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Continual labial itching
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.
I too have itchy scalp. It started after my first pregnancy, when I was diagnosed with celiacs disease. I have to eat gluten free and use gluten free body products otherwise I itch like crazy. I've had this itchy labia for over a month and I have not been eating gluten free. I'm wondering if this is all related.
I have been reading some of the previous posts regarding vaginal itching. I have come across some of the same symptoms I have been experiencing. It also seems as though a lot of women are suffering from this but have no answers. Like many I thought it was yeast and treated it last week as such but that didn't help. I saw my doc two days ago and she mentioned Lichens but said my labia don't look like that. However, I am not confident she has a lot of experience with Lichens and may not recognize it. I have to say I have been looking at my vagina for 41 years and thought it looked normal but now I'm not so sure? If I stretch it out it seems to have a lacy appearance in certain areas but I am not sure! I wish I could view a "normal" labia. And I think it has had this appearance for many years but I never had any symptoms.
I am wondering if any one out there has similar symptoms with any definitive diagnosis? I have had an itchy scalp I think since my second child was born so for about 7-8 years. I notice it most when my scalp is wet when washing my hair and it mostly the back of my head. I remember one bout of having a very itchy scalp while sleeping. I thought the scalp was a hormonal issue and didn't give it much thought. For many years now I have had the occasional blister form in my mouth. Always on my inner cheeks but I never really thought much of it as it really wasn't bothersome. It would pop easily and heal up quickly. I used to teach a lot of spinning classes over 10 years ago so lots of sitting on a hard saddle and I noticed that the end or the tip of my left labia minora seemed a bit roughened and if I took a break from spinning it would seem to resolve.
My symptoms currently are an itchy left only labia minora for about the last 2-3 weeks. I have never had this before. Two days ago I had a blister form under my tongue. not directly under the surface of my tongue but in the valley area below. Finally, I have noticed over the last may 1 1/2-2 years I get very watery discharge randomly throughout my cycle. so its not something I can track with my cycle. I can bend over and gush! I thought it was related to my hormones shifting perimenopausally.
I am questioning whether I have one of the Lichen syndromes and whether it is possible to have it for many years but not really have bothersome symptoms? I think if my vaginal itching had not occurred I would have carried on as usual with the other symptoms. ugh! but I am not impressed with my vagina now. I have read that scratching it causes a vicious cycle so I am avoiding that. I mean its not as bad as some others have expressed and I am not having sleep disturbances from it. I used the cortisone cream twice yesterday but that makes be very nervous and do not want to use it much more. I think my approach is going to be to deal with my stress...
any thoughts from anyone would be so appreciated!!
I am wondering if any one out there has similar symptoms with any definitive diagnosis? I have had an itchy scalp I think since my second child was born so for about 7-8 years. I notice it most when my scalp is wet when washing my hair and it mostly the back of my head. I remember one bout of having a very itchy scalp while sleeping. I thought the scalp was a hormonal issue and didn't give it much thought. For many years now I have had the occasional blister form in my mouth. Always on my inner cheeks but I never really thought much of it as it really wasn't bothersome. It would pop easily and heal up quickly. I used to teach a lot of spinning classes over 10 years ago so lots of sitting on a hard saddle and I noticed that the end or the tip of my left labia minora seemed a bit roughened and if I took a break from spinning it would seem to resolve.
My symptoms currently are an itchy left only labia minora for about the last 2-3 weeks. I have never had this before. Two days ago I had a blister form under my tongue. not directly under the surface of my tongue but in the valley area below. Finally, I have noticed over the last may 1 1/2-2 years I get very watery discharge randomly throughout my cycle. so its not something I can track with my cycle. I can bend over and gush! I thought it was related to my hormones shifting perimenopausally.
I am questioning whether I have one of the Lichen syndromes and whether it is possible to have it for many years but not really have bothersome symptoms? I think if my vaginal itching had not occurred I would have carried on as usual with the other symptoms. ugh! but I am not impressed with my vagina now. I have read that scratching it causes a vicious cycle so I am avoiding that. I mean its not as bad as some others have expressed and I am not having sleep disturbances from it. I used the cortisone cream twice yesterday but that makes be very nervous and do not want to use it much more. I think my approach is going to be to deal with my stress...
any thoughts from anyone would be so appreciated!!
