Genital itching: causes, treatment, and when to get tested

Contact dermatitis (irritant reaction)

The vulva and vaginal area are sensitive to chemicals that the rest of your skin tolerates without complaint. When an irritant triggers an allergic or inflammatory reaction, the result is redness, soreness, and itching. This is called contact dermatitis and it's one of the most common causes of genital itching in women.

Common irritants: Scented soap, shower gel, and bubble bath. Feminine hygiene sprays and wipes. Vaginal douches. Scented sanitary pads, tampons, and panty liners. Laundry detergent and fabric softener. Spermicides. Scented toilet paper. New underwear (unwashed). Latex condoms (in women with a latex sensitivity).

What to do: identify and remove the irritant. Switch to unscented, unfragranced products. Wash with water or a gentle, unperfumed soap only. The itching should settle within a few days once the irritant is removed. If it doesn't, see a doctor to rule out another cause.

Vaginal thrush (yeast infection)

Thrush is caused by an overgrowth of Candida, a fungus that lives naturally in the vagina. When the balance is disrupted, the fungus multiplies and causes itching, soreness, and a thick white discharge that's often described as cottage cheese-like in texture. There may also be a burning sensation during urination or sex.

Common triggers: antibiotics (which kill the bacteria that keep Candida in check), pregnancy, uncontrolled diabetes, hormonal changes around your period, stress, and a weakened immune system.

What to do: mild thrush can be treated with over-the-counter antifungal medication (pessaries, cream, or an oral capsule like fluconazole). If thrush keeps coming back (four or more episodes a year), see a doctor. Recurrent thrush can indicate an underlying issue like diabetes or immune suppression, or you may need a longer treatment course.

Bacterial vaginosis (BV)

BV is caused by an imbalance in the bacteria that naturally live in the vagina. It's not an STI, but it can be triggered by sex, douching, or changes in vaginal pH. The main symptom is a thin, greyish-white discharge with a distinctive fishy smell, particularly noticeable after sex. Itching is common but not always present.

What to do: BV requires antibiotic treatment, either oral tablets or a vaginal gel/cream. Over-the-counter thrush treatments won't work on BV because the cause is bacterial, not fungal. This is one of the reasons self-diagnosis can be a problem: thrush and BV have overlapping symptoms but need completely different treatment. A vaginal swab (£195 at our clinic) gives a definitive diagnosis.

Sexually transmitted infections

Several STIs cause genital itching in women, often alongside other symptoms:

Chlamydia and gonorrhoea may cause itching, unusual discharge, and pain during urination. Both can be present without obvious symptoms, which is why testing matters even if the itching is your only concern. Chlamydia and gonorrhoea testing: £103.75.

Genital herpes (HSV-1 or HSV-2) causes itching, tingling, or burning before blisters appear. The first outbreak is usually the most severe. Herpes swab test: £120.63.

Trichomoniasis causes itching, burning, and a frothy yellow-green discharge with a strong odour. Trichomoniasis test: £120.63.

Genital warts (caused by HPV) can cause itching around the affected area, though many warts are painless.

Pubic lice cause intense itching, particularly at night. You may notice tiny blue dots near bite marks. Pubic lice are not strictly an STI but are spread through close physical contact.

If you think an STI might be the cause, get tested rather than guessing. Our STI screening packages start from £250, or individual tests are available from £75. View STI testing options.

Skin conditions (eczema and psoriasis)

If you have eczema or psoriasis elsewhere on your body, it can also affect the vulva. Vulval eczema causes red, itchy, sometimes weeping skin. Vulval psoriasis causes red, smooth patches (the scaling seen elsewhere on the body is often absent in the genital area because of moisture).

What to do: see a doctor for appropriate topical treatment. Standard over-the-counter steroid creams may be too strong for the vulval area. Your doctor can prescribe the right potency for this sensitive skin.

Menopausal and perimenopausal itching

As oestrogen levels drop during perimenopause and menopause, the tissues of the vulva and vagina become thinner, drier, and less elastic. This is called vulvovaginal atrophy, and itching is one of the most common symptoms. Sex may also become painful, and some women experience bleeding after intercourse.

What to do: topical oestrogen (cream, pessary, or vaginal ring) is the most effective treatment and is available on prescription. Vaginal moisturisers and lubricants can help with day-to-day comfort. If you're experiencing multiple menopausal symptoms, a hormone profile can help clarify what's happening. Our Advanced MOT (£999) includes a comprehensive female hormone panel, or book a GP consultation to discuss your symptoms.

Vulval cancer

Vulval cancer is rare, but persistent itching that doesn't respond to any treatment can be an early symptom. Other signs include a change in the colour or thickness of the vulval skin, a lump or sore that doesn't heal, and unexplained bleeding. Some women with vulval cancer have no symptoms at all.

What to do: if you have persistent vulval itching that hasn't responded to treatment, or you've noticed skin changes in the area, see a doctor. Early diagnosis significantly improves outcomes. This isn't something to panic about since it's uncommon, but it is something to get checked if the itch won't go away.

Jock itch (tinea cruris)

A fungal infection of the groin, inner thighs, and sometimes the buttocks. It causes a red, ring-shaped, itchy rash that may peel or flake at the edges. It's the same type of fungus that causes athlete's foot and thrives in warm, moist environments.

Common triggers: sweating, tight clothing, not drying properly after showering or exercise, sharing towels.

What to do: over-the-counter antifungal cream (clotrimazole or terbinafine) applied for 2-4 weeks. Keep the area clean and dry. Wear loose, breathable underwear. If it doesn't clear up or keeps coming back, see a doctor.

Balanitis

Inflammation of the head of the penis (glans), causing redness, swelling, itching, and sometimes discharge. It's more common in uncircumcised men and is usually caused by poor hygiene, thrush (Candida), or irritation from soap or products.

What to do: wash with water only (no soap on the glans), dry thoroughly, and apply antifungal cream if thrush is suspected. If symptoms persist, see a doctor. Recurrent balanitis or penile thrush in men can be an early sign of diabetes, particularly if you're also experiencing increased thirst, frequent urination, or fatigue.

Sexually transmitted infections

STIs cause genital itching in men just as they do in women:

Chlamydia and gonorrhoea may cause itching or irritation at the urethral opening, discharge, and pain during urination. Both can be asymptomatic. Testing: £103.75.

Genital herpes causes itching, tingling, and blisters on the penis, scrotum, or surrounding area. Swab test: £120.63.

Genital warts can cause itching around the affected area.

Pubic lice cause intense itching, worse at night.

If you're experiencing genital itching and you're sexually active, get tested. STI screening from £250, individual tests from £75. View STI testing options.

Contact dermatitis

The same irritant reactions that affect women can affect men. Scented soaps, shower gels, laundry detergent, latex condoms, and lubricants are common culprits.

What to do: switch to unscented products, wash with water or a mild unperfumed soap, and see whether the itching resolves within a few days.

Skin conditions

Eczema and psoriasis can affect the penis, scrotum, and groin. Genital psoriasis in men often appears as smooth, red patches without the typical scaling. Genital eczema causes dry, itchy, inflamed skin.

What to do: see a doctor for appropriate topical treatment rather than using over-the-counter steroid creams on the genital area.

Stress-related itching

Physical and emotional stress weakens the immune system, which can make you more vulnerable to infections that cause genital itching, particularly thrush and BV. Elevated cortisol levels also affect the skin's barrier function, making irritation more likely.

What to do: address the underlying stress where possible. If you're experiencing recurrent genital infections during stressful periods, the infections themselves still need treating, but managing stress can reduce how often they come back.

Pubic hair removal

Shaving, waxing, and laser hair removal can all cause itching, ingrown hairs, and irritation in the genital area. Razor burn and folliculitis (infected hair follicles) are common after shaving.

What to do: if shaving causes persistent problems, consider a different hair removal method or allow the area to heal fully before shaving again. Exfoliating gently before shaving can reduce ingrown hairs. If folliculitis develops (red, pus-filled bumps), keep the area clean and avoid further shaving until it clears. Persistent folliculitis may need antibiotic treatment.

Incontinence-related irritation

Urine or faecal leakage that stays in contact with genital skin causes irritation and itching. This is common in older adults but can affect anyone with bladder or bowel control issues.

What to do: change incontinence pads frequently, clean the area gently with water, and use a barrier cream to protect the skin. If incontinence itself is the issue, speak to a doctor because there are effective treatments.