Itching of the labia majora, what to do. Itching of the external female genitalia: treatment

Throughout their lives, women face various intimate problems that are not usually discussed in polite society. Naturally, they are not subject to discussion, but they should be a reason to contact a specialist. Vaginal dryness is a condition in the intimate area when the amount of natural lubrication secreted by the body decreases sharply (the process of its secretion stops). As a result of a lack of fluid, the vaginal walls become thinner, causing unpleasant symptoms that interfere with a healthy, active life.

Causes of vaginal dryness

In medical practice, this pathology is called atrophic vaginitis (). However, this term applies only to some variants of the occurrence of pathology. The processes of thinning of the vaginal mucosa, changes in size, and loss of elasticity of squamous stratified epithelium are not always associated with hormonal imbalances in the female body. Infections of the urinary tract, an abundance of perfumed intimate cosmetics, and long-term use of antibiotics sometimes become the causes of the disease.

A number of gynecologists prefer the term “vaginal atrophic dermatitis,” which more accurately indicates the manifestations of the disease. Typical symptoms are:

a feeling of tightness in the inner walls of the vagina;
itching in the labia area, vaginal opening;
discomfort during sexual intercourse, which is accompanied by pain;
bleeding of the mucous membrane due to the appearance of wounds and ulcers on the epithelium of the intimate zone.

The above symptoms are accompanied by a number of specific ones if a woman has classic signs of colpitis caused by hormonal disorders of the body:

Reluctance to have sexual intercourse with a partner. Low estrogen levels reduce libido. In addition, pain, dryness, bleeding during sex negatively affect a woman’s intimate life.
Infectious diseases. A decrease in natural lubrication leads to thinness of the epithelium of the internal and external genital organs, deterioration of the beneficial microflora of the mucous membrane, and dryness of the mucous membrane. Therefore, the pathogenic environment becomes a source of inflammation in the intimate area.
: frequent urge, burning sensation.
General deterioration in health, headaches, lethargy, weakness.

In order to normalize the functions of the glands, balance hormonal dysfunction, remove dryness, and determine the correct treatment, it is necessary to find out the reasons, which can be divided into three groups:

Serious illnesses/diseases of the body. Only a doctor can establish an accurate diagnosis and prescribe competent treatment. Observed when:
1. the appearance of neoplasms;
2. vaginosis caused by a bacterial infection;
3. , uterine fibroids;
4. inflammation of the mucous membranes of the entire body due to disruption of the glands (Sjögren's syndrome).
Changes in a woman's hormonal levels. In most cases, pathology occurs at the time of menopause or during pregnancy.
Common reasons. Appears when:
1. improper intimate hygiene;
2. unreasonable use of douching;
3. taking antibiotics or diuretics, medications that lower blood pressure;
4. allergic reactions to components of washing powders, soaps, gels;
5. deterioration of blood circulation in the pelvic organs;
6. irregular sexual activity or lack thereof.

The now popular use of perfumed shower gels poses a danger to a woman’s body: fragrances and an excess of chemical components cause disturbances in the activity of the mucous glands. They stop functioning normally, their secretion decreases: as a result, an unpleasant sensation appears. We should not forget about possible allergic reactions to components of intimate cosmetics.

The acidic environment, which stimulates the production of beneficial lactic acid bacteria by the woman’s genitals, is destroyed under the influence of gels that are unbalanced in acidity. The optimal value should be 4-4.5 pH. To get rid of problems, you should abandon newfangled deodorized toilet products in favor of ordinary soap, toilet paper without impurities and additives.

Tight underwear that compresses blood vessels and impairs blood circulation in the pelvic organs; synthetics, sometimes of poor quality, from which panties are made are harmful to a woman’s health. The disease makes itself felt by irritation, tingling, and itching of the perineum. Replace fashionable, beautiful polyamide underwear with equally beautiful and elegant cotton ones - and you will forget about the problem.

Another threat is the lack of hygiene of the intimate area. Pathogenic microflora displaces beneficial lactobacilli: many women face problems caused by Candida fungus. The appearance of an unpleasant odor, itching and burning, and thinning of the mucosal epithelium signal problems with the body. Even with heavy discharge, signs of atrophic vaginitis and discomfort appear.

