Itching in the genital area usually indicates a sexually transmitted disease. It rarely goes away on its own and requires medical treatment.
What is itching in the genital area?
We speak of itching in the genital area when the sexual organ as well as the surrounding skin areas itch unpleasantly and the feeling does not disappear again. We speak of itching in the genital area when the sexual organ as well as the surrounding skin areas itch unpleasantly and the feeling does not disappear again. Itching in the genital area may be due to irritation of the skin during shaving or depilation – in this case the problem remains only for a few days and then disappears again. Long-lasting itching in the genital area, on the other hand, usually indicates a sexually transmitted disease with bacteria or fungi. To prevent this from becoming dangerous, spreading or preventing you from infecting other people, you should have it treated – soon the itching in the genital area should also be gone, which is a considerable burden and can become very unpleasant in everyday life.
Causes
When itching occurs in the genital area, the doctor usually examines for the common sexually transmitted diseases that can entail the itching. These include, for example, herpes, vaginal fungus, gonorrhea, fungal infections in men, or other typical STDs. Taking antibiotics can cause the naturally present lactic acid bacteria in the woman’s vagina to reach areas where they should not be – where they then trigger itching in the genital area. This can also happen during menopause or due to poor hygiene during monthly bleeding. Underlying diseases such as diabetes mellitus, eczema or precancerous lesions on the skin of the intimate zone also trigger itching in the genital area and should be ruled out by a specialist. Too frequent care with water and soap also disturbs the normal flora of the genital area and leads to itching in the genital area. In rare cases, the cause cannot be explained and further investigation is necessary.
Diseases with this symptom
- Genital herpes
- Genital warts
- Vaginal fungus
- Eczema
- Gonorrhea
- Herpes simplex
Diagnosis
The itching in the genital area can be diagnosed by any patient alone, without the need for medical assistance. It is a more or less tolerable itching that persists in the long term and does not disappear spontaneously. In women, to diagnose the cause of itching in the genital area, the doctor will take a swab of the vaginal mucosa and the cervix, which can already rule out all causes. In men, of course, this smear is even easier to make. If cancer or its precursors are suspected, further examinations may be necessary to be certain. The smears can be used to detect altered cells that could trigger the itching in the genital area, but also pathogens that have triggered an infection and result in the itching in the genital area.
Complications
Typically, genital itching results from various infectious diseases or other inflammatory conditions. In women, this often arises from a fungal infection with Candida albicans. This usually heals without any complications. Only the fungal infection tends to return again and again, so that even after a successful therapy the itching comes back. In the rarest cases, especially in the immunocompromised, a systemic spread of the fungus can occur, which can lead to blood poisoning (sepsis), which leads to death if left untreated. In men, a narrowing of the foreskin (phimosis) can cause itching. Usually, this can be treated well. However, if left untreated, the glans and the foreskin can become chronically inflamed, which in turn increases the risk of suffering from cancer. In addition, urination becomes difficult, so that urinary tract infections occur frequently. In general, sexually transmitted diseases can typically trigger itching in the genital area. These include gonorrhea, which can lead to infertility if left untreated. Systemic spread and infection of other organs such as the heart or joints are also possible consequences.In addition, chlamydia or syphilis can also cause similar complications. Besides the affected person, pregnant women as well as their newborns are also at risk of the diseases. The children usually get infected from the mother and can suffer from serious complications such as blindness or lung and middle ear infections.
When should you go to the doctor?
If itching in the genital area persists or occurs at night, the doctor should be consulted promptly. There may be several causes for the itching that should be determined. Depending on the cause, a dermatologist, gynecologist or general practitioner are the best people to contact. Itching in the genital area can be caused by an intolerance to fragrances in cosmetics. Whether this is a true allergy or an intolerance does not matter. In both cases, avoidance of all cosmetics containing fragrances or perfumes is indicated. More and more German citizens are affected by such intolerances. Whether additional treatments are necessary is decided by the medical practitioner. However, genital itching may also indicate a skin disease called lichen scleroticus et degenerans. This diagnosis cannot be made without a visit to the gynecologist. It is a disease in which the skin becomes increasingly papery, gradually receding and tearing easily. A strong itching in the genital area is noticed especially at night. Treatment of the affected skin areas with cortisone ointments, estrogen ointments and fatty ointments is mandatory. Itching in the genital area may also indicate genital herpes or another venereal disease. These also cannot be diagnosed without a visit to the doctor. To be on the safe side, persistent itching and burning in the genital area should always be discussed with a doctor.
Treatment and therapy
In case of infection of the genitals, one works either with antibiotics or with fungicidal creams. Before prescribing, of course, the doctor must have clarified the exact cause of the itching in the genital area. The drugs are applied for a short time and ensure that the pathogens die off. Women in particular must be examined regularly thereafter to determine whether their natural vaginal flora has recovered and has been able to protect them from recurring itching in the genital area. Underlying diseases that are not directly related to the genital area are treated on their own to stop itching in the genital area. Of course, hygiene is also important afterwards. Regular, but not too frequent, washing as well as the use of pads instead of tampons is important to prevent recurrent itching in the genital area. In case of cancer or its precursors, which is noticed by itching in the genital area, either the affected area is removed or one treats with individual chemotherapy or radiation, depending on the type of cancer.
Outlook and prognosis
Itching in the genital area is usually due to sexually transmitted diseases. Some of them are not further dangerous, such as fungal infections. They are mainly annoying and can be persistent. Depending on how strong the immune system is and which pathogen is involved, itching in the genital area can last for weeks or even months. Treatment is necessary, otherwise there is no lasting improvement. Once treatment has been started, itching in the genital area usually lasts only a short time and eventually disappears. In the case of other triggers, other symptoms besides the unpleasant itching in the genital area may appear, such as discolored and foul-smelling discharge from the vagina or visible pimples and skin irritation on the penis. If the condition is left untreated, it can continue over other parts of the genital area or even spread to the surrounding skin, depending on the causative pathogens. Medical diagnosis and prompt treatment is therefore particularly necessary in these cases. Since it is not the itching in the genital area itself that is treated, but the cause, it can take days to weeks for the itching to disappear completely in these cases as well. However, most patients observe an initial improvement after the start of treatment, so that the condition becomes at least bearable for them. It is important to perform a hot wash of all worn underwear and ideally also pants afterwards, because otherwise germs could still hide in them and trigger a new infection.
Prevention
The best way to prevent itching in the genital area is to have sexual intercourse only with a condom – especially even if you have a potentially promiscuous (sexually permissive) partner. Alternatively, stay away entirely from people who constantly change sexual partners. In addition, regular hygiene of the genital area is important, but you should never overdo it – the natural flora must always remain, because it is the best protection.
This is what you can do yourself
In very many cases, itching in the genital area occurs due to a lack of hygiene. In this case, it often helps to wash and care for the genital area frequently. Thus, itching in the genital area can often be completely avoided. Often the itching also occurs after shaving, because the skin is strongly irritated. In this case, a caring razor with fewer blades should be purchased so as not to injure the skin so much. If, in addition to itching in the genital area, pimples or a rash appear, a doctor should be consulted. This may be an inflammation or an infection, which should be treated by a doctor. Especially in summer, the genital area should be particularly cared for, as a lot of sweat accumulates there. The itching can also be caused by longer hair, in which case a gentle shave can help. If the itching occurs due to a skin infection, this can be treated with remedies from the pharmacy. However, to be on the safe side, a doctor should be consulted to prevent subsequent damage to the intimate area. In some cases, it is common for the itching in the genital area to occur after sexual intercourse. Again, if the itching does not go away after a short time, a doctor should be consulted.