Itchy

Vulva Itching Worse at Night, Genital Itching Causes, Meaning, No Discharge, Natural Remedies, Treatment

December 29, 2017

The problem of Vulva itching can be a big embarrassment and discomforting. So what exactly is vulva itching? What cause Vulva itching? And what are the possible natural remedies? Get a detailed overview of this symptom as explained by Dr. Julianna Schantz-Dunn, MD, an ob-gyn at Brigham Women’s Hospital in Boston. Also captured are the views from different refereed Journals and other Authorities in the field of gynecology like [CDC]-center for disease control and prevention, and [ACOG] The American Congress of Obstetrician and Gynecologists.

Vulva Itching worse at Night

vulva itching causes

Itching of the vulva is also referred to as Pruritus vulvae. Pruritus vulvae mean that the itch is persistent and causes distress. However, most women experience a slight vulva itch now and again. The itch may be particularly bad at night and may disturb your sleep. A recent research by[ CDC] Center for disease control and prevention of 20I6 revealed that 2 out of 20 women in United States sees a doctor about a persistent itchy vulva at some stage in her life. It can lead to scratching and rubbing which can break the skin and can lead to soreness, bleeding and skin infection.

An itchy vulva [Pruritus vulvae] is a symptom, not a condition in itself. It can be caused by many different conditions. Therefore, if you have a persistent itchy vulva at night, you should see your doctor to find out the cause.

Causes of an itch vulva tend to differ slightly between adults and children. However, they can include the following among many others:

Thrust
Threadworms
Scabies
Detergents
Panty liners
In little girls a particular common cause is careless or poor washing or drying of the area, and wiping of the buttocks in the wrong directions [towards the front].

When your Vagina itches what does that mean?

There are several reasons for vaginal itching and pain. Some of them, like hormonal changes, are the natural processes in the woman’s body that come and go without treatment and consequences. Others can damage the body or affect the woman’s reproductive functions and need to be treated professionally. They are sexually transmitted diseases, bacterial infections. Skin inflammations, such as dermatitis or psoriasis, can also affect the genital area and cause itching and discomfort.

What causes Genital Itching Female?

Poor shaving techniques

When you shave down there, it may feel smooth in the moment, but when the hair grows back it’s itchy. In fact, in a 20I6 study published in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology about problems women experience with ridding public hair, 39% said they have felt severe itching after shaving with razor.

Post-menopausal hormonal changes

Because of lower oestrogen levels, the vulva skin tends to become thinner and drier during and after the menopause. This can make it prone to itch. The low oestrogen levels can also cause vaginal dryness or lack of lubrication in the vagina which lead to inflammation. Low oestrogen levels can start before the actual menopause i.e when you are still having periods. It is most common between the ages of 35 and 60.

Sexually transmitted infections

A whole host of STIs can manifest with itching while others are asymptomatic. Some of sexually transmitted diseases that cause itchiness on the vagina include:

Trichomoniasis- This is a common [STI] caused by a parasite called Trichomonas vaginalis . The US center for Disease Control and prevention [CDC] notes that while 3.6 million people are infected [more of them women] only 30% know it. That’s because it often causes no symptoms but when it does, it causes itching, burning, a change in discharge, or external white cracking in the skin.
Herpes-Genital herpes is an easily transmitted viral disease that often shows no symptoms. In other cases it can result in blisters and sores in the genital area that may burn, itch and make a person experience irritation. Genital herpes is virtually incurable, so certain medications might be necessary to keep these symptoms away.
HPV-Most human papillomavirus types are not dangerous for human health, do not cause any symptoms and go away on their own often unnoticed. However, there are certain types of virus that can lead to genital warts or even cancer. In these cases a person can experience itching and unpleasant sensations, including irritation and burning.
Chlamydia – Chlamydia is a very popular STD that can have no symptoms at all or be responsible for itching, burning sensations and irritation. When left untreated, the disease can damage female reproductive system, cause aggravations such as pelvic inflammatory diseases and even end up in infertility.

Yeast infection

According to Dr. Schantz-Dunn, Vaginal candidiasis, or yeast infection, is a type of vaginitis that is caused by excessive upsurge of yeast in the vagina. Vaginal itching is a common symptom with burning during urination, irritation and uncommon odorless thick white discharge also possible.

“We suggest you at least visit your doctor to discuss your symptoms rather than going to drugstore to buy an OTC treatment. If you randomly self-treat and it’s not a yeast infection, you can make the problem worse” says DR. Schantz-Dunn.

