is it dry skin?

The skin around my vagina and the inner part near the clitoris always seems to be itcy.  I have no discharge and no visable characteristics.   The skin my look a bit inflamed.  I have been to the doctor and have nothing.  Clean pap and no STDs including other infections like yeast and BV (was not tested for HIV).  I know was my clothes in free and clear detergent and use a sensative skin body wash, but the irritation won't go away. Plus, no other skin area is affected.  My doctor said my cervix looked dry during the exam which could be part of the problem and suggested I try a different condom brand, but still nothing seems better.  What else can cause this and should I be concerned or should I just deal with the irritation and hope it leaves?

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

You may have nonspecific pruritus (a fancy term for itchiness of unknown cause).  In terms of infections, I would be most concerned about yeast, which often can be missed even when a doctor is looking for it.  You don't say your age, estrogen deficiency could do it, for example if you are an older woman (menopausal) or have had your ovaries removed. It doesn't sound like herpes or any other STD.

You could try an over-the-counter yeast treatment; and if the itching persists after that, perhaps a mild corticosteroid cream like over-the-counter hydrocortisone.  But if neither of those helps, go back to your doctor, or perhaps ask a second opinion, maybe a dermatologist.

The bottom line is I doubt anything serious is going on.  Good luck--   HHH, MD

[notcomfortableinmyskin]

Thanks for the help.  I do use hydrocortisone.  It does help, but the discomfort returns. I am 24 so I am young.

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

Just be sure the hydrocortisone isn't making it worse, which is possible if you have been using it for a long time (weeks or more).  Continued corticosteroid use can cause the skin to thin and become irritated.  It can also predispose to yeast.  These aren't common problems with OTC hydrocortisone, but just be alert.  If in doubt, a dermatologist might help.

Good luck--  HHH, MD

[Sarah_C]

Make sure your condoms or lubricants don't contain nonoxynol-9  (which is known to be very irritating for many people).

If your are using this it could easily explain your itching.

[notcomfortableinmyskin]

Thanks.  I agree with you and so does my OBGYN.  She just gave me a birth control perscription so that I can now use condoms that do not contain Noxnyl-9.  She said it is making my cervix and skin very irritated and dry.

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

I didn't think to ask about spermicides and N-9; I'm glad Sarah_C (and your ObG) thought of it.  Let us know if the problem clears up after a couple of weeks without N-9 exposure.

HHH, MD

[not sure...?]

i have a similar problem...except mine does not itch.  I have red blotches on certain parts on my body and mainly in the vaginal region.  And also, it gets very ashy at times like dry skin.  I am just not sure what to do about it.  It's been there for almost as long as I can remember.  It gets worse everytime I shave.

[Anounyous]

A related discussion, Can you help me? was started.