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What Causes Itching Sensation On Inner And Outer Labia?
Question: I'm a 50yr old female experiencing vaginal itching, no discharge. I have not had a period in a year or more. Itching is on both the inner and outer labia. I've tried topical creams for yeast infections, wash with gentle/no fragrance soaps, don't wear tight fitting clothes, etc. I was wondering if this is a symptom of menopause and what I can do to relieve the discomfort and itching. thank you
Brief Answer:
Itching appears to be vaginal atrophy due to estrogen deficiency
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Welcome to Healthcare magic.
I am Dr Ramadevi Wani. I will be answering your concerns today.
If you have not had a period in a year or more, it means that you have attained menopause.
Since how long this itching is bothering you? Is there any discoloration or appearance of scaly patches. Is the skin dry? Are you sexually active? If so is sex painful?
Yeast infection usually has curdy white discharge and skin is inflamed. You are not suffering from this infection.
Since you have not mentioned any other symptoms it appears to be due to estrogen deficiency which occurs with menopause. The estrogen deficiency makes the skin thin and dry and very much prone for itching. Some of the preservatives in topical creams for yeast infection can actually irritate the thin dry skin of menopause and further increase the itching. So stop using them. This estrogen deficiency also results in painful sex, vaginal dryness.
Consult your gynecologist for thorough vulval examination to look for any light coloured patches of skin, white/purple patches etc. After excluding this she would prescribe estrogen cream for topical application. If you are due for pap test, make use of this appointment for that test.
It is good that you are not wearing tight fitting clothes as even that aggravates itching. Wash the vulva with mild moisturizer soap once a day. Repeated washing can increase the itching. You may also not wear underwear at night to avoid irritating the skin.
If there are any light colored patches of skin, she may take a small biopsy.
I hope I have answered your concerns.
If you have any further queries, do write to me. I will be happy to answer.
Itching appears to be vaginal atrophy due to estrogen deficiency
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Welcome to Healthcare magic.
I am Dr Ramadevi Wani. I will be answering your concerns today.
If you have not had a period in a year or more, it means that you have attained menopause.
Since how long this itching is bothering you? Is there any discoloration or appearance of scaly patches. Is the skin dry? Are you sexually active? If so is sex painful?
Yeast infection usually has curdy white discharge and skin is inflamed. You are not suffering from this infection.
Since you have not mentioned any other symptoms it appears to be due to estrogen deficiency which occurs with menopause. The estrogen deficiency makes the skin thin and dry and very much prone for itching. Some of the preservatives in topical creams for yeast infection can actually irritate the thin dry skin of menopause and further increase the itching. So stop using them. This estrogen deficiency also results in painful sex, vaginal dryness.
Consult your gynecologist for thorough vulval examination to look for any light coloured patches of skin, white/purple patches etc. After excluding this she would prescribe estrogen cream for topical application. If you are due for pap test, make use of this appointment for that test.
It is good that you are not wearing tight fitting clothes as even that aggravates itching. Wash the vulva with mild moisturizer soap once a day. Repeated washing can increase the itching. You may also not wear underwear at night to avoid irritating the skin.
If there are any light colored patches of skin, she may take a small biopsy.
I hope I have answered your concerns.
If you have any further queries, do write to me. I will be happy to answer.
Note: Revert back with your gynae reports to get a clear medical analysis by our expert Gynecologic Oncologist. Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Prasad
Answered by
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