Vaginal Itching

[brandy99]

Hi, ive been having a problem for a few months now, i have been to 5 different obgyn's to find out why this is happening. I have severe vaginal itching, I have been tested for all STD's, and for a yeast infection. all negitive. then i changed all my undies and clothes to loose fitting and 100% cotton undies ( or none at all on) and i still cant stop itching, i stopped haveing sex, use cetafil to clease or just water at times. i have to literally walk around with an ice pack between my legs to sleep, and stop the itch...help me...should i see a dermatologist???

[hm05]

Ok Are you ready for this?  FABRIC SOFTENER.  Are you using it in the laundry?  If so don't and see what happens, it might be this.  
I had a similar problem, it felt like crabs or something crazy like that...(remember the movie Fast Times at Ridgemont HIgh? the boys visited a hooker to lose their virginity and got crabs).  Anyway, it wasn't but it felt like that.  I finally figured out the fabric softener (it was my undies) was causing the itch!!  How nuts, right?  I think it was Downy.  Sometimes it can be fragranced detergents/fabric softener/and dryer sheets.

[hm05]

Also-DO NOT SCRATCH!!! makes it much worse.

[mandysz]

I have had a few bouts of a similar problem to you.  Also was tested for STDS etc - all clear !!  WE recently went to Malaysia for 2 weeks - and I had a shocking outbreak - itchy, red, sore - horrible.  It really put a dampener on parts of our holiday.  As soon as we arrived home I went to a different GP and he advised it was dermatitis.  I was prescribed cream which did clear it up within a few days and it hasnt returned - touch wood.  Maybe go to your GP and query dermatitis !!  Apparently it can occur suddenly as it did with me - also while we were away I was washing out underwear in fairly strong soap - this probably contributed - post me any questions you may have
Good luck - I know how distressing it is

[brandy99]

thank you for your comment...ive tried EVERYTHING...i went out and bought brand new undies, wear loose clothing, no soap down there, i dont even dry my undies or even wash them with anything else....if it was an allergic reaction to something, how long until it does clear up, are we talking months???? i was instructed to put lotion down there....that maybe its dry.?.?.? im at my last wits with this, it will clear up and then then come right back....could it be something im eating??? or is that crazy?? i went to the docs again yesterday....they had nerve to tell me that its in my head and they gave me anti-anxiety pills???? what the heck is that about???? they told me it was in my head....i KNOW im not crazy AGHHHHHH

[oceans3]

my first instinct about the dr. giving you the anxiety pills for the itching was like, WHAT? what kind of dr. is this? but once i calmed down, in defense of the dr. he may have been attributing the itching to stress. my friend broke out in a terrible itchy rash (all over body,face) and tried everything to figure it out. in the end, dr. concluded it was stress related. her itchyness has gone down considerably but does occur every now and then. are you stressed about anything? are you itchy on the outside or the inside? what about your toilet paper?

[brandy99]

The itching is in the fold of the lips...stress...?? hmmm...nothing out of the ord. i accually have come across more stress in the last two days upon finding out my mother has breast cancer than i have in a long time....and im fine down there as this is happening....i did look at my package of pads ive been using (my whole life-the always brand) they dont say unscented but they also dont say scented either...so i went and got UNSCENTED and am now trying that....crossing my fingers...my toilet paper is unscented....ive stopped taking my birth control pills...they are a low dose, but can they be doing anything??? everyone says no but thats the only thing i put into my body daily....???? i will get over this!!! hehehe

[brandy99]

one more thing i just read that you should finish a pack of birth controll then stop taking it...is it bad not to??? i stopped mid cycle....should i start again???