Before your period

Unpleasant sensations periodically bother healthy women of reproductive age before menstruation. About 10% of the fair sex consult a gynecologist with this problem: a few days before the onset of menstruation, the amount of the gestagen hormone in the body increases, which suppresses estrogen production for a short period. Such phenomena do not relate to pathologies and are considered absolutely harmless.

During pregnancy

Waiting for motherhood is a wonderful period in a woman’s life. However, sometimes pregnancy is accompanied by certain health problems: morning sickness, nausea, dryness in the intimate area, and common thrush are due to changes in the body and the activity of the gestagen hormone. An enlarging uterus creates additional pressure on all organs, resulting in changes in the vaginal microflora, decreased elasticity, and the appearance of symptoms of itching and irritation.

After childbirth

In the postpartum period, in most cases, vaginitis goes away on its own: hormonal levels normalize and the secretory glands of the vagina begin to work in their usual rhythm. About 20% of women in labor complain of a feeling of dryness and burning in the area of the labia minora. This is due to the release of the hormone prolactin, which temporarily “interrupts” estrogen. The recovery period takes from 60 to 90 days. For women who gave birth by cesarean section, gynecologists advise allowing up to 120 days to restore hormonal levels.

During menopause

Menopause () is a time of significant age-related changes in a woman’s life. The restructuring of the body is associated with a significant decrease in the production of the female hormone estrogen. Vaginal dryness occurs in 50% of women over the age of 55. During menopause, this pathology is called atrophic vaginitis. Narrowing of the vaginal walls, loss of natural lubrication, deterioration of the glands lead to the formation of an alkaline environment, causing a feeling of friction and itching. Be sure to contact a gynecologist who will prescribe hormone replacement therapy.

During sexual intercourse

Unpleasant sensations during sex have a negative impact on the sex life of both partners. Pain, discomfort, and, sometimes, bleeding, discourage a woman from having an intimate life, and a man will get a little pleasure from intimacy. However, gynecologists advise not to give up carnal pleasures: hormonal suppositories and lubricants will help improve your sex life.

If the reason is simple ineptitude or haste of the partner, then the solution to the problem will be to increase the time for foreplay. When aroused, a woman’s body reacts with an increased flow of blood to the genitals and vagina, enhancing the natural secretion of secretions from the glands. Constant use of condoms negatively affects the amount of lubrication formed in the vagina: if the epithelium of the mucous membrane is irritated, try to abandon the condom at least for a while.

Age-related dryness

5-7 years after menopause, the amount of estrogen secreted by the body decreases by 80%. According to scientists, at the age of 60 to 65 years, more than 75% of women suffer from atrophic colpitis with all the accompanying symptoms: decreased vaginal lumen, dryness, bleeding of the mucous membrane. References to age and reluctance to see a doctor can end in failure: with this disease, not only the multilayered epithelium of the vagina, but also the walls of the bladder (urethral tissue) becomes thinner and loses elasticity.

Treatment options

Only a gynecologist can determine and prescribe the correct treatment after examining and determining the causes of vaginitis. Among the necessary procedures, a woman will have to undergo a gynecological examination, during which the doctor will take a Pap smear (to exclude cancer) and prescribe a general (clinical) blood test to avoid the possible development of urinary tract infections.

General measures aimed at eliminating pathology such as vaginal dermatitis include the following:

During menopause, women may be offered non-hormonal or hormone replacement therapy to relieve vaginal dryness and irritation.
During pregnancy and when breastfeeding, the doctor will advise women to use special moisturizers - gels, ointments, topical lubricants that are not absorbed into the blood to protect the baby.
If you experience dryness due to violation of intimate hygiene rules, it is preferable to refuse any intimate cosmetics, toilet paper or wet wipes with aromatic additives.
Any medications, especially Atropine, antihistamines, blood pressure lowering medications, or diuretics, should be used only when necessary and with a doctor’s prescription. Self-treatment is dangerous due to the occurrence of side effects: from dryness to inflammatory processes in the vagina and urinary tract.
Refusal of bad habits that impair blood supply to the vagina and cause dryness, itching, burning.
A balanced diet with a high content of legumes to normalize the production of secretions by the vaginal glands and prevent dryness of the intimate area.
Have regular sex life with a regular partner. In the first stages, it is advisable to use intimate gel lubricants to reduce dryness. It is preferable to avoid condoms with aromatic additives.
The presence of diseases of the genitourinary system, the side effect of which is dryness of the mucous membranes of the vagina, is a reason to immediately consult a doctor. In this case, surgery or a lengthy treatment procedure may be necessary.

