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.

There are four types of cause: lichen sclerosus, atopic dermatitis, psoriasis and unknown causes. 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

Lichen sclerosus
Atopic dermatitis
Psoriasis
Unknown causes

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).

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 lichen sclerosus, atopic dermatitis, psoriasis and unknown causes.

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).