What causes dry and itchy vulva?

Vulvar dryness and itching are common gynecological symptoms. There are many reasons for these symptoms, mainly due to vaginitis, cervicitis or cervical erosion. Such symptoms not only affect women's health, but also cause a decline in the quality of their sex life. Women should go to the hospital for diagnosis and examination in time, and then receive symptomatic treatment.

1. Vulvar dryness: What is the cause of vulvar dryness?

Vitamin deficiency and candidal vaginitis are common causes of vulvar dryness. After menopause, women's ovarian function declines or disappears, which significantly reduces the level of sex hormones in the body. The vaginal mucosa then shrinks and becomes thinner, often leading to vaginal dryness. However, vaginal dryness in young and middle-aged women is generally not caused by a significant decrease in sex hormone levels, but may be caused by a lack of vitamin B2.

Patients with candidal vaginitis present with increased leucorrhea, vulvar dryness, vaginal itching, burning sensation, painful urination, redness and edema around the vulva, and various epidermal changes. Leucorrhea is not necessarily a prominent symptom of vaginitis, but watery leucorrhea, curd-like or ointment-like leucorrhea may occur.

The vagina has its own defense capabilities and inhibitory effects on vaginal Clostridium difficile. About 10% of women and 30% of pregnant women are carriers of fungi, but they do not have any clinical symptoms. Therefore, experts recommend that people with severe vulvar dryness should go to a regular professional hospital for examination as soon as possible.

2. Vulvar dryness: What to do if the vulva is dry?

For dry vulva, it is recommended to wash the vulva with clean water more often, but be sure to avoid vaginal douching. Note that you should clean your vulva promptly after each bowel movement to avoid contamination of the vulva by feces. Underwear should be made of pure cotton to avoid causing vulvar allergies and itching. If you have pinworms in your body, you should take anthelmintics in time to avoid itching and redness and swelling of the vulva caused by pinworms. Women who have been infected with gynecological inflammation should seek medical attention immediately.

The basin and towel used to clean the vulva must be dedicated and should not be used for any other purpose. If vulvar dryness is accompanied by other adverse symptoms, you should get checked as soon as possible and receive symptomatic treatment under the guidance of a doctor after the cause is identified.