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Vaginal itching
Vaginal itching, or itching of the vagina and surrounding area (vulva), is quite common due to its many causes. Most commonly, vaginal itching is instigated by chemical irritants, including certain detergents, fabric softeners, soaps and contraceptive foams/jellies. Vaginitis, or inflammation of the vagina, is generally caused by infection, menopause, when a drop in estrogen thins and dries the vaginal wall, or stress, which increases susceptibility to infection.
Certain measures can be taken on a daily basis to hedge against the occurrence of vaginal itching. Vulvovaginal hygiene is arguably the cornerstone of prevention. Good hygiene involves keeping the vulva clean using gentle soaps, avoiding sprays, douches, and other potential irritants, and cleansing front to back after a bowel movement to prevent the spread of bacteria. Clothing choice marks another important consideration. It is recommended that women wear cotton panties, avoid synthetic materials, and be sure to change out of wet clothing as soon as possible.
Prevention is also possible in the presence of medical conditions that predispose women to vaginal itching. When using antibiotics, for instance, it is advised that women eat yogurt with live cultures or take lactobacillus acidophilus, which minimizes the antibiotics' capacity to compromise the stability of the vaginal environment by destroying its naturally occurring bacteria. If overweight, losing weight may also diminish the likelihood of vaginal itching. Finally, diabetic women are encouraged to keep their blood sugar level well regulated.
Treatment of vaginal itching is contingent on its specific source. Should a woman recognize the symptoms of a yeast infection from past experience, over-the-counter creams are often sufficient. During menopause, estrogen creams and vaginally inserted tablets are often recommended to alleviate discomfort. In all instances of vaginal itching, women should avoid scratching, heat and excessive sweating, and use lubricants and condoms during sexual intercourse so as not to aggravate the problem.
While it is always advisable to consult with a physician, women should particularly do so in cases where symptoms of vaginal itching worsen, last longer than one week, persist in spite of treatment, unusual bleeding, swelling or discharge occurs, or if a sexual partner is also symptomatic. In addition, a woman should immediately consult her physician if she experiences pelvic or lower abdominal pain, fever, increased thirst or appetite, unexplained weight loss, frequent urination, burning with urination, or has blisters or ulcers on the vagina or vulva, as these may be indicative of more serious and urgent problems.
Ultimately, most cases of vaginal itching are a mere function of those daily -and often overlooked- choices that impact a woman's vulvovaginal health. SweetSpot Labs'® products offer a convenient, yet purposeful step toward ameliorating a quite familiar and frustrating problem.
