Almost every woman has experienced vaginal itching at least once. It can come in the form of thrush or as a serious problem like a yeast infection. Other women will experience vaginal itching as a result of other problems like psoriasis or as a reaction to certain foods or medications.

Thrush is one of the most-common vaginal itching problems. Most women will experience thrush about one week before their period. It is caused from a hormonal imbalance. When a female experiences thrush, it is caused from having too much fungus in the vagina and the bacteria in the vagina is unable to maintain proper control over it, causing it to itch and become red. For most women, it can be treated with creams like Monistat or Vagasil.

A yeast infection is a more serious condition from thrush or psoriasis. A yeast infection is caused when new yeast is introduced to the vagina or an increase in yeast in the vagina it can cause the vulva to become red, swollen, and painful. Around 75% of women will have a yeast infection one time during the course of their lifetime. Many women will experience a yeast infection when they take antibiotics because the yeast will multiply during this time and it will cause irritation in the lining of the vagina. Perfumed hygiene sprays, pregnancy, birth control pills, mellitus, diabetes, and sexual intercourse can all lead to a yeast infection. Yeast infections can be treated with Monistat and Vagasil, but serious yeast infections lasting 7 days or longer may need to be treated with prescription medications. During treatment of the vaginal yeast infection it is not recommended to have sexual intercourse as this can cause the itching and burning to worsen and your partner may experience some itching on their genitals after intercourse. If you have 4 or more yeast infections a year, it could be a serious condition and you will need to seek medical attention.

 Individuals that experience psoriasis are used to itching all over their body, but it can be extremely painful on the genitals if you scratch them. Individuals with psoriasis usually have bright red, cracking skin. On the vagina, this can cause open wounds which can lead to infections and painful sores. Normally the vagina will be affected along with the back passage to the anus. Creams can help to reduce the itching, but most people will need to seek medical treatment if it does not clear up in a few days.

Our allergies change every 7 years which is why amoxicillin may suddenly cause vaginal itching now instead of in the past few years. Certain foods may also cause vaginal itching as can some creams and lotions. The chemicals found in certain products like lotion can cause vaginal itching because the vagina is moist and warm and a perfect breeding ground for bacterial infections. Laundry soap, fabric softeners, sanitary pads, tampons, disinfectants, skin creams, and deodorants can all cause vaginal itching. Stress can also cause vaginal itching. This is because the nervous system is releasing small sensations throughout the body, causing small itching to become amplified and it can become painful.

Almost every type of vaginal itching can be treated with creams and medications. There are some other things you can do to prevent vaginal itching, here are a few preventative measures you can take:

• When having sexual intercourse, always make sure sexual toys are properly cleaned or it can cause irritation and itching.
  
• Look at changes to your diet recently, such as antibiotics, if you notice vaginal itching stop eating some of the foods that may be to blame.
  
• Keep your vagina as clean and as dry as possible. Thoroughly cleanse it daily and do not use lotions on the vagina.
  
• If you awake with vaginal itching problems, sleep with cotton gloves as you may be scratching the vagina in your sleep.