Vaginal Itching, Burning, and Irritation

While many people use vagina as a term for the entire female genitalia, the vagina is just the internal part. The external genitalia is called the vulva, and it contains the mons pubis, labia majora and minora, clitoris, and openings of the urethra and vagina. So much of what’s called vaginal itch is technically vulvar itch.

Vaginal Itching But No Discharge: Causes, Treatment, and More

Tracee Cornforth is a freelance writer who covers menstruation, menstrual disorders, and other women’s health issues.

Updated on July 06, 2022

Monique Rainford, MD, is board-certified in obstetrics-gynecology, and currently serves as an Assistant Clinical Professor at Yale Medicine. She is the former chief of obstetrics-gynecology at Yale Health.

Table of Contents
Table of Contents

Vaginal itching is a signal that something is amiss in the vagina. Some common causes of vaginal itching, such as yeast infection or bacterial vaginosis, cause abnormal discharge. Other causes, like razor burn or genital herpes, won’t cause abnormal discharge at all.

The average length of the portion of a doctor appointment in which the patient actually sees the doctor is up from previous years, rising by about 12 seconds per year, according to Reuters. However, 60% of physicians report dissatisfaction with the amount of time they spend with their patients, athenaInsight Many doctors now spend more time on paperwork than seeing patients, and a primary care physician who spends 5 minutes of face-to-face time with a patient will spend another 19.3 minutes, on average, working on that patient’s electronic health records (EHRs).

Either way, if you are experiencing vaginal itching, you may need to get treatment. Knowing the causes of vaginal itching without abnormal discharge, along with any associated symptoms, can help you decide if a trip to your healthcare provider is needed.

This article explains several possible causes of vaginal itching with no discharge, when to see a doctor, and how vaginal itching is treated. It also discusses prevention strategies to keep you itch-free.

Causes of Vaginal Itching Without Discharge

Several things can cause vaginal itching without discharge. Some of them require medical treatment, while others are minor and can be treated at home.

Causes of vaginal itching without discharge include:

Sweating
Razor burn
Eczema
Pubic lice
Genital herpes
Lichen sclerosis

Vagina or Vulva?

While many people use vagina as a term for the entire female genitalia, the vagina is just the internal part. The external genitalia is called the vulva, and it contains the mons pubis, labia majora and minora, clitoris, and openings of the urethra and vagina. So much of what’s called vaginal itch is technically vulvar itch.

Sweating

Everyone sweats in their genital region from time to time. The sweat glands there are the same type as in your armpit ( apocrine glands). They produce a thicker sweat than glands elsewhere in your body ( eccrine glands).

When a protein from that sweat interacts with bacteria on your skin, it can cause an unpleasant odor. As sweat dries, it can also make your groin and vulva itchy.

Prevention

If sweating causes your itch, it should go away when you bathe or shower.

You can also take steps to prevent it:

Wear breathable materials, like cotton.
Wear moisture-wicking underwear designed when you exercise.
Shower and put on clean clothes as soon as you can after sweating.
Keep at least some pubic hair, as it carries moisture away from the skin.
Maintain a weight that is healthy for you.
Avoid using pads or pantyliners, or change them frequently.

Any scented product can irritate the sensitive tissues of your vulva and make itching worse. Avoid or limit how often you use these kinds of products, including:

Scented menstrual products
Antiperspirants and deodorants
Feminine hygiene sprays

If you do use a product that eliminates or prevents sweating and odor, choose one that is unscented.

Razor Burn

Shaving hair in your pubic area can cause razor burn, just like shaving hair elsewhere on your body can. You may notice that the skin is swollen and red with itchy bumps that are sensitive when touched.

Razor burn happens when the razor removes the top layer of skin and allows bacteria to invade.

Prevention

You can prevent razor burn by using a razor that’s clean and sharp. In addition, more blades are better than fewer.

Other tips for preventing razor burn include:

Moisturize the skin before and after shaving.
Take a hot shower or put a warm washcloth on the area before shaving.
Use a shaving cream or gel so the razor can glide smoothly over your skin.
Only shave in the direction of hair growth.
Store your razor in a dry area to prevent bacteria growth.