[Z.Z]

I just have a quick question for everyone..... this is the story: A few days ago I was in a wedding and for the rehersal I wore a thong (I was wearing white pants). Well the thong was too small, and I wore it throughout the next morning while getting my hair done and everything as well... I changed into a different thong for the actual wedding, one that fit and by the end of the night when I went home and got back into regular panties, it hurt. I'm pretty young (21) so I asked my mom and she said it's probably a rash that developed from wearing a thong that's too small.... has anyone ever expereienced something like this? and does it go away just over time?? It's not THAT annoying, it's just when I think about it then it gets a little itchy. I put on some mild cream actually made for baby diaper rash, helping a little, but has this happened to anyone else???

[lucylove12]

Yeah I had to use an icepack all of yesterday and through this morning to tame the itch!  I understand!  What I would recommend is this: go to wrongdiagnosis.com and look up "vulva itch".  You will find 45 conditions and 13 drug interactions that can cause it.  Print out the list, go to your obgyn and DO NOT LEAVE untill she has crossed out every single one of them.  You might need to see a few more docs before you can determine what it is, and bring the list!  Doctors dont think to look for everything, so do your homework.  I am going through the same process now.

Best of luck to you!

[helpmeplez]

THANK U SO MUCH!!!  I honestly think it may be the fabric softener.

[marie88]

This past weekend i went bike riding with my little brother and I was wearing the boxer short underwear. The underwear kept rubbing up against me causing me to be very sore and itch very badly.  When I looked at myself down there, I was very red and sore on the lips and around the clitoris.  It has been 1 week and I am still itching!!! Can someone please tell me what to do!?!  I'm 19 years old, I'm not sexually active, and I don't have a obgyn.  Please Help Me!!

please e-mail me at ***@****

[sdj]

1 word - Pill!  I was on Microgynon for 2 years, for 2 years I had severe itching, tried EVERYTHING, icepacks, lollies, yoghurt, cold baths EVERYNIGHT for 2 years!!  I went to a naturalist and she suggested that the pill was the issue, I came off it and within a few days, NO ITCHING!  That was 2 years ago, haven't had any recurrences since.  Apparently, it was the increased Oestrogen which was irritating the skin.  However, I am on Dianette Pill now, this causes no problems.

I wish you all the very best!

[seeme50]

I have had a severe itch for about 18months.  When i develop the itch, i also notice red tiny,tiny, bumps on the tip of my clitoris. My vulva (especially between the folds of my lips) becomes red, irritated, and i get this crack(skin tear).  I have been tested several times for STD's and all are negative.  The doctors said it resembles herpes, but all test are negative including the several cultures that two different dr's obtained.  I never imagined that a person could experience so much pain in that area.  Sometimes i feel as though i might not be able to bear the pain.  I cry, and i just can't imagine what it could be.  I recently went to my dr. 3days ago, and she did a culture of the skin tear and it came back with positive yeast.  I just hope that the medication (suppository and cream) will finally clear up this mess.  I can only pray but for some reason i don't think is is, it hasn't yet.  Mandysz, i think my symptoms are like yours.  Have you had any more outbreaks and if not, please give me some advice.  Can you tell me the name of the cream that he prescribed for you.  Thank you so much.

[nikki27]

plz help!! have had very severe itching between folds of the lips at the to p for ages now!!!!  it itches soooo bad i wanna itch but i know i shouldnt its also red and sore and it feels swollen? and i also think there is a bump there any suggestions?

[bummeritch]

I have been dealing with the same itch for about a year now.  I have the itch on my outer labia, bikini area, anus, and have some itchy patches on the sides of my stomach.  I went to a Dr and was told that it was lichen simplex.  The itch-scratch disorder.  Basically, if I stop scratching it will go away.  Well how the heck do you stop scratching.  I had been on steroids for the past 5 yrs for chronic hives and finally got off of them in July of 07 due to a new med called Xolair.  This is for asthma and allergies.  Anyways,  I also have dandruff.  I don't know if it is associated with this whole itching thing or not.  I have tried using Triamcinilone cream and other cortizone creams.  They help for a short time and it's back to the crawling itch.  I have been tested, and it was not due to an STD either.  I tend to get bacteria infections after each time of having sex with my husband.  Therefore, we don't do it that much.  :(  I always feel like I have discharge down there and unclean.  I shower often, but try not to use harsh soaps.  I have tried free laundry products, and nothing seems to help.  After each bowel movement I have, my anus itches so bad no matter how good I wipe.  I am so frusterated!!!!!!!!! I have dug myself raw and made myself bleed many times.  I have scars and skin darkening from it.  What the Heck?????????????????????????? Help!!!!!!!!!!