Medicines: tablets, suppositories and creams

Uncomplicated cases of atrophic colpitis, slightly associated with impaired production of the hormone estrogen, doctors suggest treating with non-hormonal drugs. They are also good in situations where hormone replacement therapy is not possible for a number of reasons. Vaginal tablets, homeopathic preparations, gels and ointments, topical creams (moisturizing the mucous membrane) will help get rid of unpleasant sensations.

Before sexual intercourse, use lubricants without fragrances or fragrances.
– support the healthy state of the mucosal epithelium without irritation.
Calendula-based candles "Vagikal" help relieve irritating factors - burning, itching, dryness, and heal wounds and cracks.
Vaginal suppositories “Feminela”, “Cicatridin” of oval shape provide long-term hydration of the vagina due to hyaluronic acid - the elixir of youth, and aloe and calendula remove dryness.
Homeopathic medicines “Cyclodinone” and “Klimadinon” act on the pituitary gland, stimulating the production of estrogen, protecting the intimate area from dryness.
Vaginal gel "Ginocomfort" relieves symptoms of colpitis, normalizes the acidity level of the vagina, and protects against infections.

Hormone therapy

With menopause and age-related hormonal changes, the optimal solution to the problem of dryness in the vaginal area will be. Self-prescribed estrogen medications (on the recommendation of a friend, neighbor, or the Internet) are dangerous to health: they can cause the formation of malignant tumors or dysplasia. Hormone therapy suggests the use of vaginal rings, ointments or lubricants, suppositories, tablets:

Gels “Dermestril”, “Klimara”, “Divigel” are inserted into the vagina with a special applicator. The discomfort disappears within an hour.
Hormonal rings are installed by a gynecologist. They contain a certain dose of estrogen, which is gradually absorbed by the vaginal epithelium (effectiveness lasts from 1 to 3 months), relieving dryness and burning.
Vaginal suppositories “Ovestin” and “Oripod” are used in a course: daily for 2 weeks, gradually reducing the dosage to a minimum until the feeling of dryness disappears.
In some cases, systematic use of tablets is prescribed as part of complex hormone replacement therapy.

How to eliminate dryness using folk remedies

Herbal infusions, baths, douching are very important aids in the treatment of atrophic dermatitis of the vagina. Taking into account individual characteristics (intolerance, allergies), a woman can avoid the symptoms of dryness, itching and burning in the vagina by taking orally or taking baths with medicinal herbs:

You will need: nettle, oregano, calendula in the ratio (60 g, 20 g, 30 g), chamomile and speedwell 50 g each. Pour 0.5 liters of boiling water and cook for at least 5 minutes. Leave it to brew. The course of administration is 10-12 days, 100 ml daily. If dryness in the labia area does not go away, consult a gynecologist.
A decoction of the uterus and motherwort is very good at removing dry walls in the vagina. Mix 50 g of each type of herb, add 400 ml of water and boil. Take a third of a glass 3 times a day before meals.
Douching with calendula decoction is an ideal way to get rid of atrophic colpitis during menopause, to remove the feeling of dryness and tightness of the walls. In order not to disturb the beneficial microflora of the vagina, the number of douches in one course is no more than 5.
Baths with motherwort decoction relax the nervous system, relieving itching and discomfort: pour 60 g of herb into 500 ml of boiling water and cook for 2-3 minutes. Let it brew for half an hour, strain and add to the bath. To make the feeling of dryness disappear, take such baths at least once a week.
Homemade tampons from a sterile bandage moistened with a liquid oil solution of vitamin E will help remove dryness and strengthen the walls of the vagina. Combine the contents of the capsule with 10 teaspoons of boiled refined sunflower oil, dip the tampon in the mixture and place it in the vagina for 5 minutes. Can be used to lubricate the mucous membrane until symptoms disappear.

