Itch-Scratch-Itch...uncontrollable labia itch

[Hisfaithfulfriend]

Oh my gosh -
You could have written my recent experience!!!

I have a prescription for Elavil at my house that I refuse to take because I just don't believe I have vulvodynia.  No tests were done to check on it.  A nurse at my dr office suggested I might have it - over the telephone after I had a third negative test for bv or yeast.  She said she would talk to dr and call me the next day.  She did can the next day with a prescription for Elavil.  

I just saw my ob/gyn Friday and was livid when I left.  I felt unlistened to and frustrated.  I am calling a women's clinic tomorrow to get an appointment - looking for natural treatment and answers to questions.  

I had a hysterectomy in August.  I am having a lot of vulva dryness - any suggestions on what to use to help it?

I have tried k-y, vitamin A& D ointment, Vit E oil, coconut oil and other over the counter "lubricants" nothing has helped.  For the past week i have resorted to vegetable shortening.

My ob/gyn prescribed Clobetasol in January - burned like crazy couldn't use it.  Then Friday prescribed clotrimazole and betamethasone cream - same results - burns like crazy.  I just can't tolerate the coricosteriods.  I have a low sensitivity to medications.

[Foreverinlove]

I had the same problem and used several creams that did nothing.  Finally I called GYN doctor again and they had me come back in.  This time they took a scraping of the outer labia to look at under a microscope.  I had a rare infection that more and more woman are getting, unfortunately I can't remember the name of the infection.  I was prescribed Clindesse vaginal creme which is inserted only one time into the vagina.  They also gave me one pill called Diflucan the generic form of this is Fluconazole which is actually used for a yeast infection.  I was told that both of these needed to be used together.  Within 2 days the itching was completely gone.    I had this problem for 2 months and was raw red from the scratching.    I would see a different doctor and maybe suggest this to them.    Good luck!

[Trish9]

Like so many of you who have posted, I thought I too was the only one with this problem.  As I am going to a new doctor Monday, I thought I would try asking her about our problem as the other doctors were of no help.  However, I was given a tube of Triamcinolone Acetonide Cream and it helps a lot by one doctor.  When I ran out of the cream, I ask my new doctor and mentioned the problem,  and he looked at me and without delay gave me a prescription for 4 more tubes, no nothing in the way of an exam.  Monday I am going with information this time from this site.  

I'm embarrassed to admit, but normally I research on the web for everything, but first I had to find out what the area that itched was called.  In my quest to learn the names of my female body parts, I found this site.  I'm so glad the site is still helping  women if only to let them know they are not alone.  I think the earliest year this topic was started was in 2006; now it's  2009 and still women are looking for an answer.

I am way past menopause (64) and have had this itchy friend for 5 years (at least I'm the right age for an old lady's disease :o).  I know it's not sex related, cleanliness related, cloths related, soap related, sex related, STD related, or period.  Perhaps I will have some news to share soon. I'm betting it's hormone related.  Before getting the cream I mentioned, I found that Vaseline worked pretty good too, as along as the itching hadn't been done too hard.

Keep Sharing,

Trish

[explorer48]

I have managed the itch for the last 4 weeks with PIRITON tablets (antihistamine: chlorophenamine) which I am taking one every 5 hours, frequent cleaning (every 2 hours) of the area with Aqueous Cream BP (+ covering the area with the cream) and using the pantyliners.
These actions reduced the itch by %80.
then I had my appointment after 2 month of waiting:
She assumed it is Lichen Planus but I'll have a biopsy soon to diagnose it. I'll let you know about the result.
Please read this scientific article which is about treatment of different problems of the area (the vulvae itch can be caused by different factors):

An approach to the treatment of anogenital pruritus by Gabriele E. Weichert
Dermatologic therapy (ISSN: 13960296) Vol 17, 2004 129-133

Best wishes,

[metoo85]

hey,
as i've read several times looking for help, i figured i would write to offer some relief i've found.  
Coconut Oil!  i have to give the credit to God, as i'd been praying for some time, and i know He laid this on my heart.
i have at least 95% relief.  here's my routine.
i rinse off/shower in the morning, and dry with a hair dryer.  then i apply coconut oil liberally.  i rub extra into the hair line since it seems harder to get in there.  i rinse off in the evening again, dry with dryer and apply again.  as it's gotten under control, i can often reduce that to one time a day.  seriously - night and day difference!!! my swelling is gone, the extreme redness and even purple is gone, tears are gone, itching is almost non-existent.  it took a little while to get everything under control, but i noticed a difference right away.  the first kind of coconut oil i used was garden for life - organic.  and now i use nutiva.  make sure it's not refined and processed - get as unrefined and cold pressed, all that jazz.  it's got antimicrobial, antibacterial, antifungal properties, and also helps restore elasticity to the skin.  and then it also creates a protective barrier.  bless the Lord, i'm a new girl!!!!  

