Vaginal itching is an uncomfortable condition that has many causes. While this condition can indicate only minor irritation or easily treated conditions, it can also be a symptom of more serious gynecologic conditions, such as sexually transmitted diseases. Finding the causes of external vaginal itching can help doctors develop successful treatment plans for patients experiencing this condition.
Vaginitis
The National Institutes of Health cited vaginitis as one of the common causes of external vaginal itching. Vaginitis is itching and inflammation that are caused by infections such as sexually transmitted diseases. According to the Merck Manual Home Edition, bacterial vaginosis and trichomoniasis are infections that can cause external vaginal itching.
Pinworms
The Centers for Disease Control defines a pinworm as a roundworm called Enterobius vermicularis. It typically lives in the colon and rectum, but female pinworms leave the intestine while an infected person sleeps. Eggs are deposited on the skin surrounding the anus. The National Institutes of Health indicates that one of the symptoms of pinworms is vaginal itching.
Menopause
Dr. Marjorie Greenfield, Associate Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Case School of Medicine, indicates that a decline in estrogen can lead to vaginal itching and irritation. This is known as atrophic vaginitis and can be treated with estrogen creams or pills. If systemic estrogen is needed, there are also patches and rings that contain estrogen.
Stress
According to the New York Times Health Guide on vaginal itching, this condition can be caused by stress. When stress occurs, it can also make women more susceptible to vaginal infections. Vaginal itching caused by stress can be reduced by practicing relaxation techniques or meditation.
Chemical Irritants
The National Institutes of Health lists several chemical irritants that can contribute to vaginal itching. They include fabric softeners, feminine deodorants, laundry detergents, soaps, vaginal creams, douches and spermicide. Stopping the use of these irritants is often enough to relieve vaginal itching completely.
Yeast Infection
The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases defines a vaginal yeast infection as an infection that develops because of the overgrowth of Candida albicans, which is a yeast. These infections commonly cause vaginal itching and also cause irritation and curd-like vaginal discharge.
Skin Disorders
Skin disorders that affect the vulva can result in vaginal itching. According to the Merck Manual of Health & Aging, lichen sclerosus is the most common type of vulvar skin condition. This condition causes shiny patches of parchment-like skin to develop on or around the labia. While some women have no symptoms, this condition can cause intense itching. Squamous hyperplasia may also cause external vaginal itching. This condition results in the growth of thick, white skin elevations on the vulva.