Why do the labia itch, swell, and dry out? What diseases give such a symptom. How to get rid of itching.

Itching is a sensation that is very difficult to overcome. You can imagine how unpleasant it is for a woman who really wants to scratch herself “there.” Should she immediately run to the gynecologist? It is necessary to understand why such discomfort occurs and how to get rid of it.

What does itching and swelling of the labia indicate?

Itching is an irresistible desire to scratch the skin. It is literally born in the head. This is how the nervous system reacts in response to local irritation.

Itching and swelling of the labia in a woman is often a nonspecific symptom of one of the many gynecological diseases. Also, the occurrence of discomfort can be associated with non-compliance with personal hygiene rules.

The most common reasons why the labia are swollen and itchy are:

Insufficient hygiene of the genital organs, when a woman rarely washes herself
Synthetic underwear that does not “breathe” and creates a “greenhouse effect”
Wearing sanitary tampons for more than 3 hours, and menstrual pads for more than 5 hours
Frequent washing with soap
Allergy to panty liners
Allergy to intimate hygiene products
Injuries during sex
Overheat
Hypothermia
Stress
Irritation after shaving or epilation
Pubic lice bites
Vaginal dysbiosis
Use of certain medications
Inflammation of the genital organs of a non-infectious nature
Inflammation of the genital organs of an infectious nature (including sexually transmitted diseases)
Metabolic disorders due to diseases of the endocrine glands, pregnancy, menstruation, menopause
Diseases of the urinary system
Blood diseases
Oncological diseases

IMPORTANT: Itching of the labia, accompanied by swelling, is often observed in nervous, overly emotional women. Psychosomatics occurs

Razor irritation is one of the reasons why the labia itch.

If there is a single episode of itching of the labia, it may be caused by squeezing underwear, an uncomfortable position, etc. There is no point in worrying, everything will go away on its own. It is imperative that you do not let the problem take its course and consult a doctor if you are itching constantly and the itching is accompanied by:

swelling and redness
swelling
discharge (with an unpleasant odor)
cracks and abrasions of the labia
painful urination
pain during intercourse

IMPORTANT: Often the itching of the labia is so intense that a woman is unable to sleep at night and do her usual activities during the day

Itching and swelling of the labia without discharge, causes

Itchy, dull pain in the labia minora and majora, accompanied by swelling, but without discharge, may indicate vulvodynia in a woman.

IMPORTANT: Vulvodynia is a pain syndrome not associated with infections. Most often it occurs due to allergies or neuropathy

The pathology is most often observed in women of childbearing age.
Pain and itching occur for no apparent reason and literally prevent a woman from living
Discomfort in the genital area affects a woman's sexuality
Vulvodynia is a cause of depression

Vulvodynia is the cause of itchy pain in a woman’s external genital area.

The cause of itching in the labia and the entire vulvar complex is an increase in the number of signals sent to the brain from local nerve endings. This is often associated with inflammation (neuritis) of the pudendal nerve. Pathology is provoked by:

childbirth
abortion
sloppy, too rough sexual intercourse
mechanical injury

If, after a thorough gynecological examination, tests for sexually transmitted infections, ultrasound and other examinations, the diagnosis of vulvodynia is confirmed, it is often necessary to undergo treatment not only from a women’s doctor, but also from a psychologist and/or neurologist.

Vulvodynia is treated:

diet (to reduce oxalates in urine)
Kegel exercises (to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles and relieve spasms)
baths
antihistamines (if allergies occur)
anti-inflammatory and analgesic drugs (Diclofenac, Naproxen)
antidepressants

IMPORTANT: Sometimes a patient with vulvodynia is indicated for psychotherapy

Itching of the labia and white discharge, causes

The cause of itching, pain, redness of the labia minora, labia majora, and external genitalia of a woman can be the Candida fungus. Simply put, thrush in women can manifest these symptoms.

IMPORTANT: Up to 75% of women of childbearing age have had thrush at one time or another

Yeast lives in the vagina of most women. If the immune system is strong, the vaginal flora is normal, they do not make themselves felt in any way.