Bacteria vaginosis

According to DR. Schantz- Dunn, excessive bacteria in the vagina are responsible for bacterial vaginosis. It result in fish-like smell, white or grey discharge and may as well bring burning during urination. Bacteria vaginosis is a very common infection that needs to be treated early as it can increase the chances of contracting STDs, including HIV and developing pelvic inflammatory disease.

Spermicide or Condoms

Whether it’s because of an actual latex allergy or just an irritated reaction to a spermicide, the products you use during sex can lead to itching. Having a latex allergy-in case, you can switch to polyurethane rubbers-is less common than having your garden-variety inflamed reaction to a chemical in your condoms or lube, Dr. Schantz-Dunn says. If you find your vagina is constantly irritated after having sex, check out for the ingredients you may want to avoid during the act.

Irritating Hygiene Products

‘’ The vulva and vagina are some of the most sensitive tissues in the body to any allergies” Dr. Schantz-Dunn says, adding that she always jokes about January being a good month for business due to vaginitis, or vaginal inflammation. ‘’ so many people get bubble baths [as gift], which leads to a lot of itching and burning because a lot of the agents are allergens.’’

Dr. Schantz-Dunn agrees that ‘’some of the most common reasons [for vaginal itching] are going to be right in your bathroom’’ maybe the culprits is feminine hygiene wipes you’re using, fragrant soaps, or scented menstrual pads. Dr. Schuntz-Dunn describes this pads as ‘’ smelling like Hawaii or walking through the garden of flowers.’’ That’s not how your vagina is supposed to smell, and the chemicals in these products can be extremely irritating.

Vulva cancer

According to Journal of The America congress of obstetricians and gynecologist [ACOG], vulva cancer isn’t common phenomenon. An estimated 5200 women in the United States receive diagnosis each year. It’s especially uncommon in young women, with 65 being the average age at diagnosis. If you have a persistent itch, it will be worthwhile to visit a gynecologist.

Skin Conditions

According to the Journal of The American congress of obstetricians and gynecologist, the following skin conditions can also result to itching of the vulva.

Contact Dermatitis- Contact dermatitis, commonly referred to as rash, is a skin inflammation caused by allergic or irritant reactions. If there is a flaw in the immune system, it may react to something you’ve touched or sensed and produce antibodies and eventually allergic reaction. Irritant reaction occurs when something destructive stays on your skin for some time and does significant damage to it. In both cases dermatitis may result in itching, burning and irritation.
Eczema-Eczema is another type of inflammation, characterized by skin dryness, recurring rashes, swelling, itching, appearance of lesions and patches. The nature of the disease remains unclear, while the symptoms are kept at bay by creams, moisturizers and other medications.
Psoriasis-Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition that appears in the form of patches and plaques of abnormal, thickened skin. It grows rapidly and excessively and typically affects the scalp, elbows, knees, nails and other parts of the body. The disease is considered to be incurable and causes abundant irritation and itching. It usually takes topical agents to subdue the symptoms in mild cases, while complex treatment is required in severe conditions. Although the nature of psoriasis remains largely unclear, the climate, stress and chronic diseases tend to influence the intensity of the diseases.
Lichen sclerosus- Lichen sclerosus is another skin inflammation of unknown nature, mainly affecting women in post-menopausal age. The symptoms include white lesions or spots in the genital areas that may itch. Lichen sclerosus is a chronic condition and there is no direct cure for it. However, proper hygiene and lack of scratching is a good aid in treating it.

Vulva Itching No Discharge

While the vaginal itching is normally accompanied by abnormal discharge and unpleasant smell, some women may experience no particular secretions or odors. This usually happens courtesy of allergic reactions and skin inflammations, such as contact dermatitis, psoriasis or dandruff, parasitic infections, such as scabies or lice, psychological and hormonal factors. Rare cases include lichen sclerosus, vaginal dystrophy.

Vulva Itching Natural Remedies

itchy vulva home remedy – cranberry juice

Consider the following natural remedies:

COCONUT OIL

The lauric, capric and caprylic acids present in coconut oil contain antiviral and antibacterial properties. Caprylic acid breaks down the cell membrane of the yeast. It’s hydrating and soothing properties provide relief from the itching and burning. Coconut oil can be used in two different ways.

Slater a layer of coconut oil on the vagina and leave it to dry completely.
Add 2-3 drops of coconut oil into 6 cups of water. Use this solution to rinse your vagina. Leave it to dry completely.
Repeat any one of the processes regularly until you find relief.

