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Pruritus Vulvae

What you need to know:

Thrush is a common cause of this condition, but don’t try to treat it yourself. Many women assume that all discharges are caused by thrush and buy over-the-counter remedies, although if they ask a pharmacist these days they can usually tell just by asking a few questions if your self-diagnosis is wrong. The discharge may be caused by many other problems and must be diagnosed accurately to prevent long-term and possibly irreversible damage - including infertility.

Repeated episodes of thrush often occur because the male partner is a carrier. He’s not being irresponsible - thrush often produces no symptoms in men - but both partners need to be treated. You also need to remember that persistent thrush could be an early warning sign of underlying diabetes, which needs to be treated. Symptomatic treatment of thrush is seldom a long-term solution and requires a package of lifestyle and dietary changes as well as medication.

Some prescribed medication for many different conditions can also cause pruritis. If it starts soon after a course of prescription drugs, the patient needs to notify the doctor.

She should also take these steps to avoid any further irritation:
  • Don’t use highly perfumed bath or shower products
  • Add two or three chamomile tea bags to your bath - this herb is very soothing
  • Wash the genital are regularly and very gently with warm water only
If the itch is driving the young woman crazy in the night, she should try not to scratch. This triggers the vicious circle of the itch-scratch-itch syndrome as the trauma of the scratching releases histamine into the tissues, which makes them itch even more. Rubbing the area gently with an ice cube will give instant, but temporary, relief.
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This information is licensed for use by Wellbeing Information Systems Ltd ("WIS"), and protected by international copyright law. All rights are reserved. (email info@wisinfo.co.uk).
The information provided by WIS is for guidance only. Whilst it is based upon the expert advice of leading professionals, and extensive research, it is not a substitute for diagnosis by a qualified professional. Always consult your doctor, pharmacist or qualified practitioner before making any changes or additions to prescribed medication.