vulvar itching

Causes of Vulvar Itching

A gynaecological condition that brings severe itching of the vulva

Vulvar itching is a gynaecological condition that brings severe itching of the vulva, and is also called pruritus vulvae.

It has four causes: lichen sclerosus, atopic dermatitis, psoriasis and unknown cause. Lichen sclerosus is a condition experienced by 1 in 70 people, a chronic idiopathic inflammatory condition that mainly occurs in the genital area. It may turn into vulvar cancer, so prompt treatment is needed. If your skin has turned silvery white or has 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) brings difficulties in daily life, and changes in the shape of the labia majora can lead you to avoid sex.

Vulvar itching is especially bad before bed and can disturb a good night's sleep.

CHECKLIST

You should suspect vulvar itching if

you scratch out of habit
scratching brings no relief
the itching gets severe before bed
frequent scratching has changed your skin

Causes of vulvar itching

Lichen sclerosus
Atopic dermatitis
Psoriasis
Unknown cause

Spotlight on lichen sclerosus!

Lichen sclerosus (Lichen Sclerosis Atrophicus) is a condition experienced by 1 in 70 people, a chronic idiopathic inflammatory condition that mainly occurs in the genital area.

In vulvar itching in particular, lichen sclerosus may turn into vulvar cancer, so prompt treatment is needed.

SELF TEST

If even one of these applies to you, be sure to 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 firmness and sagged.

The cause of lichen sclerosus has not yet been identified, and it may be accompanied by vitiligo, autoimmune thyroiditis, alopecia areata, pernicious anaemia, skin sclerosis and other conditions.

Another itch that troubles women

Anal itching (pruritus ani)

Guide photo showing 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 been using ointment? Has medication not worked either?

Vulvar itching you did not know where or how to treat can now be resolved at UROGYN!

See treatment options

Frequently asked questions

What is vulvar itching?

A gynaecological condition that brings 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 cause.

What kind of condition is lichen sclerosus?

Lichen sclerosus (Lichen Sclerosis Atrophicus) is a condition experienced by 1 in 70 people, a chronic idiopathic inflammatory condition that mainly occurs in the genital area.

Why does lichen sclerosus need prompt treatment?

In vulvar itching in particular, lichen sclerosus may turn into vulvar cancer, so prompt treatment is needed.

Which symptoms mean I should see a doctor?

If even one of these applies to you, be sure to see a doctor: your skin has turned silvery white, your skin has become thicker, the surface of your skin has become rough, or your skin has lost its firmness and sagged.

Are there conditions that can appear together with lichen sclerosus?

The cause of lichen sclerosus has not yet been identified, and it may be accompanied by vitiligo, autoimmune thyroiditis, alopecia areata, pernicious anaemia, skin sclerosis and other conditions.

How does the itching affect daily life?

Vulvar itching (pruritus vulvae) brings difficulties in daily life, and changes in the shape of the labia majora can lead you to avoid sex. Vulvar itching is especially bad before bed and can disturb a good night's sleep.

Is an itchy anus also 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).