Itching in the genital area

Although itching in the genital area is a very annoying affair, it does not necessarily hide a serious illness behind it. Allergic reactions to the underwear material or the detergent used, improper intimate hygiene or a reaction to shaving may be the cause of constant itching. Prolonged and / or recurrent complaints should, however, be clarified by a doctor.

contents

• Associated symptoms
• Various causes in man and woman
• Itching in pregnant women
• treatment options

Associated symptoms

Coincidental symptoms in addition to the annoying itching are discharge, redness of the skin and / or mucous membranes, swelling, oozing, burning and pain. Complaints during or after sexual intercourse are also possible.
Itching in the genital area is often due to harmless causes, but should be urgently medically clarified in case of repeated or prolonged occurrence. (Image: sek1111 / fotolia.com)

Various causes in man and woman

Itching in the genital area can have various causes. Excessive hygiene with the wrong washing lotion, allergies, vaginal thrush, diabetes mellitus, infections, hormonal disorders and venereal diseases - all of these are among the possible causes of itching in the genital area.

Wrong intimate care
Daily intimate hygiene is important, but it is often overdone. In the intimate area of ​​the woman there is an acidic milieu, which is important for the defense. This normal flora is destroyed by too frequent washing with aggressive soaps. Warm water is sufficient, which also applies to the hygiene of the man. However, if you do not want to do without a wash gel, it is best to use a mild that is soap and alcohol free and contains no fragrances.

For women, special gels are now available for the genital area containing lactic acid. But here too, the principle is less is more. Washcloths are best not used at all, as the bacteria and fungi feel so good in them. Also important is sufficient drying. Intimate wipes are really only to use in an emergency. These usually contain perfume, which irritates the skin in the genital area unnecessarily and can cause an allergic reaction.

Synthetic underwear is not recommended, especially for recurrent inflammation. The synthetic fibers can not absorb the sweat and thus provide a humid environment in which spreads pathogens increasingly. If you want to use panty liners, it is good to get some without plastic films. These ensure that too much moisture in the panties and therefore contribute to an increased risk of inflammation. A daily change of underwear is natural.

Allergic reaction
Intestinal itching may result from an allergic reaction. The shower gel used for the intimate care or even the detergent for the laundry may be at fault. Underwear that is not washed before first wearing may also cause unpleasant itching.

antibiotics
Intake of antibiotics can negatively affect the vaginal flora. This means that the acidic environment in the vagina is suddenly no longer so "sour" and can no longer afford the necessary defense. As a result, a vaginal fungus can spread, which manifests itself with itching in the genital area. Naturopathy recommends during the antibiotics intake preparations containing certain physiological bacteria to strengthen the intestinal flora and minimize the side effects. After the antibiotic therapy then a colon rehabilitation should follow.

Diabetes mellitus
Diabetes mellitus is often associated with dry skin, which can also lead to itching in various parts of the body, including in the genital area. Especially when the sugar levels are high and those affected are poorly medicated, many complain of constant itching. Here the transition to the doctor is necessary. A blood test shows how high the sugar levels are and whether the therapy needs to be changed. Diabetes Mellitus Patients should provide their skin with a moisturizing cream daily. Specialized products that contain urea (moisturisers) moisturise and relieve itching. When choosing care products, it is also important that they are not based on petroleum. A tip from the natural healing is here the coconut oil. This oil makes the skin supple and stimulates the production of skin cells.

Hormonal disorders
In menopausal women, the vaginal flora changes due to the decrease in estrogen. Also, the moisture in the vagina decreases. This causes burning and itching. Due to the hormone change, the defense performance in the area of ​​the vagina is weakened - germs can penetrate more easily. The pill or the spiral may also contribute to hormonal disorders.
Genital herpes virus infections are associated with severe itching and changes in the appearance of the skin. (Image: Kateryna_Kon / fotolia.com)

Genital herpes
Genital herpes is an infection with the herpes simplex virus type II. This is usually transmitted by unprotected sexual intercourse. The disease is associated with itching in the genital area, with painful and tingling blisters and puffiness. This may be accompanied by general symptoms, such as malaise, fever, body aches, muscle pain and swollen lymph nodes. Unfortunately, this virus remains in the body forever and can always be brought back to life.

Lichen sclerosus
Lichen sclerosus is a chronic inflammatory skin disease with whitish, shiny foci, itching, pain and tension during sexual intercourse. If the disease has progressed, the affected skin areas may harden, the labia atrophy (atrophy = tissue loss) and in the area of ​​the bladder outlet constrictions show. The causes of lichen sclerosus are not clear. Autoimmune processes may be involved.