[anyitcher]

i have been having the same awful symptoms as you itchers, for about a year now. I am in menopause for about 11/2 years, and haven't had sex for about 2 years,  poor me. i have been tested for all the usual. i was diagnosed with a simple yeast infection, however the 1 night treatment I was sent home with didn't even scratch the surface!! my problem is I have no insurance and the public health dept. just seems to usher you through.I have been in such pain and embarrasment. I have "learned to scratch with the least amount of damage, but there is alot. I am 50 years old and feel like I am really damadging myself. the odor is so bad I am even asshamed to just try on clothes with my friends and family.The next problem is that I drink alcohol every day. i am not a drunk, but I have a couple of rum and cokes , I would say on average,15 a week. Is that bad? I have heard that drinking can really add to my problem. I will give it up if that is true, however I will need some help.Otherwise my advise to anyone is to keep your fingernails short!

[jayC46]

I have been itching nonestop for 4 weeks inside the lips at the top and middle. There are no red spots or bumps that I can see. I have also been itching a little on the outside at the top. I have been shaving too, but I don't see how shaving could cause me this much pain and itching.I had sex a week ago, but I have not done it with any other guy for a few months before, and I don't believe he had done it with anyone els for a long while. I NEED HELP!

[jesib]

im in the same boat it seems when i turned 30 i started falling apart ive got vaginal itching mainly inside on clit area and around the folds and when it itches it itches BAD! well i can tell you baking soda paste seems to help a little BUT IT HURTS when you put it on either it works or it just hurts that it takes your mind off the itching i only itch getting closer to dark time.ive tried the plain yogurt that also seems to work for a while.i havent been to the dr recently but i have benn tested for stds and all neg. been married for 10 yrs so he has been my only partner and vice versa.im going to try a burrows solution its sold at drug stores Also ive noticed that mine starts up right before my menstrual cycle anyone else?

[hollaB]

I have to admit it was a little relieving to know that I am not suffering alone. I have been dealing with itching for almost a year. Went to Midwife (my OB) and she tested for the usual suspects and came up empty. I don't take birth control or any other meds, I have changed everything that touches my genitals, soap, laundry soap, undies, pants, washcloths, toilet paper, even my flushable wipes, believe me EVERYTHING. And it just continues. There are times when I am almost normal, only a slight itch that I can ignore in public, but it flares, like it is right now where I cannot even sleep at night. I use Vagisil (what a joke), and hydrocortisone (which I don't even know if you are supposed to use on your genitals) both relieve a little and feel better than nothing. I don't have an issue with dryness and I even waxed everything to see if I could see a rash or bumps or something, but nothing, just redness from my scratching. I don't have any odor or strange discharge, just itchiness. It is driving me crazy. If you all know of creams that work please please please let me know! I am going to try washing my undies in hot water with no soap or softener and see if that works so I will keep my fingers crossed.

[trac777]

Itching can be caused by a number of things all listed above. If a cause for this cannot be detected, it may be inflammation caused by an autoimmune disorder called Behcet's Syndrome's. Initial symptoms closely resemble the herpes virus, causing inflammation, vaginal sores, cuts, fissures, or folliculitis. Other symptoms develop years later, so it is very important that you find out just what it is that is causing your symptoms. Don't be too quick to brush it off as nothing, Behcet's disease affects people of every age and every race. It is important you see a doctor who know's enough to help you. Ask them about Behcet's Syndrome, if they don't know enough to tell you about it, they won't be able to tell you if you have it or not.

