Why can vulvar cancer cause persistent itching?

Vulvar cancer may change the surface of the skin, cause inflammation, or press on nearby sensory nerves. The result can be itching, burning, soreness, a thickened patch, a colour change, or a raw area. Scratching can break the skin and add irritation or infection, which may keep the itch going.

Persistent itching also occurs with infections, eczema, dermatitis, lichen sclerosus, allergies, and other skin conditions. The symptom cannot identify its cause by itself. An examination is useful when itching does not settle or when the skin looks different.

Arrange a review for ongoing or recurrent vulvar itching, particularly if there is a new patch, lump, sore, bleeding, discharge, or change in skin texture. Wash gently with lukewarm water, avoid fragranced products and tight clothing, pat dry, and keep nails short. Do not use steroid, antifungal, or numbing creams repeatedly without advice because the wrong treatment can mask the underlying skin change.

Seek urgent care for rapidly spreading redness, marked swelling, fever, severe pain, difficulty passing urine, or bleeding that does not stop. Contact your clinician promptly if itching is accompanied by a persistent ulcer, a growing area, or a new groin lump.

Ask which skin conditions could explain the itch, whether the area needs a biopsy, what products are safe, and which changes should lead to an earlier appointment.