Thrush develops if:

a woman has reduced immunity due to stress, acute or chronic illness, overwork, vitamin deficiency
a woman has a hormonal imbalance
woman takes contraceptives, antibiotics
A woman's blood glucose level is elevated
woman eats poorly
hypothermia occurred

Candidiasis is the cause of itching of the labia and white discharge from the genital tract.

The doctor detects thrush during a routine examination and confirms the diagnosis with the results of an analysis of the vaginal microflora. As treatment he will prescribe:

antifungal agents topically or orally
means to boost immunity
anti-inflammatory drugs
diet

If a woman has thrush, her sexual partner should also be treated.

VIDEO: Thrush in women symptoms and treatment. Thrush during pregnancy treatment. How to cure thrush

Itching and swelling of the labia during pregnancy, causes

During the period when a woman is carrying a child, her body becomes very vulnerable. Many diseases can “catch on” to the expectant mother. Also, there are relapses of those that previously occurred in her chronic form.

Pregnancy can be overshadowed by unpleasant sensations in the labia area: their itching and swelling. Causes of discomfort:

Physiological changes in a woman’s body associated with hormonal changes and a growing uterus. Swelling and itching may occur due to poor circulation in the pelvic organs, pinched nerves, etc.
Varicose veins. The formation of venous nodes provokes swelling and redness of the vulva, the desire to scratch, and painful sensations
Inflammatory processes in the area of a woman's external genitalia. This is bartholinitis (inflammation of the Bartholin glands, located near the entrance to the vagina and secreting lubricant to moisturize the mucous membrane), vulvitis (inflammation of the vulva), vulvovaginitis (inflammation of the vulva and vagina)
Recurrence of thrush. Yeast infection, which occurs in a chronic form, often wakes up during pregnancy
Sexually transmitted infectious diseases

IMPORTANT: The health of the expectant mother is very fragile. Her illnesses could be passed on to or harm the baby. Therefore, if swelling and itching of the labia occurs, a woman should consult a doctor who is managing the pregnancy.

What does severe itching of the labia after sex mean?

One of the reasons why a woman's labia itch after sex is an allergy to condoms.

IMPORTANT: Condoms are made from latex obtained from the Hevea tree. Latex contains proteins that are allergenic. Not only latex, but also all kinds of lubricants and flavorings can cause a reaction. other

An allergy to condoms can manifest itself in different ways, from itching and rashes on the genitals to attacks of suffocation. If a woman notices that after protected sex her vagina or labia are itching, she needs to visit a gynecologist. He will rule out other possible causes of the problem, for example, infections, and give a referral to an allergist and tests to identify the allergen.

Itching and pimples and cracks on the labia, causes

Despite the fact that running water is available in almost all homes, there are convenient panty liners and feminine hygiene products, itching and cracks on the labia can appear due to such ridiculous reasons as:

pollution
urine irritation
contact with the vulva of stool
sweating
wearing synthetic, too-tight underwear

As a rule, it is enough to eliminate these reasons to get rid of the problem.

But sometimes things are more serious. Perhaps inflammation of the labia has begun - vulvitis. It notes:

itching and swelling of the labia
drying and cracking of the mucous membrane
rashes
the appearance of a whitish coating
general malaise, nervousness, fever

Vulvitis can be:

Primary – due to mechanical, chemical irritations, hypothermia, allergies, etc.
Secondary – infectious, when pathogenic microorganisms enter the vulva from the vagina, cervix, uterus with vaginitis, colpitis, cervicitis, endometritis, etc.

To cure inflammation of the labia, its cause and symptoms are eliminated.

Dryness and itching of the labia, causes

Women complain of dryness of the mucous membrane of the external genital organs and vagina, itching, during pregnancy, after childbirth, during premenopausal or menopausal periods, after menstruation, when they experience hormonal changes.

The lack of produced lubrication leads to dryness, tightening of the mucous membrane of the labia, unpleasant sensations and itching. Sometimes you have to endure discomfort using local moisturizers. Sometimes hormone therapy is required. Only a doctor can accurately answer the question of what treatment should be.

