Continual labial itching

[gypsy1]

I've had labial itching in this area since I was at least 14 (I'm 50 now). The itching is confined to the area at the top and sides of the large lips nearest the clitoris, but not INSIDE the lips, strictly on the outside skin of the large lips. Whether I shave my pubic hair or not doesn't affect the itching, it itches either way. When my pubic area is hot, the itching is intensified, as it is when the area is wet from swimming or bathing. Wearing a wet bathing suit can be extremely aggravating. Sometimes sexual foreplay increases the itching. The last two or three days before my period usually causes the itching to increase; then once my period begins the itching sensation lessens considerably. After the period is over, the itching sensation starts again.  The type of underwear doesn't affect the itching. Neither does changing my detergent, or soap, or towel material. I have no infections. The itching does NOT involve the vagina or the vulva, just this area of skin at the top of my labia. I have mentioned this itching to my gynocologist periodically, and he is noncommittal about it. I've used anti-fungal creams, anti-itch creams, moisturizers and tea tree oil at various times. All of these things stop the itching for a day or two, then it returns. I've also used Diprolene cream, which is prescribed for my hives. The Diprolene also only works for a day or two. I'm curious to know what might be causing this since I've had it all my adult life, and if there's a way I could get rid of it once and for all.

[monkeyflower]

Just curious--do you notice any link to arousal or orgasm? We can interpret those feelings in a huge variety of ways...

Anyway, I think I'd see a dermatologist. This is what they do, after all.

[MsGaPeach]

I am 33 years old and for the past four months I have also experience a similar continuous itch, especially on the part where my labial pubic hairs rub together generating heat, which makes walking uncomfortable.  I have tried all kinds of vaginal anti-itch creams, tea tree oil, triple anti-biotic ointment, Neo.sporin... but they only provide temporary relief.  

Sexual intercourse often makes me itch even more.  No matter how much I clean myself, the itching persists.  I used a mirror to see if there was any skin discoloration, but the skin looks normal.  The itch is only in the warmest and moistest parts of my pubic hair.  Hydro.gen per.oxide is the only thing that makes the inching stop the longest (about a day).

[MsGaPeach]

I've been CURED of the ITCH!!!  Thank you Lord!

It's been two days since my previous post and I have been itch-free since!  Here's what I did:
(1) I stopped rubbing and scratching!
(2) I did NOT use any soap "down there" during my shower, but gently wiped myself clean with a soft wash cloth in the shower.
(3) After my shower I put some Hydro.gen per.oxide on my itchy labia parts.  (It stung a little, but wasn't nearly as unbearable as the itching had been!)  I waited a little while and gently patted dry.
(4) For the first time, I tried using flu*cinonide cream USP, 0.05%.  For the first time in months I was able to sleep without squirming around all night.  The itching was GONE!  I applied just a little each night thereafter although I did not itch or "tingle".

I think flu*cinonide is prescription only.  My sister uses it for her eczema.  I did NOT check with a doctor before using the flu*cinonide, but I thought it was worth a try since it stops my sister's itchy eczema rashes.  It contains synthetic steroids used for anti-inflammation.  I can't tell you how great it feels not to itch anymore!  YAY!

[kahl]

i had the same itiching. turns out it my thyroid was out of whack. have your levels tested by a dr. it may alleviate your symptoms when you begin a supplement. the thyroid regulates hormones, an imbalance with them is probably the root cause of the itching. don't just treat the symptom. sometimes a holistic or naturopathic dr. is much more helpful.

[beth1954]

I have had the same thing for years.  It is utter misery.  I have never heard of what you used.  Clobetasol is what usually works for me.  I researched this and there is something called lichen sclerosis that will make this itching.  My gyn. didn't seem to think I have that, but I don't know.  

[girl2288]

im 21 now and i think we have d same problem but mine started about 2 years ago until now. most part of the itchy area is just the upper external labia.it so itchy and so uncomfortable especially at night when u go off to bed. NO abnormal discharges or odor notice.i didnt know what exactly cause about this but all i guess it caused by antibiotic ive taken 2 years ago but im not sure about it coz i didnt see a doctor yet... until now, i feel like its getting worse coz i kep scratching it heavily coz i just cant stop it.its really annoying!! im planning to use vagisil from stores but does it help???pls do feedback coz its driving me crazy.i cant take the itchyness anymore.and now it looks like a map with pale color on afftected area with some dryness and looks like theres a little bump also.the worse is.. from keeping scratching it,some little scars develop and a bit painful esp if it gets wet...please help me too..thank u...

[vhc09]

try vaseline down there two or three times a day. that will protect it and allow it to start healing. wash only with water also down there, no soaps.

[memoua]

I've also had something like this too! I wonder though...if it has anything to do with eczema? Because I suffered with that as a child..and I wonder if it happened because of that? I've tried so many types of anti-itch stuff, but nothing seems to work...it comes and goes. sometimes I won't have itch for like 3-4 months then it will come back..but it never truly goes away...it's so embarrassing.

[beth1954]

I have had this for years also.  One doctor thought it was lichen sclerosis.  I looked it up, and I seem to have all the symptoms except for the really severe ones.  Clobetasol is the only thing that helps it, and just keeping the area clean.

[karebear735]

I have suffered from an intense itching of the labia for 10 years. Try everything I can. I have been to 5 doctors. Nothing makes it go away. Clobetasol helps but doesn't fix the problem. I wash all the time. It helps for a few minutes. I have used hydrocortisone creams, antibiotic ointment, dandruff shampoo(this helps for awhile), alcohol(burns but takes the intense itch away for awhile), soak in the tub with a little vinegar. All these things are very temporary relief tactics. I really think I will just suffer from this for the rest of my life. I have had a skin biopsy that showed nothing. This is not nothing! At times I want to scream, I am so aggrivated that I don't know what to do anymore.

[starlite414]

I suffered from the same itching as  gypsy1 & I guess most of you. I had itched so much that the skin of my labia had turned to a leatherery state & went from a healthy pink to 'blood loss' white. None of the gyn's I went to knew what it was or how to treat it. I figured I was doomed to suffer with this the rest of my life. I had tried everything & nothing helped. Than I finally found a gyn that sent me to a specialist gyn that specialized in the labia. This woman was a god send!! She GOT RID OF THE ITCHING!! It is a dermatology problem & this doctor knew what it was as soon as she seen it. I don't remember the medical term for it but it is called scratch & itch syndrom (syndrome). She prescribed Nystatin & Triamcinolone Acetonide Cream USP. Either go to a dermatologist or to your gyn & tell them that is what it is & ask them to prescribe the cream for you. Make sure it's the CREAM as this stuff also comes in gel form. It will take about 6-8 weeks of treatment with the cream. You need to start appling 3 times a day, every day for a week. Than twice a day for a week, than twice every other day, than twice every 3 days. Than start once a day for a week, than once a day every other day & so on. It takes about 6 -8 weeks for the whole process, but it's worth it to be ITCH FREE!!  You need only to apply a little, not a big 'gob' of the stuff. You also need to switch to a "Free" laundry detergent. Soap does irritate. She also told me that (if you can do it) underwear holds moisture in & creates bacteria & helps it to grow. Not wearing underwear is the best. I've been itch free for over 7 yrs now & it's wonderful. The blood is back & my labia is pink again & not leathery. Every once in a while I feel it trying to come back but I put the cream on for a few days & it keeps the itch at bay! My gyn is more than happy to give me a script for the cream if I need it. If you live in Arizona in the Phoenix area the specialist's name is Dr. Rebecca Lavy. She is great!!!