Vulval irritation and treatment

Vaginal discharge, which can be caused by imbalance or overgrowth of bad bacteria in the vagina, may cause irritation.

Sweat can also irritate the vulva.

Certain products can cause irritation. For example:

• period products, such as pads and tampons
• soap, bath and hair products
• laundry detergent
• perfumed products such as feminine hygiene sprays
• scented or coloured toilet paper or wipes
• hair removal and bleaching products
• douches or vaginal washes
• condoms, spermicides and lubricants.

Tight or synthetic clothing, such as polyester underwear and stockings, can cause irritation, as can wet bathers – especially after swimming in chlorinated water.

Yeast infections of the vulva and vagina, such as thrush (candidiasis), can cause irritation. Symptoms include itching, redness, swelling and a cottage cheese-like vaginal discharge.

Bacterial vaginosis is a bacterial infection of the vagina that produces a thin white, grey or greenish discharge that can cause irritation.

Certain skin conditions can cause irritation. For example:

• dermatitis or eczema – a common skin condition that can make the vulva feel itchy
• psoriasis – a chronic skin condition that can affect vulval skin, causing red, inflamed patches
• lichen sclerosus – a chronic skin condition that can affect the vulva and anal areas, causing white patches and scarring
• lichen planus – a chronic condition that can affect the vulva, causing itchy bumps.

Some sexually transmitted infections can cause irritation. For example:

• trichomoniasis – common symptoms include itchiness and a smelly, frothy, green discharge
• genital herpes – a virus spread by skin-to-skin contact during vaginal, oral or anal sex
• other STIs including chlamydia, gonorrhoea and genital warts.

Bartholin glands are located on either side of the lower part of the vaginal opening. They produce lubricating fluid during sex. If a gland is blocked, it can cause a cyst, leading to discomfort or pain.

Varicose veins (enlarged, twisted veins) can develop in the vulva, particularly during pregnancy, which may cause discomfort.

Hormonal changes, especially a drop in oestrogen hormone levels, can make the vulval and vagina tissues:

• thinner
• drier
• more uncomfortable.

This can happen after having a baby, while breastfeeding or around the time of menopause.

Some medicines and local anaesthetic can cause vulval and vaginal irritation.

Symptoms of vulval cancer may include:

• a persistent itch
• rough skin
• a non-healing sore or a lump.

Vulval cancer is rare, but it’s important to know your vulva and contact your doctor if you notice any changes.

Soothe the irritation by sitting in a wash basin or bath once or twice a day for 5 to 10 minutes.

If you’re using a basin or tub, add 2 tablespoons of bicarbonate of soda or one-quarter teaspoon of salt per litre of water.

If you’re having a bath, add one cup of bicarbonate of soda or a handful of salt to the water.

Make up a saltwater spray bottle. Add one teaspoon of salt to 600 ml of water.

Spray this mix onto your vulva while sitting on the toilet. You can do this while weeing, to reduce the stinging, and again after you’ve finished to remove any traces of wee from your vulva.

Cold packs (wrapped in a cloth) may ease itching and pain.

Reduce any burning feeling by leaning forward while weeing. In this position, your wee will go directly into the toilet and won’t run down your vulva.

Some foods contain good bacteria (Lactobacillus). For example:

• live cultured yoghurt
• kimchi
• sauerkraut
• kefir.

When you eat these foods regularly, they help maintain good bacteria in your digestive system.

A wholefood diet rich in fruits, vegetables and fibres is associated with good bacteria in the gut.

Another option is to take probiotic supplements. They contain good bacteria in much higher quantities than what you would get from fermented foods alone.

Learn more about eating for good health

Some evidence suggests that probiotic supplements can be useful in preventing and treating vaginal infections, especially bacterial vaginosis, but more research is needed to support this.

There are many kinds of probiotic supplements available. You can take them orally as a capsule or powder. Ask a qualified health professional to recommend the best probiotic for you.