When you have razor burn, try to avoid irritating the skin. If the itch is intense, you may find relief from:

Applying a cool or warm compress
Taking a warm bath, possibly with oatmeal for extra soothing benefits
Wearing loose-fitting, breathable fabrics like cotton
Using aloe vera gel (external skin only)

Eczema

Eczema, also called atopic dermatitis, is a skin condition that causes redness and itching. Female genital eczema is an umbrella term for several types of itchy conditions that can affect your vulva or the skin between the cheeks of your buttocks.

Pubic Lice

Pubic lice, also known as “crabs,” is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) that may cause vaginal itching. These tiny parasitic insects live in pubic hair and, less commonly, other body hair (like the chest, beard, and eyebrows) and live off of your blood.

It’s most common to get them by your pubic hair directly touching the pubic hair of someone who has them. It’s rare but possible to pick pubic lice up from bedding or clothing that you have shared with an infected person.

Pubic lice generally live on the mons pubis, the fleshy area at the top of the vulva where most of your pubic hair is. Other than itching, you might not experience any other physical symptoms.

Visible signs of public lice include:

Tan or grayish lice on your pubic hair or skin
Yellow or white eggs (nits) attached to the hair

While you need to get rid of lice for hygiene and comfort purposes, they aren’t otherwise harmful.

Prevention and Treatment

The only way to prevent pubic lice is by not having sex or another type of close contact with anyone who has them.

If you are infected, you can get rid of pubic lice with:

Over-the-counter (OTC) or prescription products, including lotions, shampoos, gels, mousses, and oral medications
A fine-toothed comb to remove eggs from your pubic hair (you can use just your fingernails for this if your case is mild)

In addition, you should wash and dry anything that the lice may have come into contact with, including:

Clothes
Bedding
Towels

While it may seem like shaving your pubic hair would be a good way to get rid of these parasites, it only gets rid of the eggs. Unfortunately, the lice will crawl to the first body hair they can find.

So, if you want to shave to ensure all the nits are gone, experts recommend waiting until after treatments have killed all the lice.

You may have itching for a while after the lice are gone. Try to avoid scratching, as you could damage your skin and develop an infection.

If you notice redness or swelling in places where you’ve scratched, that could be a sign of infection. Be sure to see your healthcare provider for that.

Any time you find out you have a sexually transmitted infection, you should contact all recent sexual partners to inform them and refrain from sex until you’ve received treatment.

Genital Herpes

Genital herpes, another STI, is a common cause of genital itching. It’s most often caused by the herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2), but the virus that causes oral herpes, HSV type 1 (HSV-1), can also cause it.

Around 12% of Americans between ages 14 and 49 test positive for HSV-2. Herpes is incurable.

Many cases of genital herpes are symptom-free or have mild, infrequent symptoms.

When they do occur during an outbreak, they include small, painful sores or blisters on the genitals or anus. Sores can appear on the vulva, perineum (space between the vaginal and anal openings), vagina, and cervix (which connects the vagina to the uterus).

Other possible symptoms you may experience during an outbreak include:

Fever and chills
Headache
Body aches
Fatigue
Swollen glands in your throat, underarms, and pelvic areas

Prevention and Treatment

You can get genital herpes by having unprotected genital, anal, or oral contact with someone who has it. A condom and other barriers can provide significant—but not total—protection.

People can manage herpes with antiviral medications, which also can help prevent it from spreading. Symptoms can be eased with over-the-counter pain medications and cool compresses applied to the sores.

Lichen Sclerosus

Lichen sclerosus is a chronic skin condition that makes the skin thin, pale, and wrinkly. It usually affects the genitalia and anus, but it can also affect the chest and arms. It’s most common in women over age 50 and pre-pubescent girls.

When to See a Healthcare Provider

If you have vaginal itching or vulvar itching without abnormal discharge, and it lasts more than a few days, you should see your healthcare provider.

What sometimes appears to be a minor problem, like razor burn, may be something more serious, such as genital herpes. In addition, using the wrong treatment may further irritate your skin, lead to even more discomfort, and allow a condition to worsen.

If abnormal discharge or pelvic pain accompanies your vaginal itching, see your healthcare provider right away.

