External Vaginal Itching

External vaginal itching can be very uncomfortable, especially during pregnancy. The condition may arise out of a number of different problems but, in most cases, it is easily treatable.

Some fabrics can cause skin irritation.

External versus Internal Vaginal Itching

Distinguishing between external and internal vaginal itching can be difficult as the symptoms of each are practically identical. It is important to note that vaginal itching is technically internal, while external itchiness is vulva itch. Although the conditions feel remarkably similar, they are quite different.

Causes of Internal Itching

The causes of internal itchiness include but are not restricted to:

• Chemical irritation
• Infections
  • Yeast infection
  • Vaginitis
• Sexually transmitted diseases
• Diabetes

The list ranges from itchiness developing from contact with irritants to itchiness that may result from serious medical conditions. Since some of the problem may arise out of medical problems, it is very important to talk to your physician about the symptoms, especially during pregnancy.

External Vaginal Itching

External vaginal itching is technically vulva itch, affecting the external region of the pubic area. Different types of vulva itch have various causes and they can be very difficult to distinguish from internal itch.

Vulvovaginitis

Vulvovaginitis has a number of different possible causes and, like internal vaginal itch, the sources of the problem have a wide spectrum of severity. Women who experience this type of itchiness typically experience inflammation as well. Possible causes include but are not restricted to:

• Chlamydia trachomatis
• Candida infection
• Gonorrhoea
• Bacterial infection

Vulvitis

Vulvitis is specific to the vulva, related to inflammation and itchiness in this region. Vulvitis, like vulvovaginitis, is not a specific condition, but a symptom of an underlying problem. Possible conditions include:

• Bacterial infection
• Fungus
• Eczema
• Allergic reactions

Lactobacillus

Lactobacillus sounds like a serious infection, but it is healthy bacteria that live in the vagina and the small intestine. The bacterium is a probiotic since it may be used for medicinal purposes in some situations. During pregnancy, these bacteria can grow excessively, causing irritation.

External Vaginal Itching and Pregnancy

Vaginal itch during pregnancy is very uncomfortable, especially as the pregnancy progresses. Any number of problems ranging from allergic reaction to perfumes to gestational diabetes may cause the problem.

Hormonal changes have a dramatic effect on the body, including changes in pH levels in the vagina. The pH imbalance can lead to itchiness, which can then lead to a yeast infection.

Additional sugar in the region can lead to a yeast infection because yeast thrives in an environment that has higher sugar levels. This is especially problematic during the third trimester. After the baby is delivered, the itch commonly disappears since the environment has less sugar as hormone levels balance.

A product like Monistat may treat a yeast infection but it is necessary to discuss this option with your physician before applying the cream. The doctor can determine the proper dosage for treatment and, in some cases, she may recommend an oral medication to treat the condition. Other treatment options are available as well.

Treatments for Vaginal Itch

In order to treat the itch successfully, it is necessary to rule out any possible infections including thrush or any other underlying medical conditions. Baking soda mixed with a few drops of water makes a paste that can help alleviate the itchiness. In some cases, a simple cold washcloth can offer relief.

A topical anesthetic like lidocaine can alleviate skin irritation, but it is important to discuss using this approach with your physician during pregnancy.

Some suggest applying a small amount of yogurt on the affected area, but this approach should not be used if the itchiness is caused by excessive growth of lactobacillus. The yogurt can make the condition worse since it encourages the growth of the probiotic bacteria.

Preventative Measures

Avoid using perfumed soaps, fabric softener, and other potential irritants on undergarments, washcloths, and in bath water. Tight clothing may contribute to the problem since it can chafe the skin. Wearing comfortable clothes and breathable underwear is ideal for keeping external vaginal itching under control.

Clearly communicating any concerns about discomfort is important during pregnancy. Itchiness may not seem like a serious problem, but it is better to communicate these details whether you have a high risk pregnancy or not.

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