Genital Irritation | Drugs | Natural Remedies | Prevention| What

Itching inside the vagina or around the vulva (the folds of skin outside the vagina) may be uncomfortable and embarrassing during the day and make it difficult for you to sleep at night. The area may be dry, red, and swollen and you may have a stinging sensation when you urinate and/or discomfort during sex. Symptoms are usually worse in hot weather. Genital irritation is often a reaction to soaps and perfumes in toiletries, but it can also be due to an infection, another skin condition, or to not drying yourself properly after using the toilet.

What you can do yourself

Try the following home treatments to help relieve itching and reduce inflammation.

● Use a cold compress. Wrap a pack of frozen peas or crushed ice in a wet towel, or soak a washcloth in cold water, then wring it out. Apply it gently to your vulva, as often as needed. You could also sit in a shallow, cool or lukewarm bath for 10–15 minutes.

● Try a moisturizer or aloe vera gel to soothe the inflamed skin.

● Take a sedative antihistamine to reduce irritation and help you sleep.

● Use a vaginal lubricant if your vagina feels dry or sore during sex.

● Resist the urge to scratch your vulva. In bed, wear a nightgown without underwear to let the air circulate around your genital area.

PREVENTION

Avoiding irritation You can help prevent genital irritation by avoiding possible triggers and being extra careful with personal hygiene.

● Don’t use perfumed soaps, bubble baths, vaginal deodorants, or douches. Wash your genital area once or twice a day with plain warm water or an unperfumed soap. Pat yourself dry with a soft towel, or use a hair dryer on a cool setting for a few seconds.

● Put your laundry through an extra rinse and don’t use fabric softeners.

● Wipe yourself from front to back after a bowel movement and dry yourself thoroughly after urinating. Use soft, unbleached, uncolored toilet paper.

● Ask your partner to switch to nonlatex condoms or those without spermicide. Don’t use deodorized sanitary pads or panty liners.

● Wear comfortable cotton underwear, and change it daily. Choose pantyhose with a cotton gusset, or stockings. Don’t wear tight-fitting jeans.

● Take off your swimsuit promptly after swimming.

DRUG REMEDIES

Moisturizers, such as water-based cream and emulsifying ointment, may soothe irritated skin but may also be irritating. Alternatively, try applying pure aloe vera gel.

Antihistamines relieve itching. A sedative antihistamine, taken at bedtime, will also make it easier for you to sleep.

Vaginal lubricants will help to make sexual intercourse more comfortable. Either use a gel just before intercourse or try a longer-acting vaginal moisturizer.