VIDEO: About dryness of the female genital organs

What to do with itching of the labia, how to treat with folk remedies?

A woman is not able to find out the cause of itching of the labia and eliminate it with medication. After examination and tests, this is done by the doctor according to an individual scheme.
With the help of folk remedies you can try to reduce discomfort. They help:

Douching with soda, iodine, herbal decoctions
Tampons with aloe juice
Baths with chamomile and sea salt
Air baths

RECIPE: Douching with soda, salt and iodine

dissolve 1 teaspoon of soda and salt in 1 liter of water, 10 drops of iodine
using a syringe, inject a solution into the vagina and wipe the labia with it
repeat the procedure twice a day until symptoms disappear

IMPORTANT: It is necessary to introduce as many lactic acid products into the diet as possible - yogurt, kefir, acidophilus

Cream and ointment for itching of the labia. Is it possible to smear the labia with baby cream?

Ointments help reduce the feeling of itching in the labia area:

antihistamines (Beloderm)
corticosteroids (Mesoderm)
analgesics (Diclofenca)
with antibiotics (Akriderm)

IMPORTANT: You can smear the labia with baby cream to relieve mechanical irritation, for example, due to rubbing with underwear or due to razor irritation

VIDEO: Itching of the genitals? There is a solution to the problem using folk remedies

The delicate problem of dry labia can affect almost any woman at least occasionally. This unpleasant condition most often occurs in women before and after menopause. However, vaginal dryness, like a number of painful conditions, is now becoming noticeably younger, so this problem often worries young women.

To give significance to this not-so-rare phenomenon in our latitudes, the term was assigned to it atrophic vaginitis, but it represents only irritation of the vagina, which is a consequence of thinning and wrinkling of the tissues of the walls of this intimate organ, and a decrease in the amount of natural lubricant that is released from it. manifests itself in the form of discomfort and pain during sexual intercourse. In addition, bleeding of the vaginal walls may occur due to microtraumas that occurred during sexual intercourse without the necessary natural moisture of the vagina. In this case, itching and burning are usually annoying. Another unpleasant sign is a frequent and obvious urge to urinate.

Only at the moment of sexual arousal does a woman secrete a moisturizing lubricant from the vaginal walls. Dryness is felt when fluid either ceases to be produced or is produced in insufficient quantities.

Main causes of dry labia

During menopause, the level of estrogen, which is responsible for keeping the vagina in normal conditions of moisture and acidity, decreases. With a decrease, the natural defense weakens, which, given the thinness of the vaginal tissue, favors the penetration of infections, which is why the likelihood of open ulcers or cracks on the vaginal walls increases.

Dry labia may also occur as a result of allergic reactions to a number of hygiene products, such as lotions, soaps, gels, perfumes and others, which contain hard alkalis. When choosing preparations for intimate hygiene, you should prefer hypoallergenic products without the inclusion of dyes and flavors, with a pH level of four to four and a half, but the inclusion of fats should be very noticeable. However, you should not use such products specifically to reduce dryness of the labia; this is fraught with irritation or, worse, an inflammatory process.

The use of medications that suppress estrogen levels may also be a cause of vaginal dryness. These are, for example, antidepressants, atropine, blood pressure lowering drugs, desensitizing drugs, drugs for the treatment of uterine fibroids, diuretics, antihistamines, cardiovascular and stimulant drugs.

The causes of dry labia are oral contraceptives, in particular mini-pills using progesterone.

A feeling of dryness in the vagina also occurs in the last days before the onset of menstruation. Here, the level of estrogen is also significantly reduced, and the level of progesterone is increased, which leads to dryness.

Unnecessary habits, such as smoking and alcohol, disrupt the functioning of internal organs and cause changes in hormonal levels. Reduced blood flow to the vagina is fraught with atrophic changes. Smoking neutralizes the beneficial effects of estrogen on the body.

Chemotherapy and radiation treatment for a malignant tumor clearly inhibits the functions of internal organs, including the genital area.

Frequent and not always justified douching can contribute to the occurrence of dryness, since it disrupts the normal microflora of the vagina and damages the vaginal tissue.

