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What is Pruritus Vulva?
Pruritus vulvae mean itchy vulva. The vulva is the area of skin just outside the vagina. Most women have a slight vulval itch from time to time. A pruritus vulva is a tingling or uneasy irritation of the skin of the vagina and the surrounding area (vulva).The itch is persistent, and causes distress. The itch may be particularly bad at night and may disturb your sleep.
Recovery Time
Usually it goes away within a few days if severe, proper treatment provides relief in 1-2 weeks.Diagnosis
A doctor will physically inspect the vulva and ask about symptoms to make a basic diagnosis. He or she might decide to test blood, urine, or skin samples to screen for different types of underlying infections.FAQs prepared by doctor
1. What is Pruritus Vulvae?Pruritus vulvae mean itchy vulva. The vulva is the area of skin just outside the vagina. Most women have a slight vulval itch from time to time. A pruritus vulva is a tingling or uneasy irritation of the skin of the vagina and the surrounding area (vulva). The itch is persistent, and causes distress. The itch may be particularly bad at night and may disturb your sleep.
2. Can this condition lead to cancer?
A cancer of the vulval skin is an uncommon cause. Usually in these cases a small lump or nodule is present.
3. Why during menopause or pregnancy there are chances for pruritus?
In menopause, because of lower estrogen levels, the vulval skin tends to become thinner and drier and this can make it prone to itch. During pregnancy there is vulval engorgement and also an increased vaginal discharge which might lead to thrush and can cause itch.
4. What shall one do when suffering from pruritus vulva?
One shall wear cotton underclothes and keep the area as dry and cool as possible. Wear loose clothing.
Do not scratch the itchy area. Scratching will aggravate soreness and irritation. After urinating or having a bowel movement, clean the genital area gently with absorbent cotton or antiseptic wipes. Wipe from front to back (vagina to anus). During menstruation, use tampons rather than sanitary napkins until the disorder heals. Sit in bathtub of warm (tepid, not hot) water several times a day to help relieve itching
Avoid scratching, which will only aggravate the problem.
5. When shall one consult a doctor immediately?
Consult a doctor if there is severe vaginal itching and irritation and symptoms do not improve even after a week. Following things like pelvic or lower abdominal pain or fever or blisters or ulcers on your vagina or vulva or inflammation with tender and red spots around the vulvar region and the vagina or offensive discharge from the vagina should not be ignored.