CHAMOMILE TEA

The soothing properties of chamomile provide relief from vaginal itching inflammation, redness and burning. For more effective results, we will add tea tree oil to chamomile.

Brew 2 cups of chamomile tea and let it cool down.
Add 5 drops of tea tree oil into chamomile tea.
Mix well and rinse your vagina with his solution.
Leave it to dry completely.
Repeat this process 2 times in a day.

TEA TREE OIL

Tea tree oil contains antibacterial properties which not only provides relief from vaginal itching but also treats the yeast infection.

Add 5 drops of tea tree oil to 2 tablespoon of freshly extracted aloe Vera gel.
Apply this mixture on the vagina and surrounding areas.
Leave it to dry for 20 minute.
Rinse with warm water and pat dry.
Repeat the process daily until you get relief.

COLD COMPRESS

Though it looks very simple, cold compress is one of the effective ways to get relief from vaginal itching instantly. It numbs the area and reduces the inflammation.

Wrap few ice cubes in a washcloth.
Put the ice pack or any other cold compress on the vagina.
After few minutes, take a 2 minutes break and re-apply it for few minutes.
Repeat the process for 20 minutes.
Repeat the process whenever required.

ROSEMARY LEAVES

Rosemary leaves are known to prevent the cultivation of bacteria around the skin. Rosemary leaves can be used to make ant-bacteria solution which also provides relief from vaginal itching.

Bring 3 cups of water to boil.
Add some rosemary leaves into it.
Cover and let it steep for 20 minutes.
Use this solution to rinse the vagina.
Leave it to dry completely.
Repeat the process 2 times in a day.

BASIL LEAVES

Basil leaves contain antibacterial properties and antifungal properties. It is considered one of the best remedies to treat vaginal itching and burning.

Add a handful of basil leaves into 2 cups of water.
Bring the mixture to boil and remove from flame.
Let it cool down and strain it.
Rinse your vagina with this solution.
Repeat the process 2 times in a day.

KEFIR

Kefir is a fermented dairy product which is rich in probiotic bacteria. This good bacterium colonizes the vagina and controls the bad bacterial growth. This helps to provide relief from vaginal itching and burning.

Dip a tampon in kefir and insert it into the vagina.
Leave it for 2 hours and remove it.
Repeat this problem daily until you get relief.
For Added Benefits: drink 2 cups of kefir in a day for a few weeks.

INDIAN LILAC

Indian lilac contains antiseptic properties which help to reduce the itching and other discomforts. It is of the best remedies to treat vagina itching caused by yeast infection.

Add a handful of NEEM or Indian lilac leaves to 2 cups of water.
Bring this mixture to boil and remove from the flame.
Allow it to cool down and strain.
Rinse your vaginal area with this solution.
Repeat the process once in a day for few weeks.

GARLIC

The allicin present in Garlic possesses anti-bacterial and anti-biotic properties which kill the yeast causing the itching and other discomforts. Eating 3 garlic cloves in a day helps to boost the immune system and help our body fight infections effectively.

Combine few drops of garlic oil and 2 tablespoon of vitamin E oil.
Apply the mixture on the vagina and leave it on for 20 minutes.
Rinse with warm water and pat dry.
Repeat this process 3 times in a day.

SALT WATER BATH

A salt water bath not only provides relief from vaginal itching but also provides a relaxing effect to your body. it also deals with bacteria growth that is causing infection. You can use either Epsom salt or sea salt for this process.

Add 2 cups of salt water to your bathtub filled with lukewarm water.
Sit in a squatting position in the water for 20 minutes.
Bath normally and pat dry completely.
Repeat the process 3 times in a day.
For instant relief: add 2 tablespoon of salt to 2 glasses of water and rinse your vaginal with this solution.

APPLE CIDER VINEGAR

Apple cider vinegar balances the PH levels of the vagina which creates an environment that is difficult for yeast growth. It also contains antibacterial, antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties.

Add 2 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar to a glass of water.
Bath normally with mild soap and water and now, rinse your vagina with the apple cider vinegar solution.
Repeat the process 2 times in a day.
For added benefits, add 2 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar to 2 tablespoon of honey, add a glass of water to the mixture and drink it 2 times in a day.

YOGURT

The good Microflora present in yogurt colonizes the vagina and control bad bacteria growth. The soothing effects of yogurt provide quick relief from vaginal itching and burning.