What is scabies? Who is at risk? What are the signs and symptoms of scabies? How can scabies be treated? Find the answers to these questions and more in this comprehensive guide on scabies in the groin area.

Understanding Scabies

Scabies is a highly contagious skin condition caused by a tiny mite called Sarcoptes scabiei. This mite burrows into the top layer of the skin, causing intense itching and a characteristic rash. Scabies can affect people of all ages, ethnicities, and socioeconomic backgrounds, but it is more commonly seen in crowded living situations such as hospitals, nursing homes, and prisons.

Who is at Risk?

Scabies is not caused by poor hygiene, but rather by close, prolonged skin-to-skin contact with an infested individual. Those at particularly high risk include:

• People in crowded living situations, such as hospitals, nursing homes, and prisons
• Sexual partners and household members of an infested person
• Children under the age of 2, who are more likely to have lesions on the face, scalp, and neck
• Individuals with weakened immune systems, such as organ transplant recipients or those with HIV/AIDS
• Malnourished individuals
• People with physical or mental impairments

Signs and Symptoms of Scabies

The most common locations for scabies lesions include the areas between the fingers, inner wrists and elbows, armpits, breasts (in females), and genitalia (in males). The lesions typically appear as pink-to-red bumps that can resemble pimples or bug bites, and may have a small black speck at one end, which is the burrowing mite. The tell-tale sign of scabies is the burrow, a small, thread-like, scaly line that is often difficult to see.

Scabies is intensely itchy, especially at night, and excessive scratching can lead to breaks in the skin and bacterial infection. In severe cases, known as Norwegian or crusted scabies, the skin may be covered in thick, white scales and crusts and may not be itchy, despite containing up to two million mites.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Scabies can be diagnosed by a healthcare provider through a physical examination and, in some cases, a skin scraping that is examined under a microscope for the presence of mites, eggs, or mite feces.

Prescription medications are required to effectively treat scabies. The most commonly prescribed treatments include:

• Permethrin 5% cream: The first-line treatment, effective and safe for adults, children, and pregnant women
• Crotamiton 10% lotion or cream: Less effective than permethrin and can be irritating
• Precipitated sulfur 5% or 10%: A safe option for children under 2 and pregnant/lactating women, but can be greasy and smelly
• Lindane 1% solution: Avoided in young children, infants, pregnant women, and those with certain medical conditions due to potential toxicity

In addition to the prescribed medication, it is also important to wash all clothing, bedding, and towels used by the infested person in the past 72 hours in hot water and dry them in a hot dryer. Vacuuming carpets, rugs, and furniture, and bagging items that cannot be washed for at least 72 hours, can also help prevent the spread of the infestation.

Preventing Scabies Reinfection

After treatment, it is important to follow these steps to prevent the scabies infestation from returning:

1. Wash all clothing, bedding, and towels used by the infested person in the past 72 hours in hot water and dry them in a hot dryer.
2. Vacuum all carpets, rugs, and furniture, and discard the vacuum bags.
3. Place items that cannot be laundered into plastic bags for at least 72 hours.
4. Pets do not need to be treated, as the scabies mite only infests humans.
5. You can return to work or school the day after starting treatment.

Severe Forms of Scabies

In some cases, scabies can take on a more severe form, known as Norwegian or crusted scabies. This is typically seen in:

• Elderly individuals
• People with weakened immune systems, such as organ transplant recipients or those with HIV/AIDS
• Malnourished individuals
• People with physical or mental impairments

In Norwegian/crusted scabies, the skin is covered in thick, white scales and crusts, and the lesions may be widespread, appearing on the scalp, face, elbows, knees, palms, and soles of the feet. Interestingly, these infestations may not cause intense itching, despite containing up to two million mites.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can scabies be spread through limited contact, such as a hug or handshake?

No, scabies usually requires prolonged skin-to-skin contact to spread. Limited contact, such as a hug or handshake, will not normally spread the infection.

Do pets need to be treated for scabies?

No, pets do not need to be treated for scabies, as the mite only infests humans and cannot survive off the human body for more than 48-72 hours.

How soon can I return to work or school after starting scabies treatment?

You can return to work or school the day after starting treatment for scabies.

Scabies Condition, Treatments and Pictures for Adults

Who’s At Risk?