[raerae911]

I wore a thong for the day through the night and i regret it its like a rug burn between the lips and hole. it wants to dry up but panties get stuck, and when i go to the bathroom it like, i dont know takes the scab off or something. Anyways it hurt cuz the panties get stuck. Is it thong burn? how long does it take to heel. I know its not an STD! Somebody tell me something. It really itches and hurt when the panties get um dried to the spot between the butt hole and vaginal area. OMG how long to heal...

[kelly_86]

I have had itching for years now. It occurs mostly around the inner labiaand vaginal opening, no sores, no bumps, its only red when I itch it so it looks fine! I get it, after sex and after Ive had my period.

I've tried using pads, cotton tampons, changing pills, no soap only water, went to a dermatologist(nothing) thrush treatments.. thrush test(negative) STD tests(negative) everything! And a lot of GP's just tell me its chaffing! but its awful!!!!

So I went to a gyno today- who said I might have genital herpes- even though I dont have any lumps or bumps, I test negative, my partner has nothing and it re-occurs dozens of times a year (GH is said to reaccur 4-5 times)... so that really upset me..Sher was a snobby lady who didnt listen to anything I said and when I strated balling ym eyes out she sat there typing on her computer!!! :(

It really gets to me because my partner and I dont have sex often... If anyone knows of relief? I think using vaseline after showers helps prevent.. and changin my pill to higher eostrogen has caused me to have more discharge and it helps.. any other suggestions? 3 years!!!!!

[trac777]

Kelly, Did you read my messages trac777. Your doctor wanted to test for herpes because there aren't too many other things that could be causing your problem. It is related to your immune system. If it's not herpes, It is an allergic reaction. Cortisone will help, but it might be that you have an autoimmune disorder causing your problems. Behcet's Syndrome is a real possibility. My many people just get the inflammation and no cuts or sores. It is not contagious, it doesn't run in families. People with Behcet't have an allergic reaction to gential to gential contact so they always need to use condoms. Some researchers believe it is triggered by the strep throat virus. What happened exactly is that something damaged your immune system, be it strep throat or something else. Behcet's Syndrome is actually the world's oldest known disease, but little is known about it by doctors America. It is treated much more aggressively all over the world. There are no tests that can tell you if you have it and it could be years before you have developed enough symptoms to know for sure whether it's Behcet's Syndrome or one of the other immune disorders. The main thing is if you are showing symptoms to get immune suppressant treatment, weither they know what they are treating or not. Just about all autoimmune disorders are treated the same, with the same medications, so it really not so important to know what it is to start controlling it. Unexplained inflammation is the main symptom of all autoimmune disorders and can be control with medications. I recommend you see a Rheumatologist for advice. They work closely with GYN's regarding symptoms such as yours. With any of these things, the most important thing you can do is control your immune system "flares" , by resting more, eating healthier, exercising regularly. and avoiding stress at all costs.  Stress can turn what might have been a mild flare into a monster. It's really important to pay attention to your body and discuss any symptoms you have to your doctor, no matter how vague they may seem to you.

[Quenn]

I have been suffering with vaginal itching for 4yrs this september. Its horrible! I have been treated for everything under the sun from pin worms to clamydia (chlamydia). I have been tested for all stds and all were negative. I have tested positive for BV over and over again. I have been treated for BV over and over for the past few years but the itching is still very present in my life. It has affected my love making with my husband. Needless to say I went on to get pregnant and have another child (VBAC). I just don't know where things went wrong for me. It all started after my first child. I had her c-section. Sometimes i think OMG what about if they left something inside of me while performing the c-section or could the BV have matalisized from all the antibiotics i took during a gall bladder procedure. Well whatever it is i want it to go away. This has affected my life in some many ways i have low self -esteem, i feel undesireable depressed this has totally changed me and my life and a very nagative way and whats more sad is that these docs who get paid an arm & leg can't even figure out what the hell is wrong with me!!

