Vaginal itching is a tingling or uneasy irritation of the skin of the vagina and the surrounding area (vulva). The itching may cause a desire to scratch the affected area.

Common causes of vaginal itching include:

• Chemical irritants -- such as detergents, fabric softeners, feminine sprays, ointments, creams, douches, and contraceptive foams or jellies.
• Menopause -- the drop in estrogen causes thinning of the vaginal wall and less lubrication.
• Stress -- may increase vaginal itching and make you more susceptible to infections.
• Vaginal yeast infection -- often includes a discharge that is white and curd-like. Vaginal yeast infections can be brought on by antibiotics, birth control pills, pregnancy, menstruation, condom use, sexual intercourse, diabetes, and a weakened immune system.
• Vaginitis -- inflammation, itching, discharge, and odor caused by other infections (including sexually transmitted diseases). Vaginitis in girls before puberty is common. If a young girl has a sexually transmitted vaginal infection, however, sexual abuse must be considered and addressed.

Other possible, but less common, causes of vaginal or vulvar itching include:

• Certain skin conditions affecting the vulvar skin, some of which may be precancerous
• Pinworms (a parasitic infection mainly affecting children)

To prevent and treat vaginal itching:

• Avoid colored or perfumed toilet tissue and bubble bath.
• Avoid feminine hygiene sprays and douches.
• Change out of wet clothing, especially wet bathing suits or exercise clothing, as soon as possible.
• Cleanse the area by wiping or washing from front to back (vagina to anus) after urinating or having a bowel movement.
• Eat yogurt with live cultures or take lactobacillus acidophilus tablets when using antibiotics. Check with your doctor.
• Keep your genital area clean and dry. Use plain, unscented soap.
• Keep your blood sugar under good control if you have diabetes.
• Lose weight if you are overweight.
• Wear cotton panties or pantyhose with a cotton crotch. Avoid panties made from synthetic materials. For infants and toddlers, change diapers often.

It is also helpful to:

• Avoid overexertion, heat, and excessive sweating.
• Avoid scratching, which will only aggravate the problem.
• Delay sexual activity until your symptoms get better, or use a lubricant during intercourse.
• Use condoms to avoid catching or spreading sexually transmitted diseases.

If you know that you have a yeast infection because your symptoms are exactly the same as those you've had in the past, try over-the-counter creams or vaginal suppositories.

Yeast