Scabies is seen in people of all ethnicities, all ages, both sexes, and at all socioeconomic levels. The infestation is not caused by lack of personal hygiene but is more frequently seen in people who live in crowded, urban conditions. People at particular risk are those who are in crowded living situations, such as hospitals, nursing homes, and prisons. Though scabies is extremely contagious, it usually requires prolonged skin-to-skin contact with a person who is already infested. Limited contact, such as a hug or handshake, will not normally spread the infection. However, scabies is easily spread to sexual partners and to other members of the household. Even if a person does not yet have symptoms, he or she can pass the infestation on to other people. Less commonly, it may be spread by sharing towels, clothing, or bedding.

Signs & Symptoms

Although the entire body may itch, the most common locations for the lesions of scabies include:

• The areas between the fingers (finger webs)
• Inner wrists, inner elbows, and armpits
• Breasts of females and genitalia of males
• Navel (umbilicus)
• Lower abdomen
• Buttocks
• Backs of knees

Although in adults it is rare to see lesions on the face, scalp, and neck, these areas are commonly affected in children aged younger than 2 years.

The most obvious signs of scabies are pink-to-red bumps, which can look like pimples or bug bites, sometimes with scale or a scab on them. However, the tell-tale lesion of scabies is the burrow, which is small and often difficult to see. Typically, a burrow appears as a small, thread-like, scaly line (3–10 mm long), sometimes with a tiny black speck (the burrowing mite) at one end. The adult mite is about 0.3 mm long and is very difficult to see. Scabies mites crawl; they do not jump or fly.

People who are exposed to scabies may not develop itchy lesions for up to 6 weeks after becoming infested, as the immune system takes some time to develop an allergic response to the mites. However, individuals who have had scabies before may develop the rash within several days of re-exposure.

Scabies is intensely itchy, especially at night. Excessive scratching of the itchy lesions can create breaks in the skin, which may then become infected with bacteria.

A severe form of scabies, called Norwegian scabies or crusted scabies, is seen in:

• Elderly people
• Individuals with weakened immune systems (such as organ transplant recipients or people with HIV/AIDS)
• Malnourished people
• People who are physically and/or mentally impaired or disabled

In people with Norwegian/crusted scabies, the skin is covered with thick, white scales and crusts. The lesions are widespread, appearing over the scalp, face, elbows, knees, palms, and soles of the feet. Interestingly, these infestations may not be itchy, although the lesions may contain up to two million mites.

Self-Care Guidelines

Scabies requires prescription medication in order to stop the infestation. Once you are under a doctor’s care, there are steps you can take to prevent scabies from coming back:

• Mites cannot survive off the human body for more than 48–72 hours. Therefore, wash all clothing, bedding, and towels used by the infested person in the past 72 hours in hot water, and dry these items in a hot dryer.
• Vacuum all carpets, rugs, and furniture, and discard the vacuum bags.
• Put anything that cannot be laundered into plastic bags for at least 72 hours.
• Pets do not need to be treated because the mite only lives on humans.

You can return to work or school the day after treatment is started.

Treatments

Your physician may be able to diagnose scabies simply by examining your skin for typical lesions, such as burrows. Your doctor may also diagnose scabies by gently scraping some skin onto a slide and looking with a microscope for mites, eggs, or mite feces.

In most cases of scabies, your doctor will prescribe a medicated cream or lotion to kill the infestation, such as:

• Permethrin 5% cream – This is the first choice for treatment because it is very effective and safe. It is safe even for children and pregnant women. Rinse the cream off after 8–14 hours, and repeat in 7 days to kill recently hatched larvae.
• Crotamiton 10% lotion or cream (Eurax®, Crotan®) – This is not as effective as permethrin and can be irritating to the skin. Apply once daily for 5 consecutive days.
• Precipitated sulfur (5% or 10%) – This is prepared with petroleum jelly and is applied nightly for 3 consecutive nights. This is often the best choice for children aged younger than 2 years and for pregnant and lactating women because it is very safe to use. Unfortunately, it is greasy, has an odor, and can stain clothing.
• Lindane 1% solution – Lindane can be toxic to the nervous system. Therefore, avoid using it for young children and infants, pregnant or lactating women, and people with diseases affecting the nerves (neurological diseases). Apply to the body, rinse in 8 hours, and repeat in 7 days.

When using a topical cream, lotion, or ointment, be sure to follow these steps (unless your physician gives other instructions):

• For adults, apply to the entire body except for the face and scalp.
• For children, apply to the entire body, including the face and scalp, as these areas are commonly infested.
• Smear the product beneath the fingernails and toenails.
• Apply to body folds, including inside the navel, in the buttocks crease, and between the fingers and toes.