Dry labia is an alarming signal from the female body that it needs to have its health checked. Such sensations bring a lot of inconvenience. Many representatives of the fair sex prefer to remain silent about this symptom and not visit a doctor. We’ll look at what this can lead to in this article.

Dryness of the outer labia

This is a fairly common problem that any woman can face. Dryness often occurs during menopause, but young girls are equally susceptible to it.

In medicine, dryness of the external genitalia is called atrophic vaginitis, which occurs due to the fact that the tissue of the vaginal walls becomes thin and does not produce enough natural lubrication. If dryness appears, this is an alarm bell. It is often accompanied by itching and discomfort. Bloody discharge and pain may also appear during sexual intercourse.

Dryness usually indicates that inflammatory processes are occurring in the body. This is how the sexually transmitted disease leukoplakia of the vulva manifests itself. Only a qualified specialist can correctly and accurately diagnose the cause.

Dear women, do not be afraid to consult a doctor: today there are many ways to help get rid of such an unpleasant problem as dryness.

Causes of dry external genitalia

Let's look at the reasons why dryness in intimate areas may occur in women.

Insufficient estrogen levels. Estrogen is a female sex hormone that is designed to maintain normal acidity and moisture in the vaginal area, as well as control the elasticity of vaginal tissue. If the level of the hormone is reduced, then the general protective functions weaken, which leads to thinning of the tissues and insufficient elasticity. This subsequently affects the condition of the labia. Estrogen may decrease during menopause, lactation, after chemotherapy, surgical removal of appendages, ovaries. This is also caused by smoking and weakened immunity.
Intolerance to components contained in personal care products. Allergies can occur if medications contain hard alkalis. The skin and the external organs themselves become irritated, causing dryness and itching. Before using any products, you need to carefully study their composition. Only hypoallergenic gels should be used.
Vaginal trauma, STDs, malignant and benign tumors.
Autoimmune diseases, Sjogren's syndrome and other diseases that can affect healthy tissue.
Regular douching. It disrupts the natural acidity in the vagina, washing away all the useful and necessary lactobacilli, thereby causing itching and dryness. Douching can be done twice a day (no more often): in the morning and before bed.
Drugs that: are designed to lower blood pressure; have diuretic properties; atropine; medications for cardiovascular diseases; agents with antihistamine and desensitizing effects.
Adverse habits: smoking, alcohol, abuse of antidepressants.
Infectious and venereal diseases.
Leukoplakia - a dystrophic change in the mucous membrane occurs, which is accompanied by itching and dryness.
Dryness may occur 2 to 3 days before your expected period due to increased progesterone levels.

Treatment of dry external genitalia

Do not forget that only a specialist can prescribe appropriate therapy after making the correct diagnosis. In this case, treatment will be quick and effective.

There are many methods of combating intimate diseases that cause dryness, itching, etc.

As a rule, therapy includes drugs that have antiviral, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial properties, as well as vitamins A, B, C, E and immunomodulators.

Comprehensive treatment helps a lot. Herbal medicine is aimed at relieving discomfort. The medicinal veronica has proven itself well in treatment.

Decoction. Take 1 dessert spoon of herb, pour 300 milliliters of boiling water and leave for 2 hours. Then strain well and divide into 3 servings. Take half an hour before meals. This decoction is also great for sitz baths; proportions - 5 dessert spoons per 2 liters of boiling water.
Infusion from motherwort and boron uterus. Take 2 dessert spoons of herbs and pour 2 cups of cold water, bring to a boil, leave for 2 hours. Drink in one day, divided into 3 servings. This remedy also helps to cope with dryness and itching during menopause.
Warm sitz baths and hydrocortisone ointment are considered effective for treating leukoplakia. If the case is severe and advanced, laser therapy is used. It is recommended to take two courses of herbal medicine, each lasting 3 months, with critical days and a break between them.
Herbal collection. You need to take 60 grams of nettle, 40 grams of knotweed and fireweed, 30 grams each of yarrow, chamomile, bear's ear, calendula and mullein, 20 grams of medicinal speedwell with common oregano. Mix all the dried flowers, take 1 dessert spoon of the medicinal mixture, pour 500 milliliters of boiling water and boil for 5 minutes over low heat. Take a quarter of an hour before meals. Drink the resulting amount of decoction throughout the day.

