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Women's health

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Original poster

It's so itchy I want to scream!

44 replies

TeaDrinkingBumbleeBee · 12/07/2019 22:47

Gaaah so here we go.

I have had severe itchiness/irritation "down there" for some time now. The main area is sort of between the perineum and labia (I am terrible with technical terms sorry). It's so itchy almost every day and feels tender and sometimes slightly swollen.

I went to the doctor who referred me to the nurse, who wouldn't look, I asked again at my smear tear, she wouldn't look....asked again when getting the pill....she wouldn't look, so eventually went to the sexual health drop in clinic. She said she couldn't see anything and did a couple of swabs and a urine test....nothing came up.

I'm losing my mind now! Does anyone have any advice or has anyone else experienced this??

Background: I've just come off the minipill (as I've been experiencing horrible dryness with all of this so was adviced to give it a break) I'm 28 and haven't had kids. With long term partner but haven't had sex this year due to this!!!!!!

OP posts:

Qwertyguerty · 13/07/2019 07:00

I had this for a couple of years and only using creams would relive the itch

I never had it looked at due to embarrassment. After an emergency c section and a short stay in hospital afterwards I was on strong antibiotics and a few months later I realised the itch had gone and it hasn't returned

I'm putting two and two together and guessing the antibiotics cleared whatever was happening

Push your gp for further tests!

Blastandtroph · 13/07/2019 07:13

Your HCP are frankly being negligent by not examining you (and I say that as one and as a fellow sufferer (for years I'm afraid), though mine is peri related). I have a working diagnosis of vulva eczema.

I've found it difficult to isolate triggers but as PP have suggested, san pro, loo roll, carbs/sugars/alcohol, sex (sadly) can all irritate.

Steroid creams (prescribed not OTC) should be used with caution as will thin the area (especially if are around menopause (I know you're not OP but for anyone else reading) as lack of oestrogen already thinning the delicate vulva tissues), but can be helpful short term to stop the itch/scratch cycle. Topical oestrogen for anyone in peri/menopause should be considered as atrophy can cause itching.

Emollients are helpful and ideally as natural as possible as many contain petrochemicals or SLS which can also aggravate symptoms.

I've found some relief from only washing with water, cotton undies or commando as much as possible, and a product called V Magic (expensive but works to keep my symptoms at bay and has reduced my steroid usage). Lube can help with sex, look at the YES products which are less likely to irritate - they have a really useful website.

Personally OP I would go back to GP and insist on examination. Involve Practice Manager if needed.

Fleetheart · 13/07/2019 07:18

They do need to examine you. Are any of your GPs specialist in dermatogology? I had this for a long time; I was given antibiotics after a swab, and then eventiallynwas diagnosed with lichen sclerosis. My life has improved a lot since I was prescribed some cream. I don’t need to use it very often. Whatever it is, it is worth going back. If it’s eczema they should be able to help too.

Original poster

TeaDrinkingBumbleeBee · 13/07/2019 11:17

Thanks everyone for your brilliant advice. Will definitely go back to the dr's and will demand an examination when I book the appointment - hopefully that will help.

It's reassuring to know that so many of you have gone through this (although I am sorry that you have!!)

OP posts:

Original poster

TeaDrinkingBumbleeBee · 13/07/2019 12:22

Forgot to say, for those of you who are experiencing it...last night to soothe it before sleep I filled a sandwich bag with ice and kept it there (outside of underwear) and it helped a lot!!!

OP posts:

LittleLongDog · 13/07/2019 12:31

Coconut oil. It’s slightly weird but trust me.

I feel for you OP. I had something similar and cried myself to sleep in DPs arms. Proper childish sobs. It was just too much.

justasking111 · 13/07/2019 13:36

I have to say and I am as guilty as everyone, that leggings, jeggings, skinny jeans, trousers in fact of any kind are not kind to the flora of a womens lady garden. When I go abroad, am in and out of the pool, wear loose clothing I do not itch at all.

Blastandtroph · 13/07/2019 14:27

I reacted badly to using coconut oil in that area (it caused my skin to blister and peel ), so can irritate some. It's really trial and error with products and using one thing at a time to establish what works and what doesn't.

ourkidmolly · 13/07/2019 14:33

I just can't get over all these medical professionals refusing to examine you. Am I missing something here? What's that all about?

RNBrie · 13/07/2019 14:34

I have this too. Early 40s, been awful since my last baby was born 3 years ago. GP has been great but I don't have a diagnosis. Swabs have been positive for thrush occasionally so have tried a lot of canestan.... GP said daily usage of hydrocortisone is fine But I'll also try diprobase when wiping! I've never heard of vaginal eczema...

StellarLunar · 13/07/2019 14:46

Coconut oil melted, mixed with a few drops of lavender oil can be calming. Patch test first

LittleLongDog · 13/07/2019 15:13

Blast that sounds awful!!

flowerfields · 13/07/2019 17:16

I've also found relief with coconut oil when I have thrush on top of the LS pain as too many pessaries make me more irritated. After googling a lot I found idea to make a 'home made natural pessary' from the coconut oil (wrap in cling film in pessary shape and freeze) it's so nice and soothing
Really messy though when it melts so definitely one for just before you lie down in bed for the night

IfOnlyOurEyesSawSouls · 13/07/2019 23:19

The ice sounds bliss ... iv just showered , laid down in bed and its started already like insects crawling over my fanjo ( except i dont have any unwelcome visitors like that )

It's awful & constantly makes me feel like iv "got something".

MetuaVahine · 19/07/2019 17:16

I'm so glad I found this thread. OP I have the same symptoms but I can't see a GP. I saw a nurse who took sample for STDs and thrush/BV and it came back clear. Getting a GP appointment seems almost impossible (that's for another thread).

In the meantime, I've managed to make myself bleed down there, I'm scratching so much... I'm going to try some of the ideas in there. Would OTC hydrocortisone be safe to use down there?

I'm also going to change toilet paper and wash my underwear with hot water only.

Let us know how you get on, OP!

mimibunz · 19/07/2019 17:19

Take a couple of ibuprofen if you can and it will help with the symptoms.

Fleetheart · 19/07/2019 20:08

Use hydrocortisone. That helped me. Doctors have told me it’s not an issue despite what it says on the instructions!

Badwifey · 19/07/2019 20:12

I had this for years too. On my labia. I was far too embarrassed to go to the doc. It was always worse when I was hot, after sex and during my period.

I finally plucked up the courage to ask the doc and she suggested it could be a fungal skin infection. Prescribed me daktacourt. It's a steroid anti fungal cream. Cleared it up within 2 days. 3 years suffering and it was gone in 2 days

Batty18 · 20/07/2019 23:44

Hi, I really do sympathise. I've had the same problem for months. Wakes me up every night. Tried cannestaen, vagisil, ice, bepanthan etc etc. No soaps in bath it's dreadful and makes me cry. Doc says can't see a discharge but I now know I have a prolapse. Seeing gynae shortly. I. So sick of this now so bad it affects everything. Work, sleep walking.

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