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What Causes Itching On Genitalia?
Question: Hello doctor ,
Hello i am mother of 2 kids .
Of late I have got itching in my lower part constantly and it is very painful. Regular cleaning with antiseptic solution ( Dettol ) and hot water has provided only temporary relief . But what to do .
Hello i am mother of 2 kids .
Of late I have got itching in my lower part constantly and it is very painful. Regular cleaning with antiseptic solution ( Dettol ) and hot water has provided only temporary relief . But what to do .
Brief Answer:
Vulval candidiasis
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Welcome to healthcare magic.
I understand from your query that you are having itching on your genitalia.
The most common cause for genital itching in women of child bearing age is a fungal yeast infection called as candidiasis. It could also be associated with white discharge from the vagina. Due to the infection, you will tend to scratch the area repeatedly and this makes the skin thickened and eczematous. This type of skin will itch more. Hence, there is a vicious cycle called as " Itch- Scratch cycle" is set in.
Dettol is an irritant. Hot water provided temporary relief. But it will dry out the skin which will again worsen the itching.
You could try the following measures-
1. You need to take an oral antifungal like Fluconazole 150 mg as a single dose. It is better if your husband also is treated with the same as you can pass the infection sexually.
2. Take an antihistamine like Levocetrizine 5 mg at bedtime for 2 weeks. This will control the itching and break the "itch - scratch " cycle.
3. Apply a cream containing 2% ketoconazole ( e.g- Nizral cream) twice a day for 2 weeks.
4. Keep the area dry.
5. Do not use dettol and do not wash the area too many times.
6. Try to avoid rubbing/ scratching as much as possible.
Hope this helps you.
If you have any more queries, I will be glad to answer.
Take care.
Regards,
Dr. Johny Chacko
Vulval candidiasis
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Welcome to healthcare magic.
I understand from your query that you are having itching on your genitalia.
The most common cause for genital itching in women of child bearing age is a fungal yeast infection called as candidiasis. It could also be associated with white discharge from the vagina. Due to the infection, you will tend to scratch the area repeatedly and this makes the skin thickened and eczematous. This type of skin will itch more. Hence, there is a vicious cycle called as " Itch- Scratch cycle" is set in.
Dettol is an irritant. Hot water provided temporary relief. But it will dry out the skin which will again worsen the itching.
You could try the following measures-
1. You need to take an oral antifungal like Fluconazole 150 mg as a single dose. It is better if your husband also is treated with the same as you can pass the infection sexually.
2. Take an antihistamine like Levocetrizine 5 mg at bedtime for 2 weeks. This will control the itching and break the "itch - scratch " cycle.
3. Apply a cream containing 2% ketoconazole ( e.g- Nizral cream) twice a day for 2 weeks.
4. Keep the area dry.
5. Do not use dettol and do not wash the area too many times.
6. Try to avoid rubbing/ scratching as much as possible.
Hope this helps you.
If you have any more queries, I will be glad to answer.
Take care.
Regards,
Dr. Johny Chacko
Note: Consult a Sexual Diseases Specialist online for further follow up- Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Bhagyalaxmi Nalaparaju
Answered by
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