Index

7 Common Causes of Intimate Area Itching

Common Diseases That Cause Intimate Area Itching

What to Do for Intimate Area Itching? 5 Ways to Relieve Itching

What to Do If It Itches Down There at Night? 3 Quick Tips for Immediate Relief

How to Prevent Intimate Area Itching? Start with Daily Care

Recommended Feminine Hygiene and Care Products

Frequently Asked Questions About Intimate Area Itching

 

Author  / Sharon,  Gynecologist

 

A study involving over a hundred participants found that, besides abnormal discharge, itching is a common and troublesome intimate health issue for many women. With the daily stress and busyness of life, experiencing unbearable itching in intimate areas can make it impossible to truly relax, even during leisure time. 

 

Some may even worry that persistent itching signals a serious problem. However, discomfort is often just a way for the body to send signals. There are many possible causes of intimate area itching, and not all of them indicate severe health concerns. In fact, making small daily adjustments can often help alleviate the issue. Let’s hear from gynecologists on how to effectively manage this problem!

 

7 Common Causes of Intimate Area Itching
 

Cause #1: Physiological Changes

 

Fluctuations in hormone levels can affect various bodily functions, particularly the intimate area. This explains why women may experience more sensitivity and discomfort during menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause.

 

Menstruation: During menstruation, estrogen levels drop. Since estrogen helps regulate skin moisture balance, lower levels can lead to dryness and itching. This discomfort is often caused by internal skin dryness rather than hygiene-related factors.

 

Pregnancy: In contrast to menstruation, estrogen levels surge during pregnancy, leading to excessive secretion of sebum and other moisturizing factors. This can result in excessive oil production, skin sensitivity, and intense itching.

 

Menopause: During menopause, estrogen production gradually declines, leading to reduced vaginal discharge, dryness, and mucosal atrophy. These changes often cause persistent itching, making it one of the most common complaints among menopausal women.

 

Cause #2: External Irritants

Chemical Irritants: Some individuals have sensitive skin that reacts to laundry detergents, bleach, underwear materials, fabric dyes, toilet paper, or chemicals in condoms, leading to allergic reactions, inflammation, abnormal discharge, and itching.

 

Physical Irritation: Tight clothing, rough or uncomfortable fabrics, and repeated friction from sexual activity can cause localized skin sensitivity and itching. Removing the source of irritation usually helps alleviate discomfort within a short period.

 

Cause #3: Skin Conditions & Infections

 

Skin Disorders: Conditions such as eczema and psoriasis in the intimate area can cause severe itching. These conditions are often linked to an individual's skin type and may be triggered by external irritants.

 

Infections: If itching is accompanied by abnormal discharge or an unusual odor, it may indicate a bacterial or fungal infection, such as vaginitis or an STI. In such cases, seeking medical attention promptly is crucial for proper diagnosis and treatment.

 

Common Vaginal Infections That Cause Itching

 

Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) is the most common vaginal infection among women of reproductive age. It is characterized by a grayish-white, thin, and non-sticky discharge with a fishy odor and mild external itching. Under normal conditions, the vagina contains healthy Lactobacillus bacteria that help maintain an acidic pH (3.5-4.5), preventing the overgrowth of harmful bacteria. However, factors like excessive vaginal douching, frequent sexual activity, smoking, stress, menstruation, and poor hygiene can disrupt this balance, leading to bacterial overgrowth and infection.

 

The vaginal skin is more delicate than regular skin, making it vulnerable to irritation and infection from frequent douching. Additionally, wearing non-breathable tight clothing, excessive sweating, prolonged use of panty liners or sanitary pads, high stress, and irregular sleep patterns can weaken the immune system, increasing the risk of vaginal infections.

 

Other common vaginal infections include yeast infections (Candida vaginitis) and trichomoniasis. Yeast infections typically cause thick, white, clumpy discharge with intense itching, while trichomoniasis is associated with yellow-green, frothy, foul-smelling discharge and itching. Trichomoniasis can also cause pain during urination or intercourse.

If you suspect a vaginal infection, seek medical assistance immediately. Treatment usually involves oral antibiotics and topical creams. Preventive measures and proper intimate care can also help reduce the risk of recurrence.

