Itching Down Below?

PRURITUS........ITCHING DOWN BELOW.

Vaginal itching, medically known as pruritus vulvae, is common among women.

At least one in ten females will visit the
doctor once in their lifetime because of some kind of uncomfortable itching on the skin of the vagina or the area around the vulva.
The female body is quite complex. A little bit of vaginal itching could mean more than one thing. Now here are some of the basic things you need to know about vaginal itch.
Chatting with a friend, I got to know that most women go through itching at different times and under diverse conditions. For some, intense itching, which could result in soreness, occurs during menstruation (which is the exact case my friend Esi finds herself in every month).
She explains that she experiences intense irritation every month during menstruation and this irritation always results in cracked skin down below. Esi, however, thinks she knows what might be causing the irritation. She thinks she is reacting to the chemicals in the pad she uses.
At the moment this is what is causing Esi a lot of itchiness. The good news is that she knows what is causing her this irritation.

Unfortunately, for you and I it might be something else that we are not aware of.
For me, I have noticed that wearing tight jeans
over long hours causes a lot of itchiness. And
I am sure you would concur with me that this
can be very annoying especially when you find
yourself in town.
Ok, so what is the science behind this discomfort? What more could be causing it apart from tight jeans and reactions from pads? Are there any possible home or over-the-counter remedies besides visiting the doctor?
For those of us who do not know much about
this condition it is important to know that a healthy vagina has many bacteria, says webmd.com.
In addition, there is a small amount of yeast that exists there to keep the place moist and healthy. But what happens when the yeast multiplies beyond the required amount? The result is this –itching that afflicts many women. This is what is known as vaginal yeast infection (candida albicans).
This increase in yeast cells could arise due to pregnancy, menopause, menstruation, weakened immune system, antibiotics, sexual intercourse and diabetes.
Apart from yeast infection causing itching, other factors such as stress, vaginitis, reactions to chemicals and other infections can cause itchiness in the down below.

Managing itchiness with ease:
•Charity they say begins at home. Start with your personal hygiene. As much as you can, have regular baths, at least twice a day (in the tropics). Also, during times of menstruation, change your pads or tampons regularly. This will reduce the level of moistness within a given period of time.
•Instead of using highly scented soaps (which
may contain chemicals that might irritate the skin), consider using less scented ones. Do away with the coloured bathing gels as well.
•Wash the vaginal area with warm water mixed with a little ‘savlon’ or any mild medicated antiseptic.
•If you are certain it is yeast infection (what we normally call ‘white’ in Ghana) based on the symptoms, use suppositories or creams prescribed by a certified pharmacist.
•When you start taking anti-bacteria medications, change your panties. Buy and wear a fresh set of cotton panties. This will help prevent re-infection from the already infected panties.
•Always endeavour to dry your underwear and
panties in the sun. You might as well iron them before wearing them.
•As much as possible, avoid wearing tight jeans and knickers till you are free from the itchiness.
•Wear pure cotton underwear to allow fresh air
and to prevent the place from getting stale and moist.
•If your itchiness is due to menopause, then the cause most likely is a fall in oestrogen level. Visit the doctor for some prescribed oestrogen creams or suppositories.
•Also, use over-the counter treatments to stop
the itchiness before engaging in sex. If you are highly sexually active and cannot wait, then use a lubricant during sex.

When to See the Doctor.
•If you have soreness, especially severe reddened sores on your vulva.
•If symptoms persist for more than two weeks
after over the counter treatment.
•When you start to experience abdominal pains even when it’s not the time of the month, coupled with feverishness.
•You by all means have to see the doctor without a waste of time if you notice your partner is also having symptoms of itchiness, redness or soreness on his genitals. It may be an infection, which needs proper treatment for both of you.
•Also, if you notice weight loss characterised by thirst and frequent urination then make a trip to your doctor.
Before, I end I would like to emphasise the importance of personal hygiene. Wash your
undergarments on a regular basis and do well
to bath regularly.
Also, don’t stop taking your medication because you feel you are okay. Complete the course. There is no health tip as potent as personal care for your body. Stay fresh and free of vaginal itchiness as you practice the tips above.