I'm 15 and I'm not a virgin, but for the past two weeks my virginia has been really itchy, its worse at night, but does itch in the day, iv tried all the things to help it but they don't work, I drink loads of water and don't use any creams or shower gel's, my mum thinks its a yeast infection and iv tried with apple cider vinigar and it just won't help it please can someone help me I'm really scared :( xxx thanks
Faith, sweetheart, you are much too long to have to carry this on your own. If I had to guess, it's caused from an autoimmune deficiency. Since there seems to be no cure, just temporary treatments of all different kinds, some give a little relief, for a time, while some do nothing at all to help. I'm 66 and developed this over a year ago. Dr. didn't have a clue, tried four rounds of some powder concoction to no avail. Been tested, thyroid is fine, hormones, no problem, but stress level is out of sight. Plus I have non ulcerative colitis, because of an autoimmune deficiency. It takes on so many parts of our systems. I also have fibromyalgia, also believed to be caused by the same thing. Temporary help is all that's available because all these physicians can't agree as to what it is. How on earth could anyone ever come up a cure and if it is attributed to your autoimmune system, then there will only be treatment, not a cure. I have allergies and applied a cream to my face that had lanolin in it. I am very allergic to wool/lanolin so I had a very red face and itching and burning so bad I went to the ER. I got a cortisone shot, face finally calmed, but for about 4 to 5 weeks........NO ITCHING. It was the cortisone. I's back...
This may be the answer for some of you!! I had the same itchy problems you are describing for about 9 months. I went to 4 different Gynecologists and they told me the same things you are hearing- maybe it's your soap, sleep naked, use these creams blah, blah, blah.. I could not take it anymore, and I was convinced that this was not normal and I should not have to do all this stuff just to feel not itchy. Finally, I went to the fifth doctor. She tested me for "GROUP B STREP". I tested positive- she gave me some sort of 5 or 7 day prescription (pills) and it was gone - totally- for 6 years now- back to normal - no more creams, no more anything!!! I could not believe I suffered for that long before finally a doctor figured it out. Group B Strep is NOT a sexually transmitted disease. It happens when microscopic amounts of fecal matter end up in your vagina and can cause a disruption of the flora in there. Not hard to happen if you have been going to the bathroom all day, have had a bowel movement, and then have sex that evening without taking a shower first. I know it sounds gross but, it easily happens to people. So... it's worth a shot- ask your doctor to test you for "GROUP B STREP". Also, this is VERY important to know if you are going to have babies because once you have Group B Strep it lies dormant in your body and when you have a baby, they need to put you on an antibiotic during delivery. It's extremely important!! Don't worry you cannot pass Group B Strep on to your sexual partners. (At least not as of latest research)
Also, here are some things that might help, they are cardinal rules for me and should be for every woman!! They should have taught this in health class!! I have had no more problems:
1) ALWAYS urinate immediately after sex. Even if it is just a few drops. This will help eliminate your UTI's. Do not just roll over and go to sleep!! Very important!!
2) ALWAYS wipe front to back. (I know most woman know this one, but just want to make sure.)
3) DO NOT engage in anal sex. If you must, DO NOT go from the anus to the vagina or mouth without thoroughly washing the penis with soap and water. If you go from the anus to the vagina without washing, this is a sure fire way to get Group B Strep which causes itching.
4) Whenever possible try to have CLEAN sex. Meaning both partners take a bath or shower first. If this is not possible, at the very least before sex, take a washcloth and wash your anus. You don't want that bacteria from fecal matter getting mixed in during sex.
Hope this helps!!
Also, here are some things that might help, they are cardinal rules for me and should be for every woman!! They should have taught this in health class!! I have had no more problems:
1) ALWAYS urinate immediately after sex. Even if it is just a few drops. This will help eliminate your UTI's. Do not just roll over and go to sleep!! Very important!!
2) ALWAYS wipe front to back. (I know most woman know this one, but just want to make sure.)
3) DO NOT engage in anal sex. If you must, DO NOT go from the anus to the vagina or mouth without thoroughly washing the penis with soap and water. If you go from the anus to the vagina without washing, this is a sure fire way to get Group B Strep which causes itching.
4) Whenever possible try to have CLEAN sex. Meaning both partners take a bath or shower first. If this is not possible, at the very least before sex, take a washcloth and wash your anus. You don't want that bacteria from fecal matter getting mixed in during sex.
Hope this helps!!
To Faith
Request another biopsy as my symtoms were similar and I was diagnosed with Lichen Sclerosus. If it is Lichen Sclerosus - in young women it can sometimes leave them after a while. In menopausal women like myself the condition often remains for life but needs to be managed with steroid creams and lifestyle changes ie diet etc. I have been told there is no cure but good mangement is the only solution. I had the biopsy done after 16 months of having symptoms and being treated for vaginitis and can relate to your feelings of deperation as I have been threre myself. At present I am seeing a naturopath for dietary changes and a dermatologist for management of the problem. Best of luck I hope you find some solutions soon.
Request another biopsy as my symtoms were similar and I was diagnosed with Lichen Sclerosus. If it is Lichen Sclerosus - in young women it can sometimes leave them after a while. In menopausal women like myself the condition often remains for life but needs to be managed with steroid creams and lifestyle changes ie diet etc. I have been told there is no cure but good mangement is the only solution. I had the biopsy done after 16 months of having symptoms and being treated for vaginitis and can relate to your feelings of deperation as I have been threre myself. At present I am seeing a naturopath for dietary changes and a dermatologist for management of the problem. Best of luck I hope you find some solutions soon.
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