Causes of vulvar itching at night

Heat, sweating, friction, and reduced distraction can make itching more noticeable in bed. New soaps, wipes, pads, detergents, lubricants, and tight clothing can irritate vulvar skin; contact dermatitis may burn as well as itch. Yeast infection can cause intense itch with soreness or discharge. Eczema and psoriasis may produce dry, inflamed, cracked, or scaly skin, while lichen planus can cause persistent soreness or changes in the skin surface. Nighttime itch affecting household members or other body sites raises the possibility of scabies. Hives tend to come and go as raised itchy areas.

Wash gently with lukewarm water, pat dry, and avoid fragranced products, douching, scratching, and tight synthetic clothing. Choose loose cotton underwear and change out of damp clothes. Avoid using leftover steroid, antifungal, or antiseptic products without advice because they can irritate skin or obscure the examination. Note discharge, odour, sores, bleeding, rash elsewhere, recent products, sexual exposures, and whether anyone else itches. Arrange a clinician review if symptoms persist, recur, or disturb sleep. Explore [Asteatotic Eczema](/conditions/asteatotic-eczema/), [Atopic Dermatitis](/conditions/atopic-dermatitis/), or [Contact Dermatitis](/conditions/contact-dermatitis/).

Seek prompt medical care for severe pain, open sores, blisters, ulcers, bleeding, marked swelling, fever, pus, foul-smelling discharge, pain when urinating, or rapidly changing skin. Arrange a sexual-health or gynaecology assessment for new symptoms after sexual contact or unusual discharge. Emergency help is needed for facial or throat swelling, breathing difficulty, or feeling faint with a suspected allergic reaction.

Could this be contact dermatitis, yeast infection, eczema, psoriasis, lichen planus, hives, or scabies? Does the skin need a swab, examination, or other test? Which products and treatments should I avoid? Should a partner or household member be assessed if itching is shared?