5. Eczema / Psoriasis
Genetic skin disorders like these two can cause redness and itching in the genital region, along with a patchy or rash-like appearance. If you’re diagnosed with either, a mild steroid like hydrocortisone and taking oatmeal baths can help alleviate the discomfort. If you don’t feel relief within a week, ask your doctor about other treatment options.
6. Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI’s)
We shouldn’t have to tell you this again, but unprotected sex can lead to an STD (which is why you always, always need to use protection). And a bunch of them can make your lady parts itch, including chlamydia, herpes, trichomoniasis, and gonorrhea. Crabs, or pubic lice, can also appear in women with hair down there. With any of these, the itching (or tingling sensation) can progress to pain and burning, says Askew. If you experience itching along with any other common STD symptoms like burning while you pee, foul-smelling discharge, sores on your genitals, and pain during sex, you should book it to your gyno to get tested ASAP. If you do test positive for an STD, your doctor will give you either injectable or oral antibiotics, or an antiviral medication in the case of herpes.
7. Lichen Sclerosus
This serious chronic condition that causes thin, white patches of skin, usually in the genital area. While it can come out of nowhere, some medical professionals think hormones or an overactive immune system may have something to do with it. Lichen sclerosus needs to be diagnosed by a gynecologist and treated with prescription medication.
This condition occurs primarily in girls who haven’t started menstruating and in postmenopausal women. Lichen sclerosus is thought to be related to genetics, immune disorders, trauma, or infection.