Genital Irritation – Causes, Symptoms and Treatment of Irritation in the Intimate Area

Isn't it true that the first thought when something feels irritated down there is immediately an infection or a sexually transmitted disease? While that can't be ruled out, the situation often isn't nearly as serious. Itching, burning and even swelling in the intimate area are more common than you might think.

Yes, irritation in the genital area can be a symptom of sexually transmitted infections or even vulvar cancer – but it can just as easily be harmless inflammation triggered by allergens in the products you use. What matters is that you identify the cause – whatever it may be – as quickly as possible. The irritation will improve as soon as you remove the cause, whether through treatment or by cutting out the irritants.

How common is irritation in the genital or intimate area?

Statistics don't give precise figures on how many people experience particular symptoms. The fact remains, however, that almost everyone will have experienced some form of intimate irritation at least once in their life – whether itching, burning or another type of discomfort.

There are dozens of factors that can cause irritation: from hormonal changes you have no control over, to hygiene products, clothing and period products. That's why anyone can develop irritation in the intimate or groin area at some point – regardless of age, gender or sexual experience. It doesn't necessarily mean you have an infection.

As a rule, it isn't a serious problem and doesn't require treatment, as long as it doesn't persist, doesn't keep coming back, isn't severe (to the point of interfering with your daily life) and isn't accompanied by intense, visible irritation or unusual vaginal discharge. It is important, though, to recognise the irritants so that you can eliminate them.

Causes of irritation in the genital area

• Infections (various: caused by parasites, fungi, Candida)

• Balanitis

• Herpes

• Syphilis

• Genital warts

• Psoriasis

• Contact dermatitis or allergies

Vaginal itching, redness, small spots and irritation in the intimate area can have many very different causes.

They may be hormonal, for example during the menopause. When oestrogen production falls and vaginal dryness sets in, you become more prone to an imbalance in your intimate flora and to irritation. The same symptoms can also be caused by stress, vulvar cancer or injury to the intimate area. So pay attention to the signals your body sends and seek medical advice if the symptoms persist.

Alongside the reasons above, the most common causes of irritation in the genital area are:

Which symptoms accompany intimate irritation?

Irritation in the genital area can be extremely uncomfortable and isn't limited to slight redness or a little itching. Sometimes the symptoms become very distressing. Signs that may accompany such irritation include:

• Redness and swelling of the genitals

• Itching and inflamed skin

• Fluid-filled blisters

• Lumps or spots on the vulva

• Sores and lesions

• Burning

• Pelvic pain

• Vaginal discharge with an unusual colour or unpleasant smell

• Pain or tenderness during sex

• Discoloured patches of skin

• Burning or pain when passing urine

• Swollen lymph nodes

• Sore throat

• Fatigue

• Fever

Treating irritation in the genital or intimate area

Harmless irritation caused by stress or by irritants in clothing and care products usually clears up on its own, shortly after your skin stops coming into contact with the cause.

If, on the other hand, the symptoms persist, get worse, come with discharge, pain or significant discomfort and start to affect your daily life, then it's time to book an appointment with a specialist. There's most likely another condition behind it – and self-medicating is not the answer in this case.

Treatment for inflammation in the intimate area depends on the cause and the symptoms. To begin with, your doctor may arrange the following examinations:

Depending on the test results and the diagnosis, your doctor can then recommend a suitable treatment.

Medication and topical treatment

Treatment is primarily aimed at treating the condition causing the irritation – so it differs according to the cause. Your doctor may recommend both medication and topical therapy to relieve the symptoms:

• Antibiotics (gel or tablets): for bacterial vaginosis or candidiasis, for certain sexually transmitted infections (chlamydia, gonorrhoea, trichomoniasis) and also for a urinary tract infection

• Hydrocortisone cream: to treat the affected area in cases of eczema

• Corticosteroid ointments: to relieve the symptoms of psoriasis, lichen sclerosus or lichen planus

• Antifungals (as tablets or pessaries): to treat fungal infections and prevent them spreading to other organs (e.g. the lungs)

• Antihistamines: to treat the itching associated with lichen planus

• Antivirals: to ease the symptoms of genital herpes and reduce the risk of recurrence

• Antiparasitic solutions: to get rid of parasites such as pubic lice

Oestrogen creams: if the itching and burning are caused by vaginal dryness, which in turn is the result of declining oestrogen production during the menopause.

Home remedies for intimate infections

The discomfort often becomes very intense, even if you're already using the medication or topical treatment prescribed by your doctor. What you can do at home in the meantime: pay particular attention to your hygiene and intimate care products, and choose the purest ingredients you can.

Use Enroush Intimate Gel for daily cleansing of the vulva – with 95% natural ingredients and 87% efficacy against Candida albicans, as it contains no parabens and no allergenic fragrances. And for those moments when you need a quick freshen-up (after using the toilet during your period, say, or when you're out and about), reach for the biodegradable intimate wipes. They're hypoallergenic and enriched with lactic acid, prebiotics and chamomile to cleanse your vulva gently and protect your intimate flora – with no compromises on your intimate health.

There are indeed other home remedies that can ease unpleasant sensations too. Among the most common are an ice pack wrapped in a towel and applied to the inflamed area of the vulva, as well as anti-itch creams available over the counter at the pharmacy.

Bear in mind, though: self-medicating – treating yourself at home without medical guidance – is never the best solution. With a more serious infection it may be completely ineffective. And if you're treating a problem that has a different cause, an unsuitable therapy can actually make the symptoms worse. So before you try any natural remedy, speak to your doctor and get their advice.

How to prevent irritation in the genital area

The best way to prevent irritation in the genital area is to avoid letting potentially irritating products come into contact with the skin there, and to protect yourself from conditions that trigger inflammation. Here's how:

Frequently asked questions about intimate irritation

Nobody wants to deal with irritation in the intimate area. So it's understandable that you'd want to know as much as possible about how to treat it and how to prevent it. Below we answer the most common questions on the subject.

What makes intimate irritation worse?

The factors most likely to make intimate irritation worse include sweat, tight clothing and synthetic fibres that don't let the skin breathe. Symptoms can also worsen on contact with dyes, bleaching agents, detergents or allergenic fragrances in hygiene products: soaps, shower gels, conventional pads, intimate deodorants and so on.

When should I see a doctor about intimate irritation?

See a doctor as soon as you can if the irritation persists, gets worse, keeps recurring (clearing up and then returning), or if it's accompanied by unusual vaginal discharge, bleeding, pain, fatigue or fever.

What questions should I ask my doctor?

If you're struggling with vaginal irritation, ask your doctor about anything that's worrying you and everything you need to know to treat such inflammation and avoid it in future. Ask what's causing the irritation, which treatment is most effective and what you can do at home to ease the symptoms. You can also ask which products you should avoid from now on and which are safe for your skin.

Which tests are carried out to diagnose irritation in the genital area?

The doctor will first examine the appearance of the affected area, looking at its colour, texture and symptoms. Your medical history will also be taken into account – including whether you've had unprotected sex. To reach an accurate diagnosis, examinations of vaginal secretions, blood tests and skin tests may also be carried out.

Can irritation in the genital area clear up on its own without treatment?

If the irritation is mild and appears after hair removal or as a reaction to allergens in shower gel, bubble bath or conventional period products, then yes. The symptoms may clear up on their own once you stop using the products in question. However, if the irritation is severe and persistent, there may be a more serious condition behind it – in which case a visit to the doctor and treatment are necessary.