Page 135 - (DK) Home Doctor: Providing practical advice on home treatments

COMMON CONDITIONS: WOMEN’S PROBLEMS 133

Genital irritation

Itching inside the vagina or around the vulva (the folds of skin outside the vagina) may be uncomfortable and
embarrassing during the day and make it difficult for you to sleep at night. The area may be dry, red, and
swollen and you may have a stinging sensation when you urinate and/or discomfort during sex. Symptoms are
usually worse in hot weather. Genital irritation is often a reaction to soaps and perfumes in toiletries, but it
can also be due to an infection, another skin condition, or to not drying yourself properly after using the toilet.

See also Vaginal discharge, opposite page; Painful intercourse, p.134.

See your doctor first
DRUG REMEDIES
Make an appointment to see your doctor if:
● You have a discharge, or painful urination Moisturizers (see p.187), such as water-based
cream and emulsifying ointment, may soothe irritated
● You have itching elsewhere and/or have a
skin but may also be irritating. Alternatively, try
skin condition such as eczema or psoriasis applying pure aloe vera gel (see p.177).
● You are losing weight without trying and/or
are drinking or urinating more than usual Antihistamines (see p.178) relieve itching.
● You have black specks in your pubic hair A sedative antihistamine, taken at bedtime, will also
make it easier for you to sleep.
Vaginal lubricants (see LUBRICATING JELLY,
p.186) will help to make sexual intercourse more
What you can do yourself comfortable. Either use a gel just before intercourse
Try the following home treatments to help relieve or try a longer-acting vaginal moisturizer.
itching and reduce inflammation.
● Use a cold compress. Wrap a pack of frozen peas
or crushed ice in a wet towel, or soak a washcloth PREVENTION
in cold water, then wring it out. Apply it gently to
your vulva, as often as needed. You could also sit in Avoiding irritation You can help prevent
a shallow, cool or lukewarm bath for 10–15 minutes. genital irritation by avoiding possible triggers and
being extra careful with personal hygiene.
● Try a moisturizer or aloe vera gel to soothe the
● Don’t use perfumed soaps, bubble baths, vaginal
inflamed skin (see DRUG REMEDIES, right).
deodorants, or douches. Wash your genital area
● Take a sedative antihistamine to reduce irritation once or twice a day with plain warm water or an
and help you sleep (see DRUG REMEDIES, right). unperfumed soap. Pat yourself dry with a soft towel,
or use a hair dryer on a cool setting for a few seconds.
● Use a vaginal lubricant if your vagina feels dry
● Put your laundry through an extra rinse and don’t
or sore during sex (see DRUG REMEDIES, right). use fabric softeners.
● Wipe yourself from front to back after a bowel
● Resist the urge to scratch your vulva. In bed,
movement and dry yourself thoroughly after urinating.
wear a nightgown without underwear to let the Use soft, unbleached, uncolored toilet paper.
air circulate around your genital area.
● Ask your partner to switch to nonlatex condoms or
those without spermicide. Don’t use deodorized
sanitary pads or panty liners.
Seek further medical advice ● Wear comfortable cotton underwear, and change it
daily. Choose pantyhose with a cotton gusset, or
Arrange to see your doctor if: stockings. Don’t wear tight-fitting jeans.
● Take off your swimsuit promptly after swimming.
● Irritation persists for more than 3–4 days