Your healthcare provider may suggest various treatments depending on the cause of your itching. In addition, they may suggest some general home remedies and over-the-counter solutions for soothing an irritating itch, including:

Cold compresses or ice packs for 5-10 minutes at a time
An oatmeal bath
Moisturizer, especially if it’s additive- and fragrance-free
Topical anesthetics containing pramoxine , found in Vagisil anti-itch wipes
Topical treatments containing menthol or calamine

And as hard as it is, try not to scratch.

How to Prevent Vaginal Itching

There are steps you can take to help prevent vaginal and vulvar itching. These involve avoiding known irritations and keeping your vagina and surrounding skin healthy.

Skincare

Good skincare can help prevent itching, especially when it’s caused by dry skin, sensitivity to products, or sweating.

Dermatologists recommend that you:

Take short baths or showers (10 minutes) in lukewarm water.
Use fragrance-free skincare products.
Wear loose clothing made from breathable fabrics.
Keep your house relatively cool and, if you’re prone to dry skin and eczema, use a humidifier in the winter.

Vaginal Health

Good genital health can also help prevent vaginal itching and other problems. Your vagina is healthiest when it has the right balance of bacteria, called vaginal flora.

When you have the right amount of good bacteria, it keeps the environment slightly acidic. This acidity keeps the harmful bacteria from getting out of control.

A lot of things can disrupt that balance, including:

Antibiotics
Vaginal lubricants
Feminine hygiene sprays and deodorants
Soaps and detergents
Fragrances
Dyes in clothing
Douching
Birth control devices
Pregnancy
Restrictive clothing

You can take steps to maintain good vaginal and vulvar health, such as:

Wash the area with water only or gentle soap (harsh soaps can upset the pH balance).
Clean between the labia majora and labia minora (inner and outer lips).
Try to keep the area as cool and dry as possible.
Use cotton underwear.
Don’t stay in wet swimsuits or sweaty workout clothing any longer than necessary.
Use pads and pantyliners only during your period.
Change pads and tampons frequently.
After bowel movements, wipe front to back.
Shower daily.
Don’t use “feminine hygiene” sprays or douches.
Consider using vaginal lubricants to reduce friction during penetrative sex.
Use condoms during penetrative sex.
Change condoms when changing the area of penetration (switching between oral, vaginal, or anal).

Summary

Many things can cause vaginal itching without discharge, including sweat, razor burn, some STDs, and skin conditions like eczema and lichen sclerosis.

At-home strategies such as oatmeal baths, anti-itch cream, and cool compresses can help calm itching, but you should see a doctor if your symptoms don’t go away in a few days. Treatment may be necessary.

A Word From Verywell

You might feel uncomfortable talking to your healthcare provider about vaginal, vulvar, and anal itching. However, given the seriousness of some conditions that can cause itching, it’s important for you to bring them up.

Remember that your healthcare provider is there to help you, but they can only do that when they know about your symptoms. Itching is a common complaint, and when the cause is identified, it’s one that can be treated effectively.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I stop itching down there?

Genital itching can be relieved by applying a cold compress for five to 10 minutes, using a fragrance-free lotion or lubricant, or applying topical anesthetics or treatments.

When should I see a healthcare provider for vaginal itching?

Call your healthcare provider if your vaginal area itches for more than a few days, is highly uncomfortable, or is accompanied by abnormal discharge or pelvic pain.

Is vaginal itching a sign of a yeast infection?

Yes, an itchy vagina and vulva can indicate a yeast infection. Other signs include a clumpy white discharge and soreness. Yeast infections can be treated with over-the-counter remedies.

Is bacterial vaginosis (BV) itchy?

Vaginal itching and irritation are common symptoms of bacterial vaginosis (BV). It also causes fishy smelling discharge.

Can UTI cause vaginal itching?

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) don’t commonly cause vaginal itching. However, many women develop yeast infections from treating their UTI with antibiotics, since antibiotics kill off the “good” bacteria that prevents yeast overgrowth in the vagina. Vaginal itching is a common symptom of yeast infection.

Why do I get itchy down there at night?

A variety of conditions could cause vulvar or vaginal itching at night. If you feel itchy down there, you should get in contact with your healthcare provider for an evaluation. It’s possible that you feel more itchy at night because the lack of daytime distractions causes you to be more aware of the itchiness.

