Intimate itching - causes and treatment

An itch in the genital area annoys and worries. Unfortunately, the annoying itching occurs more often than desired: Most people are affected at least once in their life. Read about possible causes and treatments here.

Intimate itching: possible causes

Itching in the genital area can be attributed to infections, allergies or even serious illnesses.

• Infections are probably one of the most common causes of itching in the genital area. This includes both sexually transmitted and non-sexually transmitted. Examples of the former are chlamydia and genital herpes, the latter can be caused, for example, by pubic lice or pinworm.
• Furthermore, inflammatory skin diseases are often the reason for itching in the genital area. Here, for example, an allergy to latex or nickel can trigger itching.
• If benign or malignant body tissue is newly formed in the genital area, this is associated with itching. Benign tissue includes tumors in the sweat glands. Malignant tumors are caused by vulvar or cervical cancer.
• If your metabolism or hormonal balance is disturbed, an itchy vagina can be one of the symptoms. A lack of iron or estrogen plays a role here, for example. Diabetes mellitus can also trigger an itchy genital area.
• The Candida fungus is often the reason for itching in the intimate area of ​​women. This fungus can multiply pathologically in the mucous membranes of the vagina. The vaginal fungus is the most common reason for itching on the vagina.
• In men, the genital area is itchy less often despite possible infections. In addition to infections, a narrowing of the foreskin can also trigger the itching.
• Important : To identify the origin of the itch, see a doctor.

Intimate itching: possible treatments

With the right treatment, the cause can often be quickly remedied.

• If an infection is the cause, your doctor will prescribe appropriate antibiotic treatment. You must either apply this externally or swallow it in the form of tablets.
• In the event of a latex allergy, you can use certain condoms without latex. If you or your partner wear genital piercings, you must remove them or replace them with another material to stop the itching.
• You can treat estrogen deficiency with local hormone therapy. In addition, apply an ointment for the genital area.
• With a penile foreskin narrowing you have three options. You can either stretch the foreskin with a cortisone cream. Alternatively, remove them partially or completely surgically. You can also wait for the skin to recede.

In the next article you will read about treating genital warts.

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