Dryness in the intimate area is a fairly common problem that many women face for various reasons. A similar symptom often occurs during menopause and is associated with atrophy of the vaginal walls. However, there are frequent cases of dryness of the mucous membrane and skin of the vagina during the reproductive period.

Dryness of the genitals may be present as a monosymptom or accompanied by other unpleasant symptoms: burning, including during urination, itching, pain during and after sexual intercourse, redness and swelling of the external genitalia.

Causes of dry labia

The appearance of vaginal discomfort is mainly associated with hormonal changes in the body. Thus, a deficiency of the female sex hormones estrogen leads to a decrease in the production of natural vaginal secretions and disruption of the acidity level of the mucous membrane. The result is dryness, burning, and irritation in the intimate area.

The most common situations when a woman faces this problem:

Pregnancy and postpartum period. The period of gestation is characterized by significant changes in hormonal levels, which affect the microflora of the vagina. The appearance of dryness and itching of the labia during pregnancy is fraught with scratching and the formation of abrasions, into which pathogenic microorganisms can enter. This is especially dangerous given the woman's position and the possibility of infection of the fetus. Therefore, if severe dryness of the labia and vagina occurs during pregnancy, you should definitely tell your doctor about these symptoms;
Taking certain medications that reduce estrogen production (antihistamines, oral contraceptives, drugs to lower blood pressure, etc.);
Vaginal discomfort during this period of a woman’s life is also associated with hormonal changes. Estrogen deficiency leads to changes in the mucous membrane and loss of its elasticity, and local immunity decreases.

Causes of vaginal dryness also include:

Use of products unsuitable for daily intimate hygiene (regular shower gels, soap). Washing gels for intimate care, as a rule, have a pH level corresponding to the physiological acid-base level of the genital organs, which allows maintaining the natural balance of the vaginal microflora;
Leukoplakia. This is a disease that is characterized by a change in the upper layer of the epithelium of the cervix (hardening or keratinization) and is accompanied by itching, dryness and burning in the vaginal area;
Frequent douching. This procedure can lead to vaginal dysbiosis, dryness, redness and peeling of the labia;
Smoking and alcohol abuse. Alcohol and tobacco affect hormone production, which can lead to dryness and irritation of the labia majora and minora.
Surgical interventions;
Stress and depression. Unresolved stressful situations and prolonged depression lead to increased production of the hormone cortisol. The ratio of other hormones in the blood also changes, which can lead to vaginal itching and dryness.

Dryness of the vagina and labia: what to do

Women complain of burning, itching and dryness in the vulva; surges in blood pressure, sleep disturbances, psycho-emotional disorders, and pain during sexual intercourse may occur.

Abrasions, cracks and scratches appear in the intimate area, the skin gradually turns gray, wrinkles and hair loss begins. Over time, the labia atrophy and the vaginal lumen decreases.

In men, symptoms of kraurosis manifest themselves in the form of wrinkled skin in the foreskin and on the head of the penis, its dryness and pallor, itching, which results in abrasions and scratching, as well as the appearance of a sclerotic hoop, which, squeezing the penis, is an obstacle to sexual activity.

Symptoms and treatment of pathology

Unfortunately, kraurosis is not completely cured, but the process of its development can be stopped. Treatment of this disease is carried out using conservative therapy, which includes measures to relieve itching and reduce discomfort in the genital area. For this we use:

sedatives;
antihistamines (Suprastin, Diazolin, Tavegil);
estrogens and progesterone for oral administration;
hormonal ointments;
antimicrobial ointments in the presence of additional infections;
vitamins C, A, E, biostimulants and immunocorrectors;
reflexology, x-ray therapy, balneotherapy, herbal medicine, local laser therapy;
testosterone and lidase injections (for men);
surgical intervention - in case of advanced disease or ineffectiveness of therapeutic methods.

In order to minimize the risk of problems in the intimate area in the form of dryness, itching and the possible occurrence of kraurosis, it is necessary to maintain proper hygiene of the external genitalia, lead a healthy lifestyle, and at the slightest sign of a genital disorder, contact a specialist.