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UROGYN Woman Clinic
Vulvar itching care at UROGYN Woman Clinic

vulvar itching

Causes of Vulvar Itching

A gynecological condition that causes severe itching of the vulva

Vulvar itching, also called pruritus vulvae, is a gynecological condition that causes severe itching of the vulva.

At UROGYN Woman Clinic in Gangnam, Seoul, an obstetrician-gynecologist first distinguishes between infections such as vaginitis, contact dermatitis caused by sanitary pads, feminine washes and similar products, and skin conditions such as lichen sclerosus, atopic dermatitis and psoriasis, then treats according to the cause. Where needed, we carry out a discharge test and a biopsy. Lichen sclerosus affects 1 in 70 people; it is a chronic idiopathic inflammatory condition that mainly occurs in the genital area. It may develop into vulvar cancer, so prompt treatment is needed. If your skin has turned silvery white or become thicker, please see a doctor. UROGYN Woman Clinic also treats anal itching (pruritus ani).

A woman unable to sleep because of itching

Why we treat vulvar itching

Vulvar itching (pruritus vulvae) makes daily life difficult, and changes in the shape of the labia majora can lead women to avoid sex.

The itching tends to be worst at bedtime and can disturb your sleep.

CHECKLIST

You may have pruritus vulvae if

  • you scratch out of habit
  • scratching brings no relief
  • the itching becomes severe at bedtime
  • frequent scratching has changed your skin

Causes of vulvar itching

CauseTypical signsHow we check
Vaginitis (e.g. Candida infection)Itching with changes in discharge, odor or swellingDischarge test
Contact dermatitisRedness and itching where pads, panty liners, washes or underwear touch the skinInterview (products you use), visual examination
Lichen sclerosusSkin turns silvery white, or becomes thick and roughVisual examination, biopsy if needed
Atopic dermatitis, psoriasisLong-lasting and recurrent, along with dermatitis elsewhere on the bodyInterview, visual examination
Unknown causesNo clear cause found on testingOther causes ruled out by the tests above
A diagram of vulvar skin turned silvery white by lichen sclerosus

A closer look at lichen sclerosus

Lichen sclerosus (lichen sclerosus et atrophicus) affects 1 in 70 people. It is a chronic idiopathic inflammatory condition that mainly occurs in the genital area.

When vulvar itching is caused by lichen sclerosus in particular, it may develop into vulvar cancer, so prompt treatment is needed.

SELF TEST

If any of these apply to you, please see a doctor

  • My skin has turned silvery white.
  • My skin has become thicker.
  • The surface of my skin has become rough.
  • My skin has lost its elasticity and sags.

The cause of lichen sclerosus is not yet known, and it may occur alongside vitiligo, autoimmune thyroiditis, alopecia areata, pernicious anemia, skin sclerosis and other conditions.

Another itch that troubles women

Anal itching (pruritus ani)

A guide photo showing the positions of the vulva and anus side by side

Itching of the skin around the anus can be mistaken for vulvar itching.

UROGYN Woman Clinic treats not only vulvar itching but also anal itching (pruritus ani).

How we assess and treat vulvar itching

  1. STEP 1

    Interview

    We ask when and where the itching occurs, which products you use and what treatment you have had before.

  2. STEP 2

    Vulvar and vaginal examination

    We look at the color and thickness of the skin, any broken skin, and your discharge.

  3. STEP 3

    Tests

    Where needed, we carry out a discharge test or a biopsy.

  4. STEP 4

    Treatment

    We treat according to the cause, choosing from ointments, medication, injections, laser and surgery.

Vulvar itching

Have you only ever used ointment? Has medication not helped either?

Not sure where or how to treat your vulvar itching? Let UROGYN help you resolve it.

See treatment options

Frequently asked questions

What is vulvar itching?
A gynecological condition that causes severe itching of the vulva. It is also called pruritus vulvae.
What causes vulvar itching?
The causes are divided into infections such as vaginitis; contact dermatitis caused by sanitary pads, feminine washes and similar products; skin conditions such as lichen sclerosus, atopic dermatitis and psoriasis; and unknown causes.
Can vaginitis cause itching?
Yes. If the itching comes with changes in discharge or an odor, it may be an infection, so we check with a discharge test. If it is not an infection, we look into skin conditions.
Can sanitary pads or feminine washes cause itching?
Yes. It may be contact dermatitis, a skin reaction to a product that touches the area, so we also review the products you use.
What kind of condition is lichen sclerosus?
Lichen sclerosus (lichen sclerosus et atrophicus) affects 1 in 70 people. It is a chronic idiopathic inflammatory condition that mainly occurs in the genital area.
Why does lichen sclerosus need prompt treatment?
When vulvar itching is caused by lichen sclerosus, it may develop into vulvar cancer, so prompt treatment is needed.
When should I see a doctor?
If any of these apply to you, please see a doctor: your skin has turned silvery white, become thicker or rough on the surface, or lost its elasticity and sags.
Can other conditions occur alongside lichen sclerosus?
The cause of lichen sclerosus is not yet known, and it may occur alongside vitiligo, autoimmune thyroiditis, alopecia areata, pernicious anemia, skin sclerosis and other conditions.
How does vulvar itching affect daily life?
Vulvar itching (pruritus vulvae) makes daily life difficult, and changes in the shape of the labia majora can lead women to avoid sex. The itching tends to be worst at bedtime and can disturb your sleep.
Is anal itching the same as vulvar itching?
Itching of the skin around the anus can be mistaken for vulvar itching. UROGYN Woman Clinic treats not only vulvar itching but also anal itching (pruritus ani).
How do I choose a clinic for vulvar itching?
Itching has many possible causes, from infection and contact dermatitis to skin conditions such as lichen sclerosus, so tests that tell these causes apart are important. At UROGYN Woman Clinic in Gangnam, Seoul, an obstetrician-gynecologist identifies the cause through examination, a discharge test and, where needed, a biopsy, then chooses the right treatment from ointments, medication, injections, laser and surgery. We also treat anal itching.

Find the right approach for you Start with a consultation

One-to-one consultations by phone or KakaoTalk.

Mon–Fri 10:00~19:00 · Sat 10:00~16:00 (Lunch 13:00~14:00)

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Before your surgery or procedure

Results and recovery times vary from person to person. Side effects such as swelling, bruising, pain, infection and pigmentation may occur at the treated area. We decide on the method only after a thorough consultation and examination. Please discuss the details with your doctor at your appointment.

Medically reviewed byObstetrician-gynecologist Dr. Kim Kwan-soo, Director