The vulva is the outer portion of the female genitals. Irritation of the vulva can cause raw skin, discomfort, and pain. Causes include contact dermatitis and yeast infections.

There are several potential causes of an irritated vulva, ranging from benign conditions, such as contact dermatitis, to more severe ones.

A person may be able to relieve an irritated vulva with home remedies. However, if the irritation does not go away or worsens, they should speak with a doctor.

This article outlines seven potential causes of vulvar irritation, including symptoms and treatments for each.

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Changes in hormones may reduce vaginal secretions and cause irritating dryness. Factors that can change a person’s hormone levels include:

If hormones are causing the irritation, a person may also experience dryness, tenderness, or stinging. Some people may find that the vulva becomes sensitive to even the lightest touch, such as from wiping after urination.

Treatments

Vulvar irritation due to vaginal dryness may be treatable at home with lubricants and vaginal moisturizers. People may be able to find these in pharmacies before speaking with a doctor.

However, people should speak with a doctor if they experience the following:

Doctors may prescribe a person hormone replacement therapy to boost their estrogen levels.

Allergic reactions to soaps, moisturizers, or other chemicals can irritate the vulva. Some things, such as sweat trapped in clothes after working out, may also irritate the area.

If irritants or allergens are causing the irritation, people may also experience stinging or burning. People may notice symptoms soon after they come into contact with an irritant. In some cases, an allergen may not cause symptoms for a few days.

Potential products that may have irritants that can lead to vulvar irritation include:

  • soaps
  • perfumes
  • lubricants
  • laundry detergents

Treatments

If someone knows what is triggering their symptoms, they can avoid the allergen, and their symptoms should resolve. However, they can speak with a healthcare professional if they do not know what is causing the irritation.

Doctors may prescribe moisturizers or corticosteroids for contact dermatitis that does not clear up on its own.

Infections, such as urinary tract infections (UTIs), can cause pain and itching in the area. Another potential infection that may be causing these symptoms is vaginal thrush or a yeast infection.

A person’s symptoms may vary depending on the type of infection they have. For example, someone with a yeast infection may experience a thick, white discharge, while UTIs may also cause an increased urge to urinate.

One of the most commonTrusted Source vaginal infections is bacterial vaginosis, which occurs due to an imbalance of vaginal microbiota. Symptoms may include increased vaginal discharge and discomfort.

Vaginitis is another commonTrusted Source infection that can cause vaginal irritation, burning, and inflammation.

Treatments

The most suitable treatment may depend on the type of infection a person has.

Doctors may prescribeTrusted Source an oral antifungal medication, such as fluconazole (Diflucan, Canesten), for someone with vaginal thrush. People may also be able to buy over-the-counter (OTC) antifungal creams.

Doctors may prescribe antibiotics for someone with a UTI. However, around 20%Trusted Source of uncomplicated UTIs will get better on their own, especially if someone stays hydrated.

Various skin conditions can cause irritation and other symptoms around the vulva. Examples include:

A person’s exact symptoms may depend on the underlying skin condition. People can speak with a doctor or dermatologist for a diagnosis.

Treatments

Treatments and management strategies will depend on the skin condition a person has. Potential treatments that a doctor may suggest include:

People should speak with a healthcare professional if they think a skin condition is causing vulvar irritation.

An infected hair follicle or ingrown hair, potentially due to shaving, can irritate the skin to cause folliculitis. This is a commonTrusted Source condition that will often get better by itself.

People may also notice itchiness and pustules, or pimples, around the hair follicle.

Treatments

Most casesTrusted Source of folliculitis will improve on their own. However, in some cases, a doctor may need to prescribe antibiotics or antifungal medications.

Maintaining proper hygiene and managing any underlying causes, such as avoiding shaving the area, may help to prevent folliculitis from returning.

Many STIs can cause vulvar irritation, including:

The symptoms of STIs vary widely. Some peopleTrusted Source experience no symptoms at all. Possible symptoms of STIs can include:

Treatments

Treatments for STIs may dependTrusted Source on the type. Doctors may prescribe specific medications for viral STIs, while antibiotics may be necessary for STIs with a bacterial or parasitic cause.

People should speak with a healthcare professional if they believe they have an STI. Timely treatment can help to improve a person’s outlook and prevent complications.

Vulvar cancer is rare, totaling 0.3%Trusted Source of new cancer cases each year in the United States. Symptoms may include:

  • persistent itching, stinging, or bleeding
  • redder or paler skin than usual
  • a rash, lumps, or ulcers
  • pain in the pelvis

Vulvar cancer diagnoses usually occur in people ages 65 to 74.

Treatments

Treatments may dependTrusted Source on the stage and extent of the cancer, among other factors. However, treatment may include:

In some cases, such as if someone has an ingrown hair or a mild UTI, vulvar irritation may resolve by itself. If irritation is due to an allergen in a new soap or product, stopping the use of the irritant in that area may improve a person’s symptoms.

People should seek medical attention from a doctor if:

  • there is no explanation for the irritation
  • the irritation worsens
  • they experience pain during sex
  • they have other symptoms, such as a fever or chills

These can be signs of medical issues that a doctor can help treat.

An irritated vulva can be due to many different issues. In some cases, people can relieve the irritation at home using home remedies, such as keeping the area clean and dry.

If a person is concerned about vulvar irritation, they should consider seeing a doctor. Most medical causes of an irritated vulva resolve with treatments such as antibiotics or antifungal creams.