Vulval and vaginal itching: Itchy with no discharge & how to treat

What is vaginal irritation and what does it feel like?

Vaginal irritation can feel like an itching or burning sensation on the skin of your genital area. These sensations may be accompanied by redness or swelling, and you may also notice unusual discharge, normal discharge, or no discharge at all, depending on your circumstances and the underlying cause. Sometimes, the itching is accompanied by pain during sex as well [1, 2].

Let’s do a quick refresher on the difference between the vagina and the vulva, as the location of the itchiness may help to determine the root cause and the right treatment method. The vulva is the outer part of the area that you can see. Itching here usually indicates an allergy to external irritants or a skin condition. The vagina is the internal canal inside your body that leads up to the cervix. Itching inside the vagina may indicate an infection or a reaction to hormonal changes [3].

Is vulvar and vaginal itching without discharge a concern?

Itching and irritation around the vulva and vagina is fairly common, but it’s usually not an isolated symptom (even if there is no discharge) [1]. It’s typically an indication that something deeper is going on in your body, like an allergy, infection, or other condition. But the most common underlying causes are usually treatable, especially if they’re caught early.

Causes of vulvar and vaginal itching without discharge

There are a number of causes of vulvar and vaginal itching, and it’s best to consult your healthcare provider whenever you feel any sort of irritation so that they can help address it quickly. Here are some of the most common conditions that cause vaginal itching:

Bacteria overgrowth

Your vagina (the internal canal) has a sensitive, balanced ecosystem of bacteria that keeps the area healthy and protected. Sometimes, certain types of bacteria can overgrow and throw off that natural balance, causing infections like bacterial vaginosis or yeast infections. Both types of infections can cause itching inside and around the vagina, and both can be treated with either prescription or over-the-counter medication [1,3].

Contact dermatitis/allergies 

Externally on the vulva, you can experience itching if your skin comes into contact with something you’re allergic to or can be caused by irritants. This is called contact dermatitis. The most common culprits here include scented pads or tampons, certain types of synthetic fabrics, or products like soaps, creams, or gels that have an irritating ingredient. Remember that the vagina is self-cleaning, and the vulva often just needs a daily wash with warm water and a gentle, fragrance-free soap to stay healthy and clean [4]. Learn more about the best ways to clean your vagina and vulva here.

The contact dermatitis reaction that causes itching can be immediate, or it may take a few hours to a few days of exposure to arise. Figuring out which new product caused the irritation and avoiding it in the future usually clears up the itching, although you may need a special moisturizer or topical steroid from your doctor if the itching persists or covers a large area of the skin [1, 4].

Hair removal irritation 

Another common cause of itching and irritation on the vulva is hair removal. Whatever way you choose to groom — whether you wax, shave, trim, or anything else — there’s a chance that the hair removal process can cause skin irritation. Razors and wax in particular can be harsh on sensitive skin, and certain shaving products can have irritating ingredients like added fragrance. Ingrown hairs are also common with hair removal in the pubic area, and these can be quite itchy as well. Using gentle, unscented products and exfoliating the skin beforehand can prevent irritation and itching from hair removal [3,5].

Hormonal changes

We go through many hormonal shifts throughout our lives, including starting hormonal birth control, pregnancy, breastfeeding, and perimenopause. These hormonal transitions may be the underlying cause of vulvar and vaginal itching. Bacterial infections and vaginal dryness are both more common during these times, which can cause that persistent itching [3, 6].

Sexually transmitted infections and conditions

Itching is a common symptom of some sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as genital herpes. Pubic lice can also cause itching, and although it’s usually transmitted via sexual contact, it's not considered an STI. You can also get pubic lice from sharing clothes, towels, or bedding with someone who has them. While these conditions can be worrying, they are treatable and should be addressed with a healthcare provider as soon as possible [7, 8].

The best way to avoid STIs is to use condoms when having unprotected sex with a new sexual partner. Keep in mind that some people may be allergic to latex, which can cause skin irritation, and condoms themselves may cause dermatitis in some individuals [1]. 

Skin conditions

Aside from the one-off irritants and allergies associated with contact dermatitis, certain chronic skin conditions may be causing vulvar itching as well. Psoriasis and eczema are common conditions that can cause chronic skin itching, along with lichen sclerosus or lichen simplex chronicus (prolonged contact dermatitis). All of these can make the skin appear rashy, irritated, or leathery, although symptoms vary from person to person. They’re usually manageable with specialized steroid creams [4, 9, 10].

Sweating/heat rash

Sweating more than you normally do and/or prolonged exposure to heat can cause something called heat rash, also known as prickly heat. This condition may cause itching on any part of your body, including the vulva. It’s usually accompanied by small raised bumps, mild swelling, and/or a prickly or tingly feeling in addition to an itch. It generally goes away on its own as long as you keep the skin cool and drink plenty of fluid to avoid dehydration [11].

How can I prevent vaginal itching?

In general, practicing good hygiene and safe sex can prevent many of the causes of vaginal itching. In practice, this can look like changing out of wet or sweaty clothes promptly, wearing breathable cotton underwear, showering each day, staying away from scented feminine hygiene products, and having honest conversations about sexual health with your partner(s). But sometimes, this itchiness symptom can still pop up despite our best efforts. 

How to treat vaginal itching without discharge

If itching arises, it’s best to get to the root cause with a doctor and treat that condition for the most relief. They’ll ask about your symptoms, medical history, and exposure to certain products or situations that may be causing the itching. They’ll likely do a physical exam to assess the conditions, and do testing for the potential causes listed above. Once the root cause has been identified, they’ll go over treatment options with you. Medication recommendations may include antihistamines for allergic reactions, antibiotics or antifungals for infections, or medicated creams for skin conditions [1, 2].

While you’re waiting for appointments or prescriptions, there are some at-home methods you can try to relieve vulvar and vaginal itching temporarily. Sitting on a cold ice pack or placing one on the area can reduce soreness, swelling, redness, and itching. Rinsing the area with warm water may also provide relief. Be mindful of overexposure to heat or cold as this may cause injury [1].

Here’s a quick reference summary to help you get started on treating vaginal itching and prevent it from happening in the future:

[2]

Learn more about your symptoms with Natural Cycles

Vaginal or vulvar itching without discharge can have a variety of causes from bacterial imbalances and allergic reactions to hormonal changes and more. The good news is that many of these issues are treatable, but getting an accurate diagnosis is key to finding relief. 

At Natural Cycles, we're passionate about empowering women with the knowledge they need to take charge of their health. If you'd like to explore more useful reproductive health content, give Natural Cycles a try. The app has tailored insights specific to your cycle, helping you learn more about your body. Plus, the Natural Cycles app is the first of its kind to be FDA Cleared for use as contraception. Find out if it could work for you today.