In more severe cases of scabies, your doctor may prescribe oral medications:

• Ivermectin (Stromectol®) pills – Take once and then repeat 1–2 weeks later. Do not give to children aged younger than 5 years or who weigh less than 15 kg (about 35 lb), or pregnant or lactating women.
• Antibiotic, if any scratched areas appear to be infected with bacteria.

After treatment, the rash and itching may take up to 4 weeks to go away, as your immune system continues to react to the dead mites. However, new burrows and rashes should stop appearing 48 hours after effective treatment. If you see new burrows or bumps, or if the itch continues for more than 4 weeks, you may need to be treated again.

Your doctor may also recommend steroid creams or antihistamine pills to relieve the itching. In severe cases, oral steroids may be required to decrease symptoms.

Because it may take up to 6 weeks after exposure to develop symptoms, people may be unaware that they are infested. Therefore, household members, sexual partners, and anyone else with prolonged skin-to-skin contact with an infested person should also be treated. Ideally, everyone should be treated at the same time in order to prevent reinfestation.

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See your doctor if you develop an extremely itchy rash that does not go away.  If other members of your household or people with whom you are in close contact have similar itchy rashes, they should also be evaluated by a physician.

Trusted Links

• MedlinePlus: Scabies
• Clinical Information and Differential Diagnosis of Scabies

References

e Control and Prevention. Scabies. http://www.cdc.gov/scabies/index.html. Modified November 10, 2008. Accessed March 11, 2009.

Bolognia, Jean L., ed. Dermatology, pp.1321-1324. New York: Mosby, 2003.

Freedberg, Irwin M., ed. Fitzpatrick’s Dermatology in General Medicine. 6^th ed. pp.1374, 1394, 2283-2284. New York: McGraw-Hill, 2003.

Disease Groups:
Chronic Itchy Skin Rashes in Adults, Common Conditions Affecting the Genitals, Insect-Borne Diseases, New Itchy Skin Rashes in Adults

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Infestations (Pubic Lice and Scabies)

What are pubic lice and scabies?

• Pubic lice are known as “crabs. ” They are different from head lice. They are usually found around the genitals in pubic hair, although they can be found in armpits and eyebrows. They are grey or brownish red and look like tiny crabs. They lay their nits (eggs) at the base of the hair.
• Scabies are caused by mites that push under the skin to lay their eggs. They are very difficult to see. Scabies can be found in folds of skin all over your body including on your elbows, knees, breasts*, genitals, butt and underarms.

How do you get pubic lice and scabies?

• You do not need to have sex to get pubic lice or scabies. You can get them from having close contact with someone who has pubic lice or scabies (e.g. sharing a bed, sexual activities).
• You can also get pubic lice from infested sheets, towels, and clothing. Pubic lice can live for up to 2 days away from the body.
• Pubic lice and scabies cannot jump or fly from one person to the next.
• For more information on how STIs are passed on check out Transmitting STIs: An Unwelcome Gift [Link].

How do you know if you have pubic lice or scabies?

• If you have pubic lice, you may feel itching in the genital area. You may see tiny blood spots on your underwear. You may also see blue spots on the skin of your pubic area or thighs. It is possible, but difficult, to see the pubic lice or eggs.
• If you have scabies, you might get a rash that looks like red pencil marks on any part of your body, but you will usually find them between fingers and toes. You may also feel intense itchiness, particularly at night. It is difficult to see them.

How can you get tested for pubic lice and scabies?

• You can usually tell if you have pubic lice by finding the adult lice or eggs on the hair. If it moves, it is pubic lice. If you are unsure, get checked by a clinician.
• Scabies are harder to recognize. If you think you may have scabies, you may want to get checked by a clinician.
• For more information on testing for STIs, check out The Real Facts About STI Testing [Link].

What are the symptoms of pubic lice or scabies?

If you have pubic lice:

• Your genitals and surrounding area may feel itchy.
• You may notice little blue spots (bite marks) on your body.
• You may see small crab-like lice or their eggs (small white dots) on the base of hairs.
• You may have a rash on or near your genitals or other areas such as your wrist, elbows, belly, etc.

If you have scabies:

• Your genitals and surrounding area may feel itchy.
• You may have a rash on or near your genitals or other areas such as your wrist, elbows, belly, etc.

What if you get pubic lice and scabies?

