Itchy vulva

[Invisabledisappearingperson]

I’ve been struggling with an itchy vulva for months now. I’ve ruled out pretty much everything and I’m left with thinking it’s my soap powder.

Can anyone recommend what I should wash my pants in?

Are you menopausal as it could be vaginal dryness and you may be in need of oestrogen gel. Or look up lichen sclerosis which is an autoimmune condition that causes very itchy vulva. If you have any white patches it would suggest lichen sclerosis.

Thanks for replying. I’ve gone through all of those things and I have an oestrogen pessary prescribed. At night, if I don’t wear pants, I don’t itch.

At night, if I don’t wear pants, I don’t itch.

Just don’t wear pants at night? Seems a logical solution..

You can use oestrogen cream if your symptoms are more vulva than internal. See how you get in with the pessary. In the meantime, try something soothing on the outside like Vagisil Oatmeal soothe and protect:

https://www.boots.com/vagisil-daily-soothe-and-protect-cream-with-prebiotic-oatmeal-30g-10294102?srsltid=AfmBOopdmGSbZho8RERe8IpEFzOjk8XPHRuYjgebFx-vYHmQSCofq78y

No recommendations for washing powder - sorry. But I don’t wear pants/knickers at night at all now which I find helps, and I bought some knickers recommended on my LS Facebook group which seem less irritating. Pure Cotton etc.

it’s such an annoying thing to live with. Hope you find a solution.

Yes but what about during the day?

What age are you? I am post menopausal and have lots of problems with dry itchy vulva, particularly at night. I don’t wear pants at night but loose cotton pyjamas, and after trying lots of different creams etc. which didn’t work, I now find the following useful.(1.) I rub in coconut oil all around the vulvar area, or (2.) I use Victory Oil from Naydaya.com. ( bit expensive but really works!) . This doesn’t get rid of the problem permanently but it soothes the area and stops me trying to scratch, and lets me sleep!

Go to the GP to rule out lichen sclerosis which is treatable and will stop the itching if that’s what it is

I had this as well and tried all the over the counter creams. My DSS is allergic to everything so I only use sensitive washing powder and all pants were cotton. When I was getting super itchy at work I gave up and went to the doctor where they prescribed Dermovate. Used it every day for 2 weeks and now just when it flares up. It really works.

I’m always amazed that people wear panties at night. To me it’s a time for your nether regions to be free!

Who on earth wears knickers at night anyway??

Have you spoken to a GP to rule out any medical issues?

Sounds like Lichen Sclerosis or Lichen Simplex. I’ve got it but not sure which one? It is horrendous. Imagine 10 mosquito bites all in the same place 😩. I use a special ointment called Eumovate. It’s very good but if you’re desperate get some 1% hydrocortisone cream. It is safe if you don’t go mad with it. I don’t find any improvement with washing etc because it’s just a medical condition. I even asked the doctor if the small itchy area could be removed but he said possibly but it may come back in another place which I found a bit odd!! Vaseline also helps a bit. Good luck, you have my sympathy. xx

@Invisabledisappearingperson i was plagued by itchy vulva for years before eventually seeing a dermatologist who diagnosed genital psoriasis. The right combo of steroid creams cleared it right up! Still itches every now and again but there are maintenance emollients that help.

I suffer from itchy vulva and anus. It’s horrific. I’ve had all the tests and medication and nothing helped.

then one day I used coconut oil (I use it as moisturiser) and it REALLY helped.

Would very loose pants, like shorts, make a difference? Or pants in a different fibre - bamboo, cotton?

Yes and that’s why I think it’s the washing powder I use. My plan is to wash all my pants in a mild formula to see what difference it makes.

Stergene is very gentle for handwashing. You could wash them in the basin at night when you clean your teeth.

Edited for typo

I’ve been to the GP. Everything has been ruled out, which is why I think it’s the washing powder I use.

I use surcare which a dermatologist recommended for sensitive skin.

Non bio liquid (something like ecover) hot wash with an extra rinse (most machines rinse poorly) & no softener

If you have lichen sclerosis, it’s very itchy and sore and you feel like you’re peeing through razor blades.

I was referred to a Gynae Consultant who diagnosed me and now I take a topical steroid when it’s bad.

GP’s are not great at solving gynae issues so ask for a referral to a gynae consultant if you can.

I think she just mentioned that to say that it’s the knickers causing the issue as he doesn’t get itching at night when not wearing them. The day is still an issue though.

Also I switched to only wearing white cotton pants.