What is irritation of the vulva and vagina?

Irritation of your vulva (external female genitals) and vagina means the skin or tissue in the area is sore, itchy or uncomfortable. It is a common problem that affects both adults and children.

The skin in this area is delicate and can easily become irritated by products, infections or other conditions.

What are the symptoms of vulval and vaginal irritation?

As well as vaginal itching, vulval irritation can include symptoms such as:

• burning or itching
• redness and swelling
• vaginal discomfort
• vaginal discharge
• skin cracking or splitting
• whitening of skin
• pain during sex

If you have an unusual vaginal discharge, it might be due to an infection. See your doctor if you have symptoms that do not go away.

CHECK YOUR SYMPTOMS — Use the Symptom Checker and find out if you need to seek medical help.

What causes vulval and vaginal irritation?

Many things can cause vaginal itching and irritation, such as personal hygiene, infections and health conditions.

Personal hygiene

• vaginal douching (washing out your vagina)
• soaps, shower gels or bath products
• lubricants or spermicides used during sex
• sanitary pads or tampons
• removing pubic hair

Bodily functions

• sweating
• vaginal discharge
• incontinence (loss of bladder control)

Infections

• candidiasis (vaginal thrush) — often called a yeast infection
• a sexually transmitted infection — such as trichomoniasis, chlamydia, gonorrhoea or genital herpes
• bacterial vaginosis — an imbalance in vaginal bacteria

Conditions:

• an ingrown hair
• dermatitis or eczema
• psoriasis
• Bartholin's cysts
• vulval cancer — this is rare

Vaginal itching can also be caused by some medicines and hormonal changes. Hormonal changes can happen after having a baby or during menopause.

When should I see my doctor?

See your doctor if you have vulval or vaginal irritation and your symptoms are not getting better, or if you are concerned. They will assess your symptoms and explain what to do next.

You have the right to ask for a support person to be with you during a medical examination.

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How are causes of vulval and vaginal irritation diagnosed?

To find the cause of vulval and vaginal irritation, your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. They will also examine the area to understand the problem.

Your doctor may recommend vaginal and perianal swabs (swabs taken around the anus) or a skin biopsy (a procedure where a small amount of skin is removed) depending on your situation. You can ask to see a female doctor if you prefer.

They may also refer you to a gynaecologist — a doctor who specialises in female health.

How is vulval and vaginal irritation treated?

The treatment of your vulval or vaginal irritation will depend on its cause.

Your doctor may recommend:

• external treatments — medicated creams, barrier creams or gels
• internal treatments — vaginal creams, gels, tablets or pessaries
• oral medicines — in the form of tablets, capsules or liquids
• a combination of these

Do not use any creams or medicines without discussing your problem with your doctor or pharmacist. Irritation may get worse if you treat it on your own.

LOOKING FOR A MEDICINE? — To search by brand name or active ingredient, use the Medicines information search feature.

Self-care for vaginal itching

There are some things that you can try at home — try these self-care tips to help reduce irritation or itching:

• Wear loose cotton underwear.
• Change out of wet swimwear or gym clothes quickly.
• Avoid perfumed soaps, scented wipes and harsh products — use mild cleansers only.
• Wipe front to back after using the toilet and keep the area clean and dry.
• Keep fingernails short to avoid skin damage from scratching.
• Manage stress and anxiety, as these can make itching feel worse.

Can vulval and vaginal irritation be prevented?

Vulval and vaginal irritation cannot always be prevented. Tips to help prevent vulval and vaginal irritation include:

• avoid douching (washing inside your vagina)
• avoid perfumed soaps, shower gels, bubble baths or deodorants
• take care when shaving the area
• choose hair removal products and methods that are right for you
• avoid tight pants

Your vaginal bacteria may be connected to the bacteria in your digestive system (gut). This means that what you eat may affect the health of your vagina.

Resources and support

If you would like more information or support, these organisations and services can help:

• Jean Hailes for Women's Health has more information on vulval irritation, as well as easy read fact sheets and resources for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples.
• The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) has recommendations for good vulval care.
• The Royal Children's Hospital has information about vulval skin care for children. Their helpful tips are relevant for adults too.
• You can also call the healthdirect helpline on 1800 022 222 (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria). A registered nurse is available to speak with 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Languages other than English

• Family Planning Australia has information on common vaginal and vulval conditions, including fact sheets in many languages.
• Jean Hailes for Women's Health has fact sheets on vulval and vaginal health in several community languages.