Itching in the genital area usually indicates a sex disease. It rarely goes away on its own and requires medical treatment.
What is itching in the genital area?
Itching in the genital area is when the sexual organ and the surrounding areas of the skin itch uncomfortably and the feeling does not go away again.
Itching in the genital area may be because the skin was irritated during shaving or depilation - in which case the problem only lasts for a few days and then disappears. Persistent itching in the genital area, on the other hand, usually indicates a sexually transmitted disease with bacteria or fungi.
So that this does not become dangerous, spreads or prevents you from infecting other people, you should have it treated - soon the itching in the genital area should also be gone, which is a considerable burden and can become very uncomfortable in everyday life.
causes
If itching occurs in the genital area, the doctor usually examines the common sexually transmitted diseases that can cause the itch. These include, for example, herpes, vaginal thrush, gonorrhea, fungal infections in men or other typical sexually transmitted diseases.
By taking antibiotics, the naturally present lactic acid bacteria in the woman's vagina can reach areas where they shouldn't be - there they cause itching in the genital area. This can also happen during menopause or due to poor hygiene during the monthly bleeding.
Basic diseases such as diabetes mellitus, eczema or cancer precursors on the skin of the intimate zone also trigger itching in the genital area and should be ruled out by a specialist.
Too frequent care with water and soap also disturbs the normal flora of the genital area and leads to itching in the genital area. In rare cases, the cause cannot be explained and further investigations are necessary.
Diseases with this symptom
- Genital herpes
- Genital warts
- Vaginal fungus
- eczema
- gonorrhea
- Herpes simplex
diagnosis
Any patient can diagnose itching in the genital area alone without the need for medical help. It is a more or less bearable itch that lasts for a long time and does not go away spontaneously.
In women, the doctor will take a swab of the vaginal mucosa and the cervix to diagnose the cause of itching in the genital area, which can already rule out all causes. In men, of course, this smear is even easier to make. If cancer or its precursors are suspected, further tests may be necessary to be certain.
The smears can be used to identify changed cells that could trigger the itching in the genital area, but also pathogens that have triggered an infection and cause the itching in the genital area.
Complications
Typically, itching occurs in the genital area due to various infectious diseases or other inflammatory diseases. In women, this is often caused by a fungal disease with Candida albicans. This usually heals without any complications. The fungal infection only tends to return again and again, so that the itching comes back even after successful therapy.
In the rarest of cases, especially in the immunocompromised, the fungus can spread systemically, which can lead to blood poisoning (sepsis), which, if left untreated, leads to death. In men, a narrowing of the foreskin (phimosis) can cause itching. Usually this can be treated well. However, if left untreated, the glans penis and foreskin can become chronically inflamed, which in turn increases the risk of developing cancer.
It also makes it difficult to urinate, which leads to increased urinary tract infections. In general, sexually transmitted diseases can typically trigger genital itching. This includes gonorrhea (gonorrhea), which, if left untreated, can lead to infertility. Systemic spread and infection of other organs such as the heart or joints are also possible consequences.
Chlamydia or syphilis can also cause similar complications. In addition to the person affected, pregnant women and their newborns are also at risk from the disease. The children are usually infected from their mother and can suffer from serious complications such as blindness or pneumonia and otitis media.
When should you go to the doctor?
In the event of persistent or nocturnal itching in the genital area, the doctor should be consulted promptly.There may be several causes of the itching that should be investigated. Depending on the cause, a dermatologist, a gynecologist or a general practitioner are the best contacts.
The itching in the genital area can be caused by an intolerance to fragrances in cosmetics. It doesn't matter whether this is a real allergy or an intolerance. In both cases it is advisable to avoid all cosmetics with fragrances or perfumes. More and more German citizens are affected by such intolerances. The doctor decides whether additional treatments are necessary.
The genital itching can also indicate a skin disease called lichen scleroticus et degenerans. This diagnosis cannot be made without a visit to the gynecologist. It is a disease in which the skin increasingly hardens like paper, gradually recedes and tears easily. Severe itching in the genital area is noticed especially at night. The treatment of the affected skin areas with cortisone ointments, estrogen ointments and fatty ointments is imperative.
Itching in the genital area can also indicate genital herpes or another sexually transmitted disease. These, too, cannot be diagnosed without a visit to the doctor. Persistent itching and burning in the genital area should always be discussed with the doctor to be on the safe side.
Doctors & therapists in your area
Treatment & Therapy
In the case of an infection of the genitals, one works either with antibiotics or with anti-fungal creams. Before the prescription, the doctor must of course have clarified the exact cause of the itching in the genital area. The drugs are used for a short time and ensure that the pathogens die off.
Women in particular need to be examined regularly afterwards so that it can be determined whether their natural vaginal flora has recovered and could protect them from recurring itching in the genital area. Basic diseases that have nothing directly to do with the genital area are treated on their own to stop the itching in the genital area.
After that, of course, hygiene is also important. Regular but not too frequent washing and the use of sanitary towels instead of tampons is important to prevent recurring itching in the genital area.
In the case of cancer or its precursors, which is noticed by itching in the genital area, either the affected area is removed or, depending on the type of cancer, treated with individual chemotherapy or radiation.
Outlook & forecast
Itching in the genital area is mostly due to sexually transmitted diseases. Some of them are not dangerous, such as fungal infections. Most of all, they're bothersome and can be persistent. Depending on how strong the immune system is and what pathogen it is, the itching in the genital area can last for weeks or even months. Treatment is required, otherwise there will be no permanent improvement. Once treatment has started, genital itching usually lasts for a short time and eventually disappears.
Other triggers can cause unpleasant itching in the genital area, such as discolored and foul-smelling discharge from the vagina or visible pimples and skin irritations on the penis. If the condition is left untreated, it can continue to other parts of the genital area or even spread to the surrounding skin, depending on the pathogen causing it. A medical diagnosis and prompt treatment are therefore particularly necessary in these cases.
Since it is not the itching in the genital area itself but the cause that is being treated, it can take days to weeks in these cases as well for the itching to completely disappear. However, most patients notice an initial improvement after the start of treatment, so that the disease is at least tolerable for them.
It is important to then carry out a hot wash of all worn underwear and ideally also trousers, because otherwise germs could still hide in them and trigger a new infection.
prevention
The best way to prevent itching in the genital area is to only have sexual intercourse with a condom - especially if you have a possibly promiscuous (sexually permissive) partner. Alternatively, stay away from people who are constantly changing sexual partners. In addition, regular hygiene of the genital area is important, but one must never overdo it - the natural flora must always remain, because it is the best protection.
You can do that yourself
In very many cases, itching occurs in the genital area due to poor hygiene. It often helps to wash and care for the genital area frequently. In this way, itching in the genital area can often be completely avoided. Often itching occurs even after shaving, as the skin is severely irritated. In this case, a nourishing razor with fewer blades should be purchased so as not to damage the skin as badly.
If pimples or a rash occur in addition to the itching in the genital area, a doctor should be consulted. This can be an inflammation or an infection, which should be treated by a doctor. The genital area should be particularly cared for, especially in summer, as a lot of sweat collects there. Itching can also be caused by longer hair, although a gentle shave can help.
If the itching is due to a skin infection, this can be treated with drugs from the pharmacy. As a precaution, however, a doctor should be consulted to prevent consequential damage to the genital area. In some cases, it is common for the genital area itching to appear after intercourse. If the itching does not go away after a short time, a doctor must be consulted.