Vaginal fungus - candidiasis (infection with a fungus of the genus Candida)
A typical symptom of candidosis is itching in the genital area. There are also other complaints, such as burning, redness and whitish, brittle discharge. In addition, symptoms such as soreness, pain when urinating and pain during intercourse are possible. In up to 90 percent of cases, the yeast fungus Candida albicans is responsible. A vaginal fungus is due to an imbalance of the vaginal flora. The vaginal milieu depends heavily on the hormonal situation of the woman. This can change during periods of menstruation or menopause. From the beginning of the sexual maturity of the woman the probability of getting a fungal infection increases.

The psyche
For itching in the genital area, the psyche should not be ignored as a cause. Problems, worries and stress can definitely lead to itching. Relaxation exercises, yoga, meditation and autogenic training are recommended here. Lavender strengthens the nerves, makes them more resistant to stress and soothes. This wonderful, fragrant plant with purple flowers can serve well as a tea or as a drop.

Gonorrhea
Gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted, bacterial sexually transmitted disease that can lead to serious infections and necessarily requires medical treatment. Gonorrhea not only affects the genitals, but can also cause inflammation of the throat or the anal area. Symptoms of this venereal disease include redness of the mucous membranes, discharge and itching in the genital area. In addition, pain may occur during urination, skin lesions and fever. Gonorrhea is especially dangerous for pregnant women, as they can transmit the disease to the fetus and thus increase the risk of miscarriage. Long-term consequences of untreated gonorrhea are infertility, both in men and in women.

Itching of the genital area during pregnancy should always be clarified by a doctor. (Image: TinPong / fotolia.com)

Itching in pregnant women

Intestinal itching in pregnant women should be clarified by a doctor as soon as possible. Inflammation in the genital area must always be taken seriously and treated during pregnancy so as not to endanger the unborn child.

treatment options

Itching in the genital area can be completely harmless. However, if this occurs violently, again or again, or longer term, a doctor must be consulted. In pregnant women, as already mentioned, this is basically necessary.

If there is an allergy, the triggering allergen, for example, the detergent or the material of the underwear, should be avoided. Furthermore, daily intimate hygiene should be reconsidered.

If the itching in the genital area is due to a hormonal cause, the current hormone situation can be queried by means of a suitable blood or saliva test. In natural medicine, nature-identical hormones are prescribed in homeopathic form or as ointments. Traditional medicine is more likely to use hormones.

Especially in women with climacteric complaints of itching and dryness in the genital area, the supply of lactic acid bacteria by vaginal suppositories is important. These can bring the flora back into balance and strengthen the defense. Itching and dryness are also reduced.

Special vaginal suppositories with lactic acid bacteria can be used to strengthen the vaginal flora. (Image: ironstealth / fotolia.com)

In case of a vaginal fungus this procedure is just as important. In addition, antifungal ointments are prescribed here, which fight the fungus. Naturopathy uses ointments containing mayoran, lavender, echinacea and the like. In addition, in most cases, a gut rehabilitation, as the yeast fungus is relatively often already in the intestine, before it affects the vaginal region. The Candia albicans loves sugary food. To "eradicate" him, the following diet is recommended: little to no sugar, no white flour, no sugary drinks, little sweet fruit, no yeast products, no kefir.

A venereal disease, such as the mentioned gonorrhea, belongs in any case in the hands of a doctor. A self "doctor" has lost nothing here. Using a condom prevents the transmission of bacteria or viruses.

If the cause of the itching in the genital area is an already underlying diabetes mellitus disease, the attending physician checks that the affected person has been correctly adjusted to the correct medication. Diabetics should use appropriate skincare. This has already been discussed in the paragraph "Diabetes mellitus".

If a genital herpes is present, it is usually treated with antiviral agents, so-called antivirals. These are prescribed both orally as a tablet and externally as an ointment or gel. Naturopathy recommends a therapy for herpes infections that boosts the immune system, for example by taking Echinacea over a certain period of time. For external use, for example Manuka honey, Propolis tincture and St. John's wort oil are used. In addition, numerous home remedies for herpes (myrrh, black cumin oil, garlic, clove, etc.) to self-treatment.

A harmless itching in the genital area can be treated by rubbing with a mixture of lavender essential oil and almond oil. Three drops of pure, high-quality lavender essential oil are mixed with twenty milliliters of good almond oil. This is applied morning and evening on the affected areas - but only externally, not internally. Homeopathic remedies for itching are, for example, Rhus toxocodendron or Urtica urens. Also Schüssler salts can help. Here, of course, as in homeopathy, the cause must be found to find the appropriate remedy. (Sw)
Specialist supervision: Barbara Schindewolf-Lensch (doctor)