Vaginal Itching, Burning, and Irritation

Itching or irritation anywhere on the body can cause discomfort. But when it occurs in an area as sensitive as the vagina and vulva (the labia, clitoris, and vaginal opening), it can be especially uncomfortable. Most genital itching and irritation isn’t a major concern. But because they can be symptoms of an infection, it’s always a good idea to call your health care provider.

What causes vaginal itching, burning, and irritation?

There are several common causes of vaginal itching, burning, and irritation, including:

Bacterial vaginosis. It’s normal to have a healthy mix of bacteria in the vagina. But the wrong bacteria growing there can lead to an infection. Besides itching, other symptoms that come with bacterial vaginosis are inflammation, burning, discharge, and a fishy-smelling odor.
Sexually transmitted disease (STDs).Chlamydia, genital herpes, genital warts, trichomoniasis, gonorrhea and other organisms can cause vaginal/vulvar itching and irritation and other symptoms.
Yeast infection(vaginal candidiasis). About three out of every four women will develop a yeast infection at some point in their lives. Yeast infections occur when the yeast, candida, grow excessively in the vagina and vulva. Pregnancy, intercourse, antibiotics, and a weakened immune system can all make women more likely to get a yeast infection. In addition to itching and irritation, a yeast infection will produce a thick, white, cheesy discharge.
Menopause. The drop in estrogen production that occurs at the end of a woman’s reproductive years can cause the vaginal walls to thin and dry out. This can lead to itching and irritation. Thinning of the vaginal walls is also a problem in some women who breastfeed.
Chemical irritants. A number of chemical substances, including creams, douches, condoms, contraceptive foams, laundry detergents, soaps, scented toilet paper, and fabric softeners can irritate the vagina and vulva.
Lichen sclerosis . This is a rare condition that causes thin white patches to form on the skin, especially around the vulva. The patches can permanently scar the vaginal area. Postmenopausal women are most likely to develop this condition.

How are vaginal itching, burning, and irritation treated?

Vaginal irritation will often get better on its own. However, if the irritation continues, is severe, or comes back after treatment, call for an appointment with your doctor. The doctor can do a pelvic exam. The doctor will probably also take a sample of the discharge to find the source of the problem.

How vaginal discomfort is treated depends on what condition is causing the problem:

Vaginosis and STDs are treated with antibiotics/antiparasitics.
Yeast infections are treated with antifungalmedications. They are inserted into the vagina in the form of creams, ointments, or suppositories, or they are taken orally. If you’ve never been diagnosed with a yeast infection, see your doctor before taking any over-the-counter medication.
Menopause-related itching may be treated with estrogen cream, tablets, or a vaginal moisturizer.
Other types of itching and irritation respond to steroid creams or lotions, which reduce inflammation. A prescription-strength steroid cream can relieve the irritation of lichen sclerosis.

In young girls, it’s important to report any itching, burning, or irritation to a health care provider, because these symptoms can be signs of sexual abuse.

Are there home remedies for vaginal itching, burning, and irritation?

Here are a few tips for preventing and treating vaginal irritation at home:

Avoid scented pads or toilet paper, creams, bubble bath, feminine sprays, and douches.
Use water and a plain, unscented soap to regularly clean your external genital area. But don’t wash more than once a day. Doing so can increase dryness.
Always wipe from front to back after having a bowel movement.
Wear cotton panties (no synthetic fabrics), and change your underwear every day.
Do not douche.
Change the diapers of infant girls regularly.
Use condoms during sexual intercourse to help prevent sexually transmitted diseases.
If you are experiencing vaginal dryness, use a vaginal moisturizer. Apply a water-based lubricant (K-Y, Astroglide) before having sex.
Avoid sexual intercourse until your symptoms improve.
Don’t scratch — you can further irritate the area.

Show Sources

National Women’s Health Information Center: “Vaginal Yeast Infections.”

National Institute of Arthritis, and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases: “Lichen Sclerosus.”

Parmet, S. The Journal of the American Medical Association, 2004.

Vaginal Itching, Burning, and Irritation

Vaginal Itching But No Discharge: Causes, Treatment, and More