[bb333]

Hi im 27 im suffering the same, but only for a few months.  Have been tested for stds all neg and also attended gum clinic and still nothing.  I have been told to wash in aqueous cream and wear cotton etc etc its not working, I have been doing it over a week and its not at all better.  I have bad days and good days.  I often find it doesnt start until I go to bed, other days I can be out shopping and have to keep ducking behind things to scratch.  I am going to see the doc this week and dont intend leaving until he helps me, but I am so unhopeful as there seem to be so many women suffering with this and cannot find a diagnosis.  I have been under a lot of stress these last few months and I am really struggling to pinpoint when it started.  I am currently using vagisil but this only masks the problem temporarily and then its the same old back to misery.  I have changed my diet to a very health one, and have bought perfume free products, baby shampoo for my hair and never use bubble bath.  I dont think there is much more I can do for myself and I feel so desperate. Its comforting to know there many others affected to although I wouldnt wish this misery on anyone!  Lets keep eachother posted on progress.  

[dimples2152]

I have experienced itching before when i was in the 12th grade i was very afraid because i was still a virgin at that time. I bathed at least twice a day before school and after but yet i was itching. i changed my soaps and started using dettol and lifebuoy with high hopes to ease my pain. I never told my mom i tried to self medicate i guess, but eventually the pain stopped i was relieved. the itching came back almost a year later but went within a week. its been a another year and i am starting to experience itching i am so scared to go to a gynecologist but i think its time i receive an experts opinion. i am thinking about purchasing a monistat because my friend once told me of her problem and she bought the product now she's relieved. if i used the product and no results i will go to a gynecologist ASAP.
Please give me some advice, encouragement.

[tina10820]

I agree with many of the people above. Switch to a NON SCENTED BAR SOAP...like dove unscented for sensitive skin...as well as NO FABRIC SOFTNER... I had the SAME issue and it was unbearable...I switched and I am OK now :) GL

[abberz274]

I'm having the same problem. It just started like three days ago, I noticed a little itching but nothing major and I just attributed it to being on my period. However over the past three days it's just gotten worse and worse. Most of it is around my clit and lips. I haven't been sexually active for quite a while and when I was we always used condoms. I've noticed that I have a crack in my skin right above my clit and it' sooo painful. I've been to the doctor about it and she said it was just dry skin... What should I do though!? I've used every non scented lotion I can think of and nothing helps!!!!

[Britti404]

I need help Im 17 years old not sexually active though i was sexually assaulted.. Ever since then ive had a bad itch around the lips of my *****..and clit. Now im not sure how to get rid of it or if theres another cause for this? please help.

[chronicgal]

I have been having similar problem.. I went to the doctor, everthing ws negative, but I still have this severe itch that won't go away. I scratch and irritate myself so bad that I can't even walk. I need some help. I know its not a yeast infection. Do anyone have anysuggestions what I should use.

[Westenave]

I also suffer from this for over 10 years. Ive been checked No std's no yeast infections no bv. I dont know what else to do what type of doctor would help. I ve gone to Infectious disease, dermatologist,and internal medicine doctors. Not 1 has been able to help me. Ive changed my undies soap you name it. Nothings helped.

[rooty1988]

i have the same problem, except i think my is a lil worse. when i itch, i sratch and when i scratch i get little and thin cuts inside my lavia,the bottom of my vagina and smetimes around my butt hole.i get mutiple cuts. i don;t know what it is.i stop using soap and instead i use eve wash for sensitive areas.I've had BV before can that be it? i've had this recently for like two months now. never had it before. my skin gets dry down there, and im afraid to have intercorse at times because of the pain from the cuts.

PLEASE HELP!!!!

