What are the common causes of Vulvar Irritation?

Vulvar irritation can happen because of any of the reasons below:

Infections

• Yeast Infections: This happens because of an overgrowth of bacteria in your vagina, causing an imbalance of the 'good bacteria.' If you have BV, your discharge might smell fishy and look off-white or gray; unfortunately, not everyone with BV will show any symptoms.
• Bacterial Vaginosis (BV): Results from an imbalance in the vaginal bacteria, leading to a fishy odor, thin discharge, and irritation.
• Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs): Conditions like herpes, chlamydia, and gonorrhea can cause itching, burning, and unusual discharge.

Skin Conditions

• Eczema or Vulvar Dermatitis: Affects the soft folds of the skin around the vulva; it can also happen because of an allergic reaction to fragrances, latex, tea tree oil, and more. With vulvar dermatitis you will most likely have pain during sex, itching on the vulva, vulva swelling, and more.
• Genital Psoriasis or Vulvar Psoriasis: This condition affects the skin on or around the vulva. If you have vulvar psoriasis you might see pink, purple, or brown skin discoloration on your vulva, cracked skin, itchy skin, and more.
• Lichen Sclerosus: This is a rare condition that can cause white patches on the vulva, thinning of the vulvar skin, and severe itching.

Irritants and Allergens

• Soaps and Detergents: Most soaps, bubble baths, and detergents have a lot of harsh chemicals in them; these chemicals can irritate the sensitive skin on the vulva which can cause you to have BV and yeast infections.
• Feminine Hygiene Products: Scented pads, tampons, and douches can throw off your vagina's ph balance and cause irritation, dryness, and infections.
• Clothing: Tight or non-breathable fabrics can trap moisture and heat, creating a breeding ground for irritation and infection.

Hormonal Changes

• Menopause: During menopause the estrogen levels in our bodies decrease, this can lead to the thinning and drying of our vaginal walls, itching, and discomfort, especially during sex.
• Pregnancy and Menstrual Cycle: Hormonal fluctuations can cause changes to the vaginal environment, which can lead to irritation.

How To Prevent and Treat Vulvar Itching

General Care

• Maintain Good Hygiene and Use Non-Toxic Feminine Hygiene Products: Gently wash your vulva with water and a mild, unscented soap like the Kushae Gentle 2-N-1 Foaming Feminine Wash. You should also avoid douching and using unscented, and non-toxic feminine hygiene products, as these can disrupt the natural pH balance of the vagina.
• Wear Breathable Clothing: Opt for cotton underwear or cotton crotch panties whenever possible, especially during the long days at the office; you should avoid tight-fitting clothing for long periods like those yoga pants, we are all guilty of wearing for way too long. Make sure to also change out of wet swimsuits or sweaty workout clothes as soon as you can to avoid BV and yeast infections.
• Stay Hydrated and Eat a Balanced Diet: Staying hydrated and eating whole foods can help your vagina stay happy and healthy.

Treating Infections

• Yeast Infections and Bacterial Vaginosis: For a natural and gentle solution for BV and yeast infections, use the Kushae Vaginal Boric Acid Suppositories + Probiotics & Aloe! Our medical-grade boric acid is sourced from seawater and when used vaginally, 95% of women reported immediate symptom relief from bacterial vaginosis (BV) and yeast infections using our natural, mess-free, boric acid capsules. 
• STIs: If you suspect that you may have an STI, please contact a medical professional ASAP, for proper diagnosis and treatment. Untreated STIs can lead to:
  • Infertility
  • Birth defects
  • Cervical cancer
  • Increased risk of HIV infection
  • "Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), caused by infection of the uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries, can result in swelling and scarring of these organs."

Managing Skin Conditions

There is no cure for eczema, psoriasis, and lichen sclerosus, but there are many treatments that can be used to provide you relief and to help to prevent or manage your flare-ups. Typical treatments for the conditions are listed below:

• For Eczema:
  • Light therapy
  • Wet dressings
  • Enzyme inhibitors
  • Topical corticosteroids
  • Emollients (moisturizers)
  • Relaxation, behavior modification, and biofeedback
• For Psoriasis:
  • Salicylic acid
  • Steroid creams
  • Tapinarof (Vtama)
  • Roflumilast (Zoryve)
  • Tazorac (Tazarotene)
  • Broadband UVB therapy
  • Psoralen + UVA (PUVA
  • Narrowband UVB therapy
  • Calcipotriol (Calcipotriene)
  • Coal tar ointment and shampoo
  • And more!
• For Lichen Sclerosus:
  • Phototherapy
  • Topical Steroids
  • Oral Immunosupressants
  • Topical and Oral Retinoids
  • Topical Calcineurin Inhibitors
  • Surgery may be recommended as a treatment for some people

Addressing Irritants and Allergens

• Use hypoallergenic, non-toxic, and fragrance-free soaps, detergents, and menstrual products to avoid allergic reactions and flare-ups.

Hormonal Treatments

• Estrogen Therapy: For post-menopausal women, local estrogen creams or tablets can help alleviate dryness and itching.

When to Consult a Doctor

While occasional itching might not be cause for concern if the itching becomes severe or lasts more than a week, you have unusual discharge, and are dealing with skin changes like bumps, lumps, or sores, you should see a doctor immediately.