another tidbit:  after using it for some time with continued relief, i developed a yeast infection.  i kept up the routine, and added two boric acid capsules a night for several days.  now that's under control too.  

hope this helps someone else too!

oh - and i also sometimes use the cocounut oil in a smoothie, figuring the same health properties would help from the inside out too, but i haven't done that long enough to know if that makes as much a difference or not.  

and, if your home is cool, the coconut oil is solid-ish, so i melt by putting it in a bottle and putting the bottle in hot water.  

i so hope this offers relief to some others suffering with this awefulness too!  

[piczi]

Labia itch no more .....I have  tremendous success with a natural health cream for  the itch,  SkinFix Efflorescence Paste for the itch of lichen sclerosus.IMMEDIATE  Long lasting relief  and economical too. Pharmacies ( 14.99)  and it is online www.skinfix.ca  ( you have to pay shipping, great customer service)  have since found it at  www.well.ca (15.99), with free shipping.  it's unbelievable how fast  it works !!!

[Lamalo]

Hi everyone,

I am a healthy 40-year-old woman, and this site has been extremely helpful to me as I dealt with labial itch for the past 7 weeks.

I tried hydrocortisone cream (locoid), antifungal cream (miconazole), and an antifungal pill (diflucan) with no relief.

The first gynecologist I went to didn't know what it was. I was worried that I had lichen sclerosus, so I visited a second gynecologist.

Luckily, she correctly diagnosed me with dermatitis, which is just a skin irritation. She said I probably got exposed to an irritant 7 weeks ago, and my labia never got a chance to heal because of the itching.

She gave my MYCOLOG ointment, which is a combination of triamcinilone (a type of hydrocortisone) and nystatin (an antifungal).

Ladies, this ointment is a miracle drug! It started to work with the first application, and within 48 hours, my itching was gone and my skin was back to normal!

I think the reason the hydrocortisone and antifungal treatments I tried previosuly didn't work is because they were in cream forms, which can be irritating. Using an ointment instead of a cream made all the difference in the world!

So if you're still suffering with labial itch, ask your doctor if mycolog ointment might help.

Good luck to all of you - I hope you all find relief!

Sincerely,
Lamalo

[PlatinumMomma]

You might want to try something called Bag Balm.  Farmers use it on cow's utters to keep them from being dry and cracked.  (Sounds weird, I know.)  But it has a lot of other uses.  I've used it on my psoriasis, chapped lips in the winter, inside my nose because we have baseboard heat that dries out my sinuses, and I've even put it on wrinkles to soften them.  And, yes, I have tried it on my itching and burning labia.  Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. It seems to work best if I apply it as soon as I get the first urge to scratch.  If I wait until it gets unbearable, that's when I go to the crushed ice in a zip lock bag.  I lay on my love seat, with my legs propped up, with the ice placed in between my legs, directly against my underwear.  The cold relieves the burning, at least for a little while.  Then, when I go to sleep at night , I use a hot water bottle, filled with crushed ice, placed in between my legs. ( If these are too cold against your skin wrap them in a soft cloth of some kind.)
I wouldn't recommend Bag Balm  for any kind of internal itching.  I don't know what kind of reaction you'd have.  But it really does seem to help the cracked, dry, or burning "external" area of flesh. It comes in a green metal tin and runs about $7, where I live.  Ask a clerk in the pharmacy.  They usually know which shelf it's on.  If you are like me, you get to the point that you are ready to try anything.  A friend, who happens to be a farmer's wife, told me about this stuff.  She said that farmers have used it for years.  I hope it helps you out with your problem.  Only someone who has had this problem could ever understand just how awful it feels.  I pray that someone will find a cure for us all, very soon.  Good luck and God bless you.

[iitch]

I hope that my comments help someone.  About a year ago I left a comment saying that coconut oil was helping me just as well as some mild prescription cortisteroids.   However, besides the itchy vulva, I have had other mild symptoms that I thought could in no way be related.   They are; pain in the saliva glands, particularly while eating, what I thought was pain in my gall bladder but was actually my liver and I was diagnosed with NAFLD (Non-Alcholic Fatty Liver Disease), elevated lipid profile although my total cholesterol was normal and here is the shocker.....really, really low testosterone.  

