Soothing vaginal itchiness
WHETHER it is a mild or severe itchiness, a prickling sensation on the southern front can often be quite uncomfortable and painful. And while a woman’s first reaction is to grab some over-the- counter anti-fungal or yeast infection ointment, consultant obstetrician-gynaecologist at Gynae Associates, Dr Daryl Daley, warns that this may not be the wisest idea.
“Vaginal itching is usually secondary to something, and this list of associated medical causes can be quite extensive, ranging from sexual to non-sexual. This is why I generally recommend that women seek expert opinion instead of self-diagnosing, because the symptoms may be similar to a yeast infection which she had before, for example,” Dr Daley advised.
He notes that some of the most common causes of vaginal itchiness include contact dermatitis or allergic dermatitis, for example from underwear or chemical irritants from some hygienic products. You could have an ingrown hair, bacterial vaginosis, or it could be a sexually related discharge such as Trichomoniasis, herpes, Lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV), genital warts, chlamydia, gonorrhoea, mixed infections, or even menopause.
With the list of possible causes so broad, Dr Daley insists that over-the-counter drugs, while they may seem cheaper and could be effective if you are correct in your assumption, should never be your preferred course of treatment.
“Treating vaginal itching with an over-the counter drug without first identifying the source or reason for the itch is generally advised against. However, if you stand by your belief that it is nothing but, for example, a yeast infection, then what you could do is use your preferred drug, but be willing to go to see a doctor, preferably a gynaecologist, if the itchiness does not resolve, you don’t get any relief, or if it worsens within 24- 48 hours of using the over-the-counter treatment,” Dr Daley instructed.
He said a visit to the gynaecologist will allow for a complete examination to see what is happening. This way there can be a proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment can be administered. He says that this will also reduce the possibility of recurrent vaginal itch because the root cause would have been addressed instead of just soothing the itch alone.
Treatment for vaginal itching will vary and will depend on what the investigations prove to be the cause of the vaginal irritation.
“For example, in the case of yeast infection, you need antifungal medication in the form of suppositories or creams. For a bacterial infection you need antibiotics; for herpes you need antiviral medication; for warts you can cut or remove the warts; for contact dermatitis you will need some steroid cream; vaginosis and sexually transmitted diseases are treated with antibiotics and/or antiparasitics; and for menopause, oestrogen creams and tablets. Most other non-infectious irritants and inflammations are usually effectively treated with prescription-strength steroids,” Dr Daley underscored.
To prevent a recurrence of vaginal itching and to ensure the general health of the vagina, there are general rules you can follow to achieve this.
AVOID
•Unprotected sex.
•Wearing tight clothing.
•Using scented pads, tampons and condoms.
•Using vaginal cologne and soaps on the vagina unless you intend to adequately wash it away.
•Wearing underwear that is not breathable – use cotton preferably.
•Large intake or sugary foods.
•Sexual intercourse until your symptoms improve.
•Douching.
WHAT TO DO
•Drink plenty of water.
•Bathe and change undergarments every day.
•When bathing, make sure that the water being used is clean.
•Go for unscented soaps when washing the genitals.
•Always wipe from front to back after having a bowel movement.
•Always seek medical attention as soon as you notice a mild itch so that you may not have to contend with severe levels of discomfort, pain or even embarrassment.