• Ordinary soap and water will not get rid of pubic lice. Neither will shaving your pubic hair or using head lice shampoo. You will need treatment specifically for public lice or scabies.
• You can go to the pharmacy and purchase a shampoo or cream that will treat pubic lice and scabies. The itching may not stop until a few days after treatment.
• Any sexual partner(s) you have had in the last month should be checked. Anyone you have had close contact with may also need to be checked. Infants, anyone who is pregnant, and anyone who is breastfeeding should ask the pharmacist for the treatment that is right for them.
• Dry clean or machine wash clothing, bed linens and towels in hot water. Vaccum sofas and mattresses.
• Clothes and bedding that cannot be washed should be stored in a bag. For scabies, store them for 3 days and for pubic lice, store them for 2 weeks.
• You might want to get a spray at the drugstore to clean everything that has been infested with pubic lice or scabies.
• You usually only need one round of treatment. However, you may need to do the treatment again after one week if you are still finding live pubic lice or nits.
• Do not use the treatment a third time – if you still feel that you have pubic lice or scabies after 2 treatments, talk to your clinician.

How can you lower your risk of getting pubic lice and scabies and/or passing them on to your partner(s)?

• Make informed decisions. Talk to your partner(s) about STIs and the use of safer sex tools.
• Check your partner’s body for signs of scabies or pubic lice. Remember, however, that they may still be there even if you can’t see them.
• Consider telling your partner if you have pubic lice or scabies so they can be treated too. If your partner is not tested or treated, there is a good chance you will get pubic lice or scabies again.
• Regularly wash your clothes and bed sheets in hot water.
• Regularly vacuum larger items such as mattresses, carpets, and furniture.
• Get tested for STIs when you or your partner has a new sexual partner. Or, if you have new partners often, get STI testing every 3-6 months. If you have symptoms of an STI, get tested right away.
• For information on how to protect yourself and your partner(s), check out Protecting Yourself and Your Partners From STIs [Link]

Useful Tip

Consider telling your partner if you have pubic lice or scabies so they can be treated too. If your partner is not tested or treated, there is a good change you will be re-infected. For more on talking to your partner, check out Telling Your Partner You Have an STI [Link].

For a downloadable resource on this topic, please visit Planned Parenthood Toronto Factsheet Database.

If you have questions about this topic, feel free to contact one of our peer educators. [Link]

*We know that these aren’t the words everyone uses for their bodies (eg. trans folks), and support you using the language that feels best for you.

Last Edited: May 2020

Tags

curable STIInfestationsparasitic STIPublic LicescabiesSexually Transmitted Infection (STI)STIs

Neurogenic and psychogenic pruritus in animals

Often, many owners think that if the animal often scratches some part of the body or area, then this is necessarily an allergic reaction to the food. But, unfortunately, not everything is as simple as it might seem at first glance.

Let’s briefly touch on the fact that animals have 3 types of the most frequent allergic reactions: allergy to parasite saliva (fleas, mosquitoes, midges, etc.), food allergy and atopic dermatitis (allergy to environmental components).

Neurogenic Cause – If an animal exhibits pruritus, the pruritus is of a different origin for that cause, secondary to the underlying problem. The main cause of neurogenic itching is associated with damage to the nervous system or disruption of its work.

Such pathological manifestations include, for example:

1. Radiating pains – a focus of pain in one place, but it hurts in another;
2. Compulsive disorder – simple example: compulsive licking;
3. Hyperesthesia – decrease in the threshold of sensitivity, i.e. the animal may respond inappropriately to touch.

Psychogenic – may be accompanied only by secondary skin problems (bacterial, fungal infection). And skin injuries are also secondary to the main cause of itching. The main cause of this problem is stress, anxiety and other manifestations of the emotionally depressed state of the animal.

Or, in stressful situations, the cat begins to lick itself intensively, thereby leaving its scent on the body. From this, the animal begins to feel safe, but not for long, if the unfavorable factor for the cat is not removed. Behaviors such as paw or flank sucking or nail biting can also indicate a problem.

Often this behavior occurs in overly anxious animals, animals with increased excitability due to the temperament of a particular breed: shepherd dogs, Doberman, German boxer, Giant Schnauzer, toy and pygmy poodle, spaniels, hounds, sled dogs. Among cats, these are Siamese, Abyssinian, Bengal, Oriental breeds. It should be noted that there is such a problem as acral lick dermatitis. It occurs with true itching, pain, and behavioral problems.

