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  • Q&A with Australian Health Practitioners

    How should I carry out a self-examination?

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    Vulval Conditions Women's Health
    I am itchy in my down stairs region, how can i tell myself if it could be a vulvar condition?
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    • Women's Health Queensland Wide
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  • Women's Health Queensland Wide

    Women's Health Queensland Wide provides free health information for Queensland women. View Profile

    Puritus vulvae  is the medical term which means itchy vulva. The vulva is the area of skin just outside the vagina. Most women have a slight vulval itch from time to time. However, pruritus vulvae means the itch is persistent, and causes distress. The itch may be particularly bad at night and may disturb your sleep. About 1 in 10 women sees a doctor about persistent vulval itch at some stage in her life. It can affect any woman, at any age.
    Pruritus vulvae is a symptom, not a condition in itself. Pruritus vulvae can be caused by many different conditions. Therefore, if you have a persistent vulval itch, you should see your doctor to find out the cause.

    Causes of pruritus vulvae can include the following.

    • Infections. For example: thrush, threadworms, scabies, and some sexually transmitted infections.
    • Skin conditions may affect vulval skin. For example: eczema, psoriasis, lichen simplex, lichen planus and lichen sclerosus.
    • Allergic reaction to soaps, perfumes, deodorants, excessive sweat, condoms, wet wipes, textile dyes, detergents, fabric conditioners, sanitary wear, etc.
    • Urinary or faecal incontinence. This can make the skin of the vulva moist and irritated.
    • Menopause. Because of lower oestrogen levels, the vulval skin tends to become thinner and drier after the menopause, which can make it prone to itch.
    • Pregnancy can cause itch due to vulval engorgement. There is also an increased risk of vaginal discharge and thrush during pregnancy, which may cause itch.
    • Breast-feeding can cause itch due to low oestrogen levels.
    • Any cause of a generalised body itch may also cause itching of the vulva. For example, a generalised body itch may be a side-effect of some medicines or due to some blood disorders, thyroid problems or kidney or liver disease.
    • Diabetes can cause itch in the vulval area.
    • A cancer of the vulval skin is an uncommon cause.
     In some cases, no cause can be found. Some women examine their vulval region using a mirror to look for changes. However, since there are so many conditions that have vulval itching as a symptom the only real way to find an answer/treatment (if indicated) is by having a thorough medical examination.
    Brenda
    Women’s Health Educator
    Health Information Line, Women’s Health Queensland Wide
     
    Women living in Queensland can also call our Health Information Line - a free information and referral service for Queensland women - on 3839 9988 or 1800 017 676 (toll free outside Brisbane).
     
    Please note that all health information provided by Women’s Health Queensland Wide is subject to this disclaimer
     
     

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