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What Causes Itching And Redness In The Genital Area?
Question: Hi there
My name is XXXX and I have been experiencing some problems with my downstairs part. For the past couple of months it's been really itchy and red. I'm not sure if it's because of the soap I'm using but I would really like some help.
My name is XXXX and I have been experiencing some problems with my downstairs part. For the past couple of months it's been really itchy and red. I'm not sure if it's because of the soap I'm using but I would really like some help.
Brief Answer:
Questions for you to help me answer you better.
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX,
To be able to help, I need to know if you are male or female and your age.
Also, is there any discharge and if so what does it look like?
Have you switched to a different soap? Does it have fragrance or antibacterial ingredients?
Do you have any ongoing health problems and are you on any daily medications?
Are you sexually active and are you at risk for sexually transmitted diseases?
Questions for you to help me answer you better.
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX,
To be able to help, I need to know if you are male or female and your age.
Also, is there any discharge and if so what does it look like?
Have you switched to a different soap? Does it have fragrance or antibacterial ingredients?
Do you have any ongoing health problems and are you on any daily medications?
Are you sexually active and are you at risk for sexually transmitted diseases?
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Hi there,
I'm 21 and female, no discharge. I am not sexually active. No ongoing health problems.
I'm 21 and female, no discharge. I am not sexually active. No ongoing health problems.
Brief Answer:
Recommendations
Detailed Answer:
Ok, thanks XXXX.
The most common cause of itching and redness in the genital area in someone who is not sexually active is from an overgrowth of yeast or fungi.
You can try an over the counter anti-yeast medication in the form of a cream. There are many to choose from. Those containing miconazole or clotrimazole are usually effective for this.
Yeast prefer areas that are warm, dark, and moist, without a lot of air. So you want to decrease any of those variables you can. After a bath, use a hair dryer on lowest setting to further dry the area. Wear cotton underwear and none when sleeping. If sweaty after working out, change into dry clothes. Loose fitting clothes rather than ones that don't breathe well can be helpful. If you use pads when menstruating, be sure to wash daily as the blood can be irritating.
Some people find that avoiding a lot of sweets, food and drinks with added sugar, and alcohol, are helpful while trying to conquer yeast and fungal infections.
One last thing: avoid soaps that have fragrances and antibacterial ingredients as these can be irritating (and you don't need them).
If you are not better within 2 weeks, then do go in to see a doctor to be checked.
I hope this helps. Please let me know if I can provide further information.
Recommendations
Detailed Answer:
Ok, thanks XXXX.
The most common cause of itching and redness in the genital area in someone who is not sexually active is from an overgrowth of yeast or fungi.
You can try an over the counter anti-yeast medication in the form of a cream. There are many to choose from. Those containing miconazole or clotrimazole are usually effective for this.
Yeast prefer areas that are warm, dark, and moist, without a lot of air. So you want to decrease any of those variables you can. After a bath, use a hair dryer on lowest setting to further dry the area. Wear cotton underwear and none when sleeping. If sweaty after working out, change into dry clothes. Loose fitting clothes rather than ones that don't breathe well can be helpful. If you use pads when menstruating, be sure to wash daily as the blood can be irritating.
Some people find that avoiding a lot of sweets, food and drinks with added sugar, and alcohol, are helpful while trying to conquer yeast and fungal infections.
One last thing: avoid soaps that have fragrances and antibacterial ingredients as these can be irritating (and you don't need them).
If you are not better within 2 weeks, then do go in to see a doctor to be checked.
I hope this helps. Please let me know if I can provide further information.
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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