From a behavioral point of view, it is more often observed in working dogs during the “idle” period. Anxious bitches may have compulsive licking of puppies, up to the appearance of skin lesions on the skin of the cubs. But not only breed characteristics can play a role in this problem. Our pets are also stressed. Stressful factors include: moving, a sharp change in the emotional situation at home, the introduction of new animals or the appearance of new family members, a change in food, transportation, a visit to the vet. doctor, mating, pregnancy, as well as “baiting” with crowded keeping of animals in one area. Even when the cause of stress seems absurd to the owner, it should not be neglected, because our animals have a completely different psychology, unlike the human one.

Plus, each individual animal is a full-fledged personality with the formation of its own, albeit primitive habits, and sometimes skills. Some animals can indeed adequately respond to a bunch of stressful stimuli and adapt to them without any problems. But here most of the responsibility for such a correct adaptation lies with the owner. But, again, the main thing is not to overdo it. You should not make a “crystal vase” out of the beast and tremble over it, this can have the opposite effect, because. Animals capture the anxiety of the owner very well.

At the moment, these causes are considered quite rare. But perhaps they are rare, because it is not always possible to pay due attention to such a problem and immediately understand what we are dealing with. Diagnosis is further complicated by the fact that in Russia there are no drugs that can help us distinguish true itching from psychogenic. Neurogenic and psychogenic causes of pruritus are exclusion diagnoses requiring the attention of veterinarians in several specialties and careful history taking (questioning with the pet owner).

Initially, owners with a problem of itching and licking turn to a veterinary dermatologist. The veterinarian conducts such patients according to the algorithm for diagnosing itching: excludes parasites, bacterial and fungal infections; food allergies and atopic dermatitis. Sometimes it is possible to conduct diagnostics for several specialists in parallel. For example: a dog licks its paws, wet. a dermatologist excludes parasites and a bacterial infection, and a veterinary surgeon diagnoses orthopedic problems. Or a cat licks the abdomen and groin area, then in addition to excluding dermatological problems, it is necessary to exclude diseases of the genitourinary system. To diagnose these causes, you should be patient, because this may take a long time, even more than one month.

What is highly discouraged is to self-medicate: use hormonal drugs or sedatives, without recommendations from the veterinarian. doctor during an internal examination of the animal. It is also not recommended to start comparing the behavior of an animal and a person in stressful situations.

Once again, animals have a completely different psychology. If it seems to you that your animal has a similar problem, try to analyze: has this always happened or has it been noticed recently? What could have contributed to this behavior? Small details of a change of scenery can also be important. Are pet ailments manifested only by “skin” problems? Until the appointment of a veterinarian, skin lesions can be treated with a solution of Chlorhexidine 2-3 times a day. It is better not to use drugs such as iodine, brilliant green, fukortsin, because. they can cause chemical burns to the skin. And 48 hours before the appointment of a veterinary dermatologist, do not use any ointments, powders and coloring sprays – this can make it difficult to diagnose smears that the veterinarian will take from your animal.

In the network of our clinics “Own Doctor” there are veterinarians of various specialties who will help you understand the problem of your pet.

Veterinary dermatologist
Bigildina D.R

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Itching in the intimate area in women: causes, treatment, prevention

Causes of itching in the intimate area in women

Itching itself is a non-specific symptom of a huge number of diseases and not only. It itches when a mosquito bites, itches when shaved hair grows back, itches when eating chocolate. So for itching in the intimate area in women, there can be many reasons.

– Itching can be caused by unsuitable intimate hygiene gel or synthetic underwear, as well as bacteria, fungi that cause diseases. The perineum may itch due to genital infections, due to hormonal changes. What exactly caused itching in a particular case will be shown by tests and examination by a doctor, explains gynecologist Alexandra Saifullina .

Dysbacteriosis

A common cause of itching in the intimate area of ​​a woman is dysbacteriosis ¹ . Lovely ladies know that every course of antibiotics threatens with an extraordinary trip to the gynecologist.

– Dysbacteriosis, which is most often caused by taking antibiotics, almost always leads to a violation of the vaginal microflora: the number of beneficial lactobacilli decreases, and the number of opportunistic bacteria and fungi increases. Thus, inflammation begins, the symptoms of which are itching and burning, explains gynecologist Alexandra Saifullina.

One of the consequences of dysbacteriosis can be thrush, scientifically candidiasis. It occurs when fungi of the genus Candida begin to actively spread in the microflora of the vagina. Women who have experienced this disease know that severe itching and burning in the perineum are its faithful companions ² .

Sexual infections

If it is not very difficult to get rid of dysbacteriosis, and this disease is common, then sexual infections are a much less pleasant diagnosis. By the way, they also often provoke itching in the intimate area in women.

