Vaginal (or vulvar) itching is very common and usually comes from irritation or infection, but the exact cause depends on your other symptoms and what’s been happening with your body recently. Because the same symptom can mean many different things, a proper exam is important if the itch is strong, keeps coming back, or you see any rash, cuts, or unusual discharge.

Common medical causes

  • Yeast infection (thrush)
    • Intense itching, burning, redness or swelling around the vulva.
    • Often a thick, white, “cottage cheese–like” discharge, sometimes with little or no odor.
  • Bacterial vaginosis (BV)
    • Mild itching or irritation plus thin gray/white discharge.
    • Frequently a strong “fishy” smell, often worse after sex.
  • Sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
    • Trichomoniasis often causes itching with frothy yellow‑green discharge and a bad smell.
* Others (chlamydia, gonorrhea, genital herpes, genital warts) may cause pain, sores, burning with urination, or abnormal discharge rather than itch as the main symptom.
  • Skin conditions and allergies
    • Eczema, dermatitis, psoriasis, and lichen simplex/chronic scratching can cause dry, scaly, or thickened itchy skin on the vulva.
* Irritant or allergic contact dermatitis from pads, scented soaps, detergents, wipes, condoms, tight/synthetic underwear, or panty liners is very common.
  • Hormonal changes and dryness
    • Low estrogen (for example after menopause, breastfeeding, certain hormonal meds) can lead to vaginal dryness, micro‑tears, burning, and itch.

Non‑infectious triggers in daily life

  • New or strongly scented:
    • Soaps, shower gels, bath bombs, bubble baths
    • Laundry detergents or fabric softeners
    • Deodorant sprays, vaginal “freshening” products, douches, wipes
  • Friction and moisture:
    • Tight clothing, thongs, sweaty workouts, staying in wet swimsuits or gym clothes.
    • Shaving or waxing can cause razor burn, ingrown hairs, or folliculitis, all of which can itch.
  • Menstrual products:
    • Some pads and panty liners, especially scented ones, can irritate the vulva during a period.

When to get urgent medical care

See a clinician as soon as you can (urgent care, gynecologist, PCP, sexual health clinic) if:

  • The itch is severe, keeps you up at night, or lasts more than a few days despite gentle care.
  • You notice:
    • Sores, blisters, cuts, or cracks in the skin
    • A new strong or fishy odor, unusual color discharge, or bleeding between periods
    • Pain in the pelvis, fever, or burning when you pee
    • You might be pregnant, have a new partner, or any chance of an STI.

These signs do not always mean something serious, but they do mean you should not self‑diagnose or just keep trying over‑the‑counter creams.

Things that may help short‑term (not a diagnosis)

These are general comfort tips that are usually safe while you wait to be seen, but they are not a substitute for an exam:

  • Keep the area clean and dry
    • Gently rinse with warm water only; avoid scrubbing.
    • Pat dry with a soft towel; avoid hair dryers or rubbing.
  • Avoid irritants
    • Stop using scented soaps, washes, wipes, douches, sprays, and bubble baths on the vulva.
    • Switch to loose, breathable cotton underwear and avoid tight jeans or leggings.
  • Cool, soothing measures
    • A cool compress on the over‑the‑underwear area can reduce itch temporarily.
    • An unscented plain emollient (like petrolatum or a simple barrier ointment) on the outer vulva may reduce friction; avoid putting anything inside the vagina unless a clinician confirms it is safe for you.
  • Avoid self‑treating repeatedly
    • Over‑the‑counter “yeast infection” treatments are sometimes fine if you’ve been told before by a clinician that you get typical yeast infections and the symptoms feel exactly the same.
    • Using these repeatedly when the cause is actually BV, an STI, or a skin disorder can delay diagnosis and sometimes make things worse.

What a doctor or clinic can do

  • Take a careful history and look at the vulva and vagina with a light.
  • Possibly take swabs or small samples of discharge to check for yeast, BV, or STIs, and sometimes a urine test.
  • Prescribe:
    • Antifungal treatment for yeast (cream, suppository, or pill)
    • Antibiotics for BV or certain STIs
    • Steroid or other creams for skin conditions like eczema or lichen simplex
    • Estrogen or other therapies if dryness from low hormones is part of the problem.

Important note: Itching “down there” is common but not something you should feel embarrassed about bringing up with a clinician. If your symptoms are strong, keep returning, or you are worried about an infection or STI, the safest next step is to book a medical visit or a sexual health clinic check‑up as soon as possible. This response is general information only and not a diagnosis or a substitute for in‑person care.