulvar Itching

• Contact Dermatitis - Soaps/detergents, douches, and perfumed toilet products can cause local irritation. The treatment for this is to avoid these products and maintain good genital hygiene.
• Menopause - At menopause the ovaries stop functioning, and as a result the body produces less estrogen. Without estrogen, the skin in the genital area can become thin and women notice increased dryness. There are estrogen-based vaginal crèmes or lubricants that your physician can prescribe to reduce this itching and dryness.
• Yeast Infection: Sometimes itching can be caused by a yeast infection (Candida). Often there is a new or increased vaginal discharge (thick, white, cottage cheese-like, non-odorous discharge). There are a number of over the counter medications for the treatment of vaginal yeast infections.

Other Causes of Vulvar Symptoms

• Any preexisting skin disorders/rashes can also occur on the vulva (e.g., psoriasis, eczema, drug rashes)
• Bartholin's cyst
• Irritation after sexual intercourse (e.g., inadequate lubrication causing friction abrasion, latex-condom allergy)
• Skin cancer and skin dermatoses (e.g., lichen sclerosis, squamous hyperplasia)
• Sexually Transmitted Diseases (e.g., STD's like Herpes simplex, Syphilis, pubic lice, genital warts)