Itching may be caused by sexual infections such as:

• chlamydia;
• trichomoniasis;
• mycoplasmosis;
• syphilis;
• gonorrhea.

– Almost every sexually transmitted infection has non-specific symptoms, one of which is itching in the intimate area, our expert explains.

Each of these ailments has its own set of symptoms and complications, so it’s not worth delaying going to the doctor. So, chlamydia and trichomoniasis can provoke endometritis, inflammation of the fallopian tubes and appendages, infertility.

Mycoplasmosis – miscarriage and fetal development disorders, gonorrhea – all the same, plus inflammation of the space around the uterus and pelvic organs, and syphilis can cause problems in almost the entire body.

Diseases and stress

Sometimes itching in the intimate area in women is the result of some kind of illness. For example, this seemingly harmless symptom may indicate diabetes. Also, itching in delicate places can be the first sign of hepatitis or anemia.

Skin diseases are quite capable of provoking itching in the intimate area, for example, eczema or psoriasis, as well as lichen sclerosus.

Experiences also sometimes cause an uncontrollable desire to scratch here and there. In the case of chronic stress, people with a weak nervous system can eat something, chew something, or they can itch intensely. This distracts the body from the irritant, gives a person the opportunity to disconnect from problems in the head. Often, nervous people prefer to comb precisely intimate places where the consequences of their actions are not so noticeable.

Age-related changes

Alas, we want to be forever young, but the body is steadily hinting at our real age. One of these hints, again, can be itching in the intimate area in women. Hormonal changes can significantly affect the condition of the skin and microflora. Atrophic processes occurring in the intimate area in women with age cause dryness of the mucous membranes and, consequently, itching in delicate places ³ .

Treatment of itching in the intimate area in women

Treatment of itching in the intimate area in women is best left to a doctor. The gynecologist will conduct the necessary tests and find out what kind of reason causes an unbearable desire to itch. As a rule, for this it is enough to pass a smear for a degree of purity.

If it turns out that itching is caused by a banal allergy to underwear or shower gel, it will be enough for a woman to change them and forget about the problem.

Medication

When a medical condition is the source of the problem, a woman may need medication to treat itching. Depending on its cause, it can be various antibacterial drugs in the form of suppositories or tablets in the vagina.

If itching in the intimate area of ​​a woman is caused by dysbacteriosis and its derivatives, the doctor will prescribe a diet, probiotics and prebiotics, as well as antifungal or antibacterial drugs.

When STDs are the cause of itching, both partners will have to be treated, otherwise the itching will haunt you after every sexual intercourse.

If you are diagnosed with chlamydia, the doctor will prescribe antibiotics that act on chlamydia, trichomoniasis – topical treatment against trichomonas, mycoplasmosis – antifungal drugs, syphilis – antibiotics effective against treponema pallidum and preparations based on bismuth and iodine, gonorrhea – again antibacterial solutions and a course of antibiotics.

When itching is due to aging, the doctor may suggest hormone cream or topical suppositories for the woman ³ .

Folk remedies

Since it is difficult for a woman to independently determine what exactly causes itching in the intimate area, it is better to wait with folk treatment until going to the doctor.

A complex effect on the problem helps to get rid of itching. The gynecologist will prescribe suitable drugs for you and recommend (if desired) folk remedies that will complement medical treatment well.

From folk remedies, you can use chamomile decoction baths, they have anti-inflammatory properties. It is only better to use such baths after consulting a doctor so as not to disturb the microflora in the vagina.

When to See a Doctor

If you’re experiencing itching in your intimate area, the first thing to consider is whether you’ve changed your cleansing gel or maybe overused synthetic underwear and panty liners. It was so? Then let’s try to abandon the innovations for a start: choose a different gel and put on cotton panties.

If this doesn’t help, and the itching only gets worse, and worse, does it add other unpleasant symptoms, such as vaginal discharge? Here then we run on reception to the gynecologist and we hand over a smear. We wait longer – we breed more bacteria and fungi.

Prevention of itching in the intimate area in women

– In order not to suffer from itching in the intimate area, we carefully monitor hygiene, every day we wash ourselves with clean warm water, 2-3 times a week we wash ourselves with gel for intimate hygiene. We wear cotton underwear. We try not to wear panty liners, they can only be worn before and after menstruation, so as not to stain the linen, explains Alexandra Saifullina, a gynecologist.

If you have a new sexual partner, do not forget to protect yourself with condoms, and it is best to ask him for a certificate of the absence of STDs.