[itchy380]

I have had this problem for over 10 years. It is really bad now over the past 3 years. I have the bumps, itching really bad, open sores, cuts, swelling from it. I also went to the OB AND they did all the test to rule out SID. I was fine. They he says it is detergents so on. Well i used dreft baby wash as he told me , nope still have it, i use detergents for people with allergys (allergies), NOPE still have it. So I have done all i am suppose to do and it wont stop. I get near tears to. It hurts. I know itching makes it way worst but it is hard not to. I wake in the night going crazy. I have no idea what to do.

[Laurasia]

It's a funny club to be a member of, eh?  
I'd have to admit I've been uncomfortable down south for well over a year, now.  I've visited three gynecologists, and I am still itchy burning on the outer folds of the vulva.  They can't tell me anything interesting about this situation.  Even though I feel fairly certain there must be a pathogen- a microorganism upsetting me, they can't find evidence of it.  And it's true- it affects your life in strange ways- I feel badly about myself- you can't quite function normally when your mind is on your vajajay.  And you can't quite have the great sex you're used to when you're itchy and sad about it and you know the sex doesn't help.
I spent some time on Earthclinic.com reading up about natural BV and Yeast treatments, those were interesting and did offer some short term relief- if nothing else, it felt good to be doing something- anything.  And now I have a cream I bought at our local co-op called Vaginol Tea Tree Cream  made by Thursday Plantation and that gets me through the days and nights.  
I'm looking forward to finally, someday, reading about an answer- I imagine I'm more inclined to find it here on the internet than in the doctor's office...

[lena22]

ARGH! I know! I believe that there are few things more frustrating than vulva itching/pain!
I dealt with this (well "dealing being a generous term..."whimpering" or "tearing my hair out" is probably more accurate) for a almost a year
before I found any relief.
I went to the Doctor, OBGYN, Dermatalogist, specialists etc.
till they finally sent me the the Pelvic and Sexual Health Institute in Philadelphia.
These people truely are AMAZING!
They diagnosed me with Vulvodynia, which basically just means pain in the vulva. HOWEVER! not only did they give me a diagnoses, they were also able to give me medications and creams that have all but eliminated the itching/irritation/pain!!
I know this pain can make you CRAZY...but you may not have to deal with it forever! there are solutions out there, though they do take time, and most are somewhat experimental...
Anyway, just wanted to post this on here because im SO happy to be almost itching free! and I dont want ANYONE to suffer through this unnessisarily

[Vel480]

I also suffered from several vaginal itching before and after my cycle every month for almost a year now. I had no discharge and no odor. My gyno prescribed Diflucan & Vagisil but they worked temporarily. The severe vaginal itching would come back after I finished the next menstrual cycle.

So I surfed the net and did this:
    
I started taking once a day – Probiotic Acidophilus 10mg capsules from CVS for around $5. Remember to refrigerate the bottle as it states on the label. Some people take one capsule twice a day but I found that taking one capsule per day with a meal cleared up the "excessive white cells" my gyno was seeing and all itching.

I started using Free & Clear laundry detergents.

As a precaution I did this:

I threw out every last single pair of underwear I owned and bought 3 packs of new cotton panties.

I did the same for the washcloths. I bought a few of the more expensive thick sturdier washcloths (not the flimsy cheap ones).

When I wash down below, I use soap to wash the cloth but not so much (a very little amount) on the actual skin down there. I do not work up a lather because when I did this I had a moderate itch a few hours after. AVOID LATHERING UP DOWN BELOW!

I am careful to rinse with just water at 3-4 times after I have washed with very little soap. I completely pat dry the area with a bath towel.

I apply a (no scent) pantiliner to my panties to help absorb moisture.

I am pleased and most grateful to report that I have not had any itching or irritation for 2 almost 3 months. When I did experience a slight irritation it was when I lathered too much soap down below and did not rinse and dry thoroughly. Otherwise NO problems whatsoever and it has been wonderful to be itch free!