Vaginal itching and irritation: what to know

The vulva can react to fragranced wash, wipes, pads, laundry products, sweat, or tight clothing. Thrush often causes itch and soreness, sometimes with changed discharge. Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause can cause dryness, burning, and delicate tissue when oestrogen is lower. Lichen Sclerosus can cause persistent itch, pale areas, cracks, or skin that tears easily.

Ask where the irritation is located and whether it began after a new product, medicine, sexual contact, period, pregnancy, or hormonal change. Itching with pelvic pain, fever, sores, or a strong odour needs a different level of attention.

Clean gently with lukewarm water, pat dry, and choose loose clothing and breathable underwear. Avoid douching, scented products, deodorants, and scratching. Stop a new product if symptoms began after using it, but do not rely on symptom relief alone to identify the cause.

Arrange an appointment when symptoms persist, return, or are not clearly linked to irritation. Examination and, when needed, a swab can distinguish infection from skin disease or dryness. Treatment may include antifungal treatment for thrush or topical steroid treatment for vulval skin, depending on the diagnosis.

Seek prompt advice for fever, pelvic pain, foul-smelling discharge, sores, blisters, bleeding outside your expected period, marked swelling, or rapidly worsening redness. Urgent care is appropriate for severe pain, heavy bleeding, faintness, or feeling very unwell.

Ask whether the irritation is external or vaginal, whether you need an examination or swab, and which products are safe for the area. Mention pregnancy, breastfeeding, menopause symptoms, new medicines, discharge, odour, urinary burning, or visible skin changes.