 

How to Relieve Intimate Area Itching? 5 Effective Solutions

 

1. Maintain a Healthy Diet & Lifestyle


Staying hydrated, maintaining a regular sleep schedule, exercising, and eating a balanced diet can improve circulation, reduce stress, and enhance immune function. Avoid excessive sugar intake and consider supplements like probiotics, cranberry extract, and vitamins C, D, and E to support vaginal health.

 

2. Avoid Irritants & Allergens

 

Identifying substances that trigger allergic reactions can help reduce irritation. Common culprits include detergents, fabric materials, sanitary products, toilet paper, and condoms. If you notice discomfort from a particular product, limit exposure to it.

 

3. Wear Loose, Breathable Clothing


Opt for soft, breathable cotton underwear and loose-fitting pants or skirts to minimize friction and irritation. Always wash underwear thoroughly to remove bacteria-harboring residues like discharge, urine, and menstrual blood. Using specialized intimate laundry detergents can help keep underwear hygienic.

 

4. Use pH-Balanced Intimate Cleansing & Care Products


The intimate area is more delicate and sensitive than other skin areas, so using specially formulated cleansers can help maintain hygiene. If dryness and itching occur due to hormonal changes, hydrating vaginal gels with hyaluronic acid and a pH of 3.5-4.5 can help soothe discomfort.

 

5. Maintain Proper Hygiene & Seek Medical Help When Necessary


In addition to daily hygiene practices, if you suspect a mild infection, consult a pharmacist about over-the-counter treatments containing povidone-iodine. These can help relieve itching, irritation, discharge, and odor caused by yeast, Candida, or trichomoniasis infections. However, if symptoms persist or worsen, seek medical attention promptly.

 

Quick Remedies for Nighttime Intimate Itching


1⃣️Use an antibacterial cooling spray for mild itching or a povidone-iodine spray for more severe cases.

2⃣️Apply a cold compress using a damp, chilled towel or ice pack to the affected area.

3⃣️Wear loose-fitting sleepwear and change into sterilized, disposable cotton underwear.

 

How to Prevent Intimate Itching?

 

Avoid vaginal douching, which disrupts the natural bacterial balance.

Wear breathable cotton underwear and loose-fitting clothing.

Avoid prolonged use of panty liners, sanitary pads, or tampons.

Use condoms during intercourse (preferably fragrance-free ones).

Avoid intrauterine devices (IUDs) as they can alter vaginal flora and increase infection risk.

Maintain a healthy lifestyle to boost immunity.

Wipe from front to back after using the toilet to prevent bacterial transfer.

Quit smoking to reduce the risk of infections.

Avoid artificially scented hygiene products that may cause irritation.

Take probiotics to support vaginal health naturally.

 

By making small lifestyle changes and adopting good intimate hygiene habits, you can effectively prevent and manage itching, ensuring optimal vaginal health.


 

Recommended Feminine Hygiene and Care Products


VIGILL Feminine Wash Series is the choice to daily care, as the solution to prevent intimate irritation.

 

Feminine Wash provides all-around care with Aloe Vera and tea tree oil.
- Aloe Vera Essence: Moisturizes and soothes
- Australian Tea Tree Oil: Prevents itching, removes odors 
- Ph3.5 balance
- Suitable for Daily Use

 

 

Reference

 

1. Bacterial Vaginosis – CDC Fact Sheet". Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 11 March 2014. Madden T, Grentzer J, Secura G, Allsworth J, Peipert J. Risk of Bacterial Vaginosis in Users of the Intrauterine Device: A Longitudinal Study. Sexually transmitted diseases, 2012; 39(3):217.

 

2. FAO/WHO . Health and Nutritional Properties of Probiotics in Food including Powder Milk with Live Lactic Acid Bacteria. Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations and World Health Organization Report .2001


3. Reid G, Beuerman D, Heinemann C, Bruce AW. Probiotic Lactobacillus dose required to restore and maintain a normal vaginal flora. FEMS Immunology & Medical Microbiology 2001;32(1):37-41.

 

4. Heczko PB, Tomusiak A, Adamski P et al. Supplementation of standard antibiotic therapy with oral probiotics for bacterial vaginosis and aerobic vaginitis: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. BMC women's health 2015;15(1):115.

 

5. Hongying T, Yunque F, Chunlin Y, Jianting M. Effects of metronidazole combined probiotics over metronidazole alone for the treatment of bacterial vaginosis: a meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials. Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics 2017;295(6):1331–1339