At first, they thought I might have a condition call Sjogrens Syndrome.  If you have dry eyes, dry mouth, saliva gland pain or digestive problems, and for ladies, vulva dryness....you need to go to a Rheumatologist and get diagnosed.  Basically, your inside is drying out...there is no cure but there is a community that can help you.   Look it up on the internet....there is lots of information on it.

Now I probably don't have Sjogrens syndrome since I don't have the dry eye issue and my saliva glands just had a stone in them.  However, my gynecologist looked at the whole picture and said that its is possible for the liver, if enlarged, can interfere with the absorption of testerone.  This seems to be the case for me.  She had a cream compounded for me because I have allergies and I am on the 3rd day of using it and voila, no itching.....and I am feeling like my self again.  Yet when I read about the side effects of low testosterone in women, I wonder if I have had low levels my whole life its only now since my liver has enlarged that my levels really took a nose dive.  

Anyway, I thought that I would pass only this information.  I hope that all of you find some relief soon.  Also, if you do like the coconut oil, try using Vitamin E Oil, too.

[explorer48]

My biopsy results was back. No Lichen Planus. Nothing else was wrong which is good news. My symptoms are nearly disappeared. I'm worried about the brown marks left on the area. I still keep the area clean with Aquas cream (white paraffin) without lanolin. I'll keep it moisture by rich (non chemical/perfume/colour cream) which was given by my GP. This rich moisturisers can be used as cleaning agent in the bath or shower too.

Stop the itching is a great factor to reduce your symptoms. Massage/rub the area by cotton towel instead of itching/scratching yourself. Sounds funny but it helped me a lot.

I wish you all the best.

[lizzy67]

I'm 41 and I itch ALL THE TIME!  I will wake myself at night scratching myself to death!

I'm in the military and too embarassed to go back to the doc and say 'hey doc, about this itch....."  Everyone know everyone - on and off base.  There are NO secrets here.

I'm 41 and have been married for 17rs.  This itch has been ongoing for more than 7yrs.  Our sex life is gone b/c I can't handle the itch!  I am taking meds for menopause and thyroid issues.  Was told the memnopause pills will help.  It's been 4 months.  Where's the help?

I found my help to be in Benedryl cream/gel/spray.  Yes it burns but it's better than the itch and keeps the itch at bay.

Like everyone else, the hotter I am, the hotter SHE is.

Because of this constand itching, I have gotte out of my pap smears sfor more than 10 yrs.  I'm too embarrassed to tell my husband!  the doc just gave me cream but it didnt help either.  So, I stick w Benedryl or something like the hand sanitizers or parfume.  It does burn, but the itch will disappear.  When I run out of Benedryl - not often - I resort to anyting w alcohol in it.  BURNS but doesnt itch.

I break the skin in my sleep!  And this is strictly the pubic line nearest the vulva that itches.

Hopefully someone eill find the cause in my lifetime.

[itchyinLA]

Hi again after a long while,
It has been a while since I checked in, but I wanted to report back with what seems to have worked for me.  I had checked out this forum about a year ago and found the advice and community really enriching.  I had been suffering from constant vulvar itching for about 4 years and had, like most, tried everything.  My skin was a mess from all the various creams, scratching, etc.
My last resort was waxing...I know...but it seemed worth a shot and it was.  I don't know if it is the exfoliating effect on the skin or the reduction in temperature, but I started getting a full Brazilian wax a year ago and the itching has STOPPED!  My skin in that area is completely back to normal and although I have cut many things out of my budget in the past few months, the every 4-weeks appointment to my waxing technician is STAYING!
I can't say enough about how great it is to feel like a regular person again.  I don't have to worry about taking my travel size creams with me everywhere I go or will I be able to sit through a movie or show without having to run to the ladies' room to apply cream, etc.  
The downside is the ever humbling procedure of getting yourself waxed in that area, but I found a CLEAN derma-spa and get the same girl each time and it has become quite routine.
I hope this helps someone out there, because I have not forgotten the pain and embarrassment this issue can bring and am cheering each of you on as you seek to find what works for you!
Take Care!!

[Trish9]

Thanks, itchyinLA!  So very nice of you to follow up with us.  

Since I am well past menopause, there is very little hair in that area for me.  However, I have often wondered if it wasn't the hair or lack of hair that was causing the itching.  I've had this problem for at least 6 years, but it is much less a problem now than it was.  I  use a cream called Triamcinolone Acetonide Cream USP, 0.1%, which is from a doctor.  But, as I said, the itching is maybe once in two weeks, way less often than it use to be.  I put the cream on the instant I notice the itching and I DO NOT SCRATCH IT, if scratching takes place, watch out! you will pay for that brief moment of pleasure..  

