PlanetRx - Learn More - Product Advice - Vaginal Itch Relief

A quick fix for an itch

Nearly all women are bothered by what's delicately referred to as "feminine itching" at some point or another. Irritation to the delicate area surrounding the vagina can be a side effect of a yeast infection or a skin reaction to an irritating laundry detergent, personal care product, perfume, or even perspiration.

Once you've ruled out or treated a yeast or fungal infection, which requires its own special medication, simple external itchiness and irritation can be soothed and subdued with an anti-itch cream.

Make Sure It's Just Itching

Lots of things can cause vaginal itching. Before self-medicating with over-the-counter products, make sure you don't have a vaginal yeast infection. Signs of this common infection include the following:

White, thick, and lumpy discharge
Yeasty odor
Intense itching
Red, swollen vaginal tissue and vulva

If it's your first time with these symptoms, see your doctor. If you've experienced these symptoms before, you can self-medicate with over-the-counter yeast infection products in conjunction with anti-itch products.

Stopping the Itch

If your yeast infection doesn't need to be treated by a doctor, here are some remedies you can try.

Anti-itch creams can relieve some of the pain and irritation of itching. Keep in mind, though, that while these preparations temporarily stop itching, they don't treat the actual infection. If itching continues, consult your doctor.
Antifungal drugs are useful in the treatment of jock itch, a malady which can affect both men and women. Numerous over-the-counter medications are effective in eliminating the source of this itch: tinea cruris.
Insecticides may be necessary; not the kind sprayed on vegetable crops, but creams or shampoos that kill the "crabs" (Phthirus pubis) and "scabies" (Sarcoptes scabies) that may reside in the genital area and cause itching.

Treat only the outside of the vagina. Do not apply these medications internally, and make sure whatever you use is marked specifically for vaginal use. Many anti-itch medications exist to treat many different kinds of itches. Those effective against bug bites or sunburn, for example, may be very irritating to vaginal tissues.

If itching reoccurs or continues, investigate the source of the symptoms. See your doctor if you continue to experience itching.

Hydrocortisone

The drug used in feminine anti-itch products. It works by narrowing blood vessels and altering the immune response to relieve redness, pain, and itching. Topical hydrocortisone should be used sparingly on external areas only; care should also be taken to avoid applying it to broken skin.

Topical anesthetics

Act on the nerve endings near the surface of the skin responsible for sensation. Block the signaling ability of these nerves, preventing touch, temperature, pain, and itch sensations from being felt. Many can be quite toxic if absorbed or ingested, so avoid overuse.

Ingredient		Description
Hydrocortisone
Hydrocortisone	?	An effective anti-inflammatory agent, hydrocortisone should be used with caution if the skin is broken because it may allow infections to develop.
Topical Anesthetic
Ingredient		Description
Benzocaine	?	A safe and effective anesthetic for relieving pain and itch. Benzocaine has fewer side effects than other topical anesthetics.

FDA-Approved Uses

Anti-itch

For the temporary relief of itching associated with minor skin irritations and rashes, for inflammation, and for feminine or genital itching.

Soothing Your Irritation

Wash your hands thoroughly to remove dirt and germs.
Uncap the tube and squeeze a small amount of ointment onto your fingers.
Spread over the irritated area.
Wash your hands thoroughly and recap the tube.
Do not use more than four times a day.
If your symptoms do not improve or worsen within three days, consult your physician. This may be a sign of a more serious condition.

Warnings

Hydrocortisone and topical anesthetics

Consult a physician before using or do not use if you have:

Allergy to hydrocortisone, topical anesthetics, or any components of anti-itch products
Skin sores, lesions, or any other pre-existing infection

Or if you:

Are pregnant or a nursing mother
Are a senior; you may require a lower dosage
Develop a rash, hives, or other skin complications
Experience increased vaginal discharge
Experience vaginal burning or other irritations
Are experiencing vaginal itch or discomfort for the first time
Have symptoms that do not improve after treatment or within three days; consult a physician
Plan on having sexual intercourse while using the product
Plan to use more than three or four times daily
Plan to use tampons simultaneously
Plan to use for more than three days

Common Side Effects