What causes vulvar itching?

Vulvar itching is a common symptom in gynecological patients, which is mostly caused by various vulvar lesions, and can also occur in patients with normal vulva. When the itching is severe, the patient will be restless and even affect his life and work.

1. Reasons

1 Local causes: Vulvovaginal candidiasis and Trichomonas vaginitis are the most common causes of vulvar pruritus. Bacterial vaginosis, atrophic vaginitis, pubic lice, scabies, scrotal infection, common warts, herpes, eczema, hypopigmentation of the vulva, drug allergy or skin care product irritation and bad hygiene habits are also common causes of vulvar pruritus.

2 Systemic causes: diabetes, jaundice, vitamin A and B deficiency, severe anemia, leukemia, intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy, etc.

In addition to local and systemic causes, there is also vulvar itching of unknown cause.

2. Clinical manifestations

1. Location of vulvar itching: Vulvar itching is mostly located in the clitoris, labia minora, labia majora, perineum and even perianal area. Long-term scratching may cause scratches, blood scabs or secondary folliculitis.

2 Symptoms and characteristics of vulvar pruritus: Vulvar pruritus is often paroxysmal or persistent, and usually worsens at night. The degree of itching varies significantly depending on the disease and individual. Vulvar candidiasis and trichomonas vaginitis are mainly characterized by vulvar pruritus and increased leucorrhea. Vulvar hypopigmentation is mainly characterized by vulvar pruritus, accompanied by loss of vulvar skin pigmentation. Vulvar pruritus caused by tadpoles is more severe at night. Urine sugar in diabetic patients irritates the vulvar skin, especially when complicated with vulvar candidiasis, the vulvar pruritus is particularly severe. Unexplained vulvar pruritus generally only occurs in women of childbearing age or after menopause. The symptoms of vulvar pruritus are severe and even unbearable, but the local skin and mucosa appear normal, or only have scratches and blood crusts. When patients with chronic diseases such as jaundice, vitamin A and B deficiency, severe anemia, leukemia, etc. experience vulvar pruritus, it is often part of systemic pruritus. Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy can also cause systemic skin pruritus including the vulva.