I even tried a cure which was mentioned by one of the fine ladies on this site, which was to apply very hot water to the area via the shower head.  Hum, I didn't even know our shower head would go to that small, very strong, stream of water.  Oh, BTW, I also discover what is meant by the G spot after all these many years.  Sorry, I digress...  
Since it was inconvenient to climb in and out of the shower every time I need to relieve the itching,  I did the following for a while.  

I  filled a small glass bottle, the size of a nose drop bottle, with very hot water and placed it on the itching area, it worked.  It's amazing how hot that area can stand!  It stopped the itching for many days in a row, but didn't stop it completely.  I would heat the bottle in the microwave (with out plastic/rubber top).  Since I don't leave the house very often (care giver for my elderly mother) this method worked well for awhile.  BTW, this method works really well on insect bits too no matter where the bites are.

I don't know why the itching has subsided, but I'm sure glad it has.  Perhaps there is more than one reason for have a horrible itching in this  area?  Please keep this link alive, I'm sure there are many other women who think they are alone with this problem.

[Trish9]

Hi! ExtremelyItchyGuy  

The reason you see so many women willing to talk about this really odd, frustrating topic, is because this is the way women have been taking care of themselves and each other since the beginning of time.  For so, so, so long throughout history, all the medical studies used men from which to learn their craft and figured women were the same as men with a missing part. Therefore, we gals had to talk amongst ourselves to learn what was normal and what was not.  So, we are genetically programmed to this comparative method. (joking- a little).  Please, DO! read all the posts, you have nothing to lose and everything to gain!  Welcome!

[kate448]

Hey guys,
I have suffered with lichen chronicus forever. And I mean forever. I'm 36 and I've had it since childhood....I haven't slept thru the night since then, I wake up scratching....and it gets so painful and raw...anyway, I  have posted here before and the reason I am writing here again is that I found some relief in the NEEN oil. Before that  I have tried everything, from very strong steroids to coconut oil, anything that was mentioned here...
For four nights I have used the oil and I don't wake up!!! I sleep thru the night and I don't get this horrible itch...it still itches in the morning  , but it's more manageable...before I could not control myself.
A little warning though...NEEN oil reeks! It has this very powerful odor...I mix it with a little bit of vit A&D oitment, on a piece of cotton with a Q-tip. I apply it with the Q-tip, and wear a pad - yes it stinks that bad! In the morining I shower, dry and apply Vicks, since it helps a lot too, although it did not help overnight.
I hope this helps someone, I know the dreadfulness of this condition...I'm by no means cured, and every night I go to bed hoping I won't be awaken scratching...so far so good.
Good luck to you all,

[Trish9]

Kate, did you mean Neem oil?  Google doesn't show a Neen oil.  Help if you can.

Trish

[kate448]

Yes, I am so sorry...it is neem...I got it from well.ca- no shipping if you're in Canada...but I have seen it in the health food stores...last night was good too, so it  made a difference.Also I forgot to mention, I apply a little bit of Vagasil before the oil, otherwise it stings a bit.Hope this helps.

[Ihatetheitchiness]

Hey all

my itch actually just started on Saturday (today is Tuesday) I have never experienced this kind of itchiness!! It is killing me and i dont know what to do >_< Beside the common pubic area that is extremely itchy, my nipples, my face, and part of my neck are also extremely itchy!!! I have tried applying some OTC fungal cream and didnt seem to have any effect on those areas. I am extremely embarrassed about this situation but i am going to see a doctor if it's not gonna get better ( i have no choice) I am not sexually active as for now so i dont think this is sex related. please advise, thanks!!!

[kate448]

Hey,
I would definitely see a doc...all over body itchiness could be an allergic reaction to something....do you have hives or a rush with it?

[kate448]

sp.error  I meant :'rash' don't know how to edit :=S

[Ihatetheitchiness]

Thanks for the prompt reply. I dont see any visible rashes beside this one little red bump behind my ear. I was thinking this could be an allergic reaction but why only those embarrassing areas?! WHY?!!! O_o but the good news is i think my symptoms are going away slowly. I feel the itchiness is not as unbearable as before so i guess i wont be visiting my doctor.....(thank god) I am so glad i found this site with all the useful information and all the wonderful ladies. I will report back my symptoms just for reference.