For those whose dryness and itching comes from an external source or lifestyle factors, your doctor may recommend you stop douching or, if possible, change medications. Dabbing a little bit of vaseline petroleum jelly, coconut oil or even Crisco vegetable shortening on the dry skin area can also help heal itching.
However, a person applying products to the vulva should do so with caution. Some older research links using Vaseline with an increased risk of vaginal health issues such as bacterial vaginosis. A person should also avoid using anything inside the vagina as this can worsen irritation, itching, or discharge.
For instance, while waiting to be diagnosed by a doctor, an over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream or spray may help with an itchy rash on the penis or vagina. Doctors commonly prescribe creams such as these to treat symptoms while they are investigating an exact cause.
Sometimes petroleum jelly (Vaseline) can help relieve the discomfort caused by a rash. A moisturizing lotion, such as Cetaphil, also may help. Calamine lotion may help for rashes caused by contact with something (such as a plant or soap) that irritated the skin. Use it 3 or 4 times a day.
Apply a cool compress to the rash to relieve pain and itching. If sores are present, gently wash them with water and soap and pat them dry. Do not pick at sores. Only use creams or ointments if prescribed by a healthcare provider.
Cortizone-10 Intensive Healing Feminine Itch Relief is a very good product. It gives you instant relief. Chafing can cause itching and this cream is the perfect relief. Cortizone is a known brand that gives you the relief you're looking for.
To soothe your skin during the healing process apply Vaseline® Jelly. As with itch relief for everyday dry skin, the jelly will help to replenish essential moisture, soothe itchiness from dryness, and may help keep your sunburned skin looking smoother as your skin heals itself.
Bacterial skin rashes happen when certain types of bacterial infect your skin, causing rashes to appear. These rashes can appear very differently, with some being red, some being bumpy, and some causing outbreaks of pus-filled spots.
Baking soda soaks may help relieve vulvar itching, which includes around the vaginal opening. Soak one to three times a day in warm water with 4-5 tablespoons of baking soda. You can use a sitz bath instead, adding 1-2 teaspoons of baking soda to the water.
A painful rash could point to genital herpes, cellulitis, or chancroid. Genital herpes is common and is known to cause genital lesions and painful rashes. The characteristic appearance of genital herpes is grouped 2-5mm vesicles (think pimple-like appearance) with surrounding skin redness.
Candidiasis infection in skinfolds or in the navel usually causes a bright red rash, sometimes with breakdown of skin. Small pustules may appear, especially at the edges of the rash, and the rash may itch intensely or burn. A candidal rash around the anus may be raw, white or red, and itchy.
If you have very bad dryness and irritation, a hydrating moisturizer may be better for you. Never use petroleum jelly (such as Vaseline®) as a moisturizer. It can irritate your vagina and vulva. It can also raise your risk of getting a vaginal infection.
Research shows that maintaining healthy PH and bacterial levels within the vagina can reduce and prevent vaginal itching {BioMed Research International: “Pruritus in Female Patients.”}. When ingested, yogurt or probiotic supplements that contain the correct cultures can help repopulate the vagina with healthy bacteria.
The skin of the vulva is very sensitive, so irritation of this part of the body is very common. Common causes of irritation include sweating, wearing tight clothing, eczema/dermatitis, personal hygiene issues, product allergies, infections and skin conditions such as lichen sclerosus (more on these conditions below).
How to Tell the Difference Between Bacterial and Fungal Infections. In broad terms, bacterial infections often cause acute inflammation, pus or swelling, while fungal infections develop slowly and cause symptoms like a persistent cough, itchy rash or thickened skin.
The symptoms of a staph infection depend on the type of infection: Skin infections can look like pimples or boils. They may be red, swollen, and painful. Sometimes there is pus or other drainage.
There is no one “strongest” natural antibiotic. The effectiveness of different natural antibiotics will vary depending on the type of infection. Some of the most potentially effective natural antibiotics include honey, garlic, and apple cider vinegar.
For those whose dryness and itching comes from an external source or lifestyle factors, your doctor may recommend you stop douching or, if possible, change medications. Dabbing a little bit of vaseline petroleum jelly, coconut oil or even Crisco vegetable shortening on the dry skin area can also help heal itching.
Clotrimazole reduces vaginal burning, itching, and discharge that may occur with this condition. This medication is an azole antifungal. It works by stopping the growth of yeast (fungus) that causes the infection. The vaginal product comes in 2 forms (a vaginal cream or tablet).
Treatment. Treatment for genital rashes depends on the cause. For instance, yeast infections often are treated with over-the-counter (OTC) antifungal treatments. OTC creams such as hydrocortisone also can help to relieve itching, or a prescription ointment may be needed.
Use creams, lotions or gels that soothe and cool the skin.
Short-term use of nonprescription corticosteroid cream may offer short-term relief of itchy, inflamed skin. Or try calamine lotion or creams with menthol (Sarna, others), camphor, capsaicin, or a topical anesthetic, such as pramoxine (adults only).
Hydrocortisone cream may be used to treat vulvar itching, but only if recommended by your doctor. When used over the counter, topical steroid products like hydrocortisone should be applied on external areas of the body only.