Feminine itching can be an embarrassing and often distressing symptom that sometimes doesn't go away by simply practicing good feminine hygiene.

Vaginal itching is usually accompanied by abnormal discharge, which is a common female concern. However, a few women experience an itchy vagina without discharge. Many issues that lead to an itchy vagina with discharge can result in similar symptoms without discharge. Vaginal discharge is often accompanied by bad odor, while those who experience itchiness without the discharge are often odorless.

Causes of Itchy Vagina without Discharge

While most cases of vaginal itching are accompanied by odorous, white, gray, yellowish or greenish discharge, some cases of vaginitis or vaginal inflammation does not result in discharge. There are many possible causes of vaginal itching without discharge.

  • Allergic reaction or contact dermatitis - Some women may experience an allergic reaction or contact dermatitis in the vaginal area, resulting in a localized rash or irritation. This may be caused by contact with a substance like soap. You may observe a red rash that disappears once use of the substance is discontinued. Prolonged or repeated contact with the substance, however, may result in intense itching with the appearance of blisters.
  • A fungal infection - An infection known called jock itch, a form of ringworm around the vagina, can cause vaginal itching without discharge. The skin develops a rash with areas that may be red, peeling, or bumpy and blister-like. This fungal infection is different from a yeast infection (veginal candidiasis), which is characterized by thick, white vaginal discharge.
  • A generalized skin condition - Conditions such as psoriasis, which causes dead skin cells to accumulate on the skin's surface, may result in red patches of skin covered by flakey white scales. This can affect any or all parts of the body, including the vaginal area.
  • Seborrheic dermatitis or dandruff - Dandruff in the vaginal area is associated with redness, and the skin may appear greasy-looking with yellowish, flaky skin.
  • Scabies - Scabies can also cause vaginal itching. This condition is caused when mites can burrow under the skin. It is characterized by severe itching that is usually worse at night. A rash with tiny blisters or sores may appear.
  • Parasitic infections - Parasites like lice may infect the hairy part of the vulva, just as these parasites infect the scalp. Threadworms from the anus may also migrate to the vagina causing itching, especially at night. Although lice and their eggs can be seen by the naked eye, threadworms are seen only through microscopic examination.
  • Vaginal dystrophy - A condition called vaginal dystrophy may result from deficiencies in vitamin A, B2 and B12, iron and folic acid. This may cause itchiness. White patches or plaques may appear on the skin around the vagina due to changes in the skin.
  • Lichen sclerosus - Women may also have lichen sclerosus, an uncommon skin condition that may occur anywhere in the body, but occurs most frequently in the genital and anal areas. The cause is unknown, but it may be related to an overactive immune system or the lack of sex hormones characteristic of postmenopausal women. Previous skin damage may also increase the risk of acquiring rashes in this location.
  • Psychological factors and scratching - Sometimes psychological factors may contribute to symptoms such as vaginal itchiness. In this case, constant scratching causes the skin changes that may lead to inflammation and irritation.

The cause of an itchy vagina without discharge may be identified by medical history, physical examination, and other tests such as biopsy. It is therefore recommended to consult a gynecologist, a dermatologist, or general practitioner for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Treatment for Itchy Vagina Without Discharge

Mild cases of an itchy vagina without discharge may not need treatment to disappear. Specific treatment may be required if the identified cause deems it necessary, such as parasitic or fungal infection.

Medical Treatments

Persistent itchiness or itchiness that is unbearable can be treated with medication. Your doctor will prescribe a topical corticosteroid that you can apply daily to the affected area. You may need to use this medication for several weeks to completely rid yourself of this condition.

If you have regular changes in your skin you should schedule several follow-up appointments with your doctor. This will help them determine if you are suffering from a serious health condition such as liver disease, diabetes or an autoimmune disorder that will require further treatment. In most cases, treating these underlying causes will help relieve your vaginal symptoms.

Home Remedies

Aside from medical treatment, itchiness may also be relieved by:

  • Avoid scratching the area as this can cause further irritation.
  • Wearing loose underwear in the daytime and putting it off at night.
  • Avoiding wear tight-fitting clothes such as pantyhose and tights.
  • Not using feminine products like perfume and soap in the affected area.
  • Using mild skin lotions and cleansers for sensitive skin.
  • Use a vaginal moisturizer or water-based lubricant to combat vaginal dryness.
  • Avoiding the use of swimsuits or wet clothes for long periods.
  • Avoiding the use scented fabric softeners and laundry dryer sheets.
  • Wipe from front to back after using the bathroom to avoid contaminating the genitals.
  • Change infant girls' diapers regularly to avoid diaper rash.
  • Avoid sexual intercourse until symptoms improve.
  • Use condoms during sex to prevent the spread of STDs.
Discussions(13) Add New

  1. Avani July 30, 2011 01:53 AM Reply

    Hi, thanks! This article provides very good causes of itching vagina, but it presents fewer vaginal itching treatments. I hope you can give us better remedy and treatment options.

  2. Mather August 20, 2011 05:00 AM Reply

    Hi ladies, I have read this article and your comments. I have a similar symptom. I have been suffering from itchy crotch for more than three month. I cannot see any disorder near the crotch. But it itches a lot. I tried many natural remedies for vaginal itching, but none of them is helpful. I don’t know whether crotch itching is the same as vagina itching. Can you give me some suggestions?

  3. Soham October 08, 2011 08:56 AM Reply

    This article provides very good vaginal itching causes. If you want to know more about the symptoms of itching labia, you can read this article: http://www.medicinenet.com/vaginal_itching/symptoms.htm

  4. Tanek October 19, 2011 08:26 AM Reply

    After reading this article, I know what the itchy vulva causes are. From the description of this article, I think my itch comes from a fungal infection. I will see my doctor for help. I cannot bear such an itch any more.

  5. Sarat November 11, 2011 05:43 AM Reply

    I have been looking for home remedies for itchy vagina for more than one year. However, none of my doctors can help me relieve this itch. It is very embarrassing for me to discuss with my friend. Thanks for this nice post. I will try the home remedies.

  6. Daray November 24, 2011 08:24 PM Reply

    Finally! I got the home remedy for vaginal itching that I had suffered for more than a year or so. I had itching usually at night and seldom during the daytime. I often felt that I may not be able to get rid of this for the rest of my life! I tried a tube of 1% Hydrocortisone Cream, I started applying this over the affected part. Initially I was feeling the burning sensation. My skin was dry and raw, it started bleeding some time. The gradual healing stopped the burning sensation. Now I have 85% relief from this symptom within three weeks of my medication. After trying out so many things, I never believed that it would go away so easily. I am really blessed to have found something that worked for me.

  7. Jyoti December 10, 2011 08:02 AM Reply

    I am not alone. Yesterday, I went to see my doctor. I asked her to provide some vaginal itching home remedies for my itching. She told me to try using Betanethasone Dipropionate Cream USP and Clotrimazole. This has actually worked for me. This can be applied on the skin, inserted into vagina or be allowed to dissolve in the mouth. This medicine is a corticosteroid and can be used on the skin to treat redness, swelling, itching and allergic reactions. Ladies, if you are also suffering from such itching, you can try to use it.

  8. Ozan December 28, 2011 09:12 PM Reply

    Hi ladies, I also have itchy vagina with no discharge. When I woke up in the morning, the first thing that I used to tell myself was, “How am I going to get rid of this hell now?” I am searching for remedies through the internet, until I find this excellent article.

  9. Free January 24, 2012 02:12 PM Reply

    I have been suffering from continuing itchy vagina not thrush since one month ago. Some days ago, I found that this allergic reaction is in response to my consumption of citric acid. Since I have started avoiding citric acid intake I have found a relief from all this itching. It is very difficult to avoid this acid. This is present almost in every product that we use, including the detergents. That is why I was unable to find any remedy while using hypo allergic detergents and soaps. Now I have been double rinsing my laundry and I am careful about what I eat and drink. As I have already said, citric acid is very hard to be avoided all the time. I have found that calcium is an antidote for acid while surfing through the internet. So before I drink wine or eat anything that has citric acid I pop one or two Tums or take a glass of milk. Though I haven’t yet got the measure of calcium that I must take in order to neutralize the effect of citric acid; I have been able to get rid of that itchy feeling. And ladies, you must know this is so awesome!

  10. Thorpe April 20, 2012 12:48 PM Reply

    Thanks! The itchy vagina treatment in this article is very helpful!
    I have once used alcohol to smear the infected and the itchy areas down there. However, I suggest you should not use this method if you are so dry that you will start cracking or bleeding there. This stings very badly. This method helps me feel much more comfortable. Unfortunately, the itching comes back two days later. I am looking for better home remedies for itching vagina. Hope the ones in this article are helpful.

  11. Ossian July 07, 2012 11:25 AM Reply

    Very good article! It provides very good home remedies for vaginal itching. I was sore and dry down there and have an itchy vulva. I will try to follow the remedies in this article.

  12. April July 20, 2012 09:13 AM Reply

    I am suffering from itchy labia. Now, my back has even started itching! I am going through a stage of pre-menopause. The itching has been driving me crazy and I have to stop sex. After reading this article, the only thing that I should do is to see a doctor. Thanks!

  13. crod November 03, 2012 11:46 PM Reply

    I had the same thing for a long time over a year.It was that my Ph balance was not leveled. So I had to eat 5 fruits and vegetables a day drank V8 and ate yogurts. In about a week or so I was feeling good. But you should try it drink plenty of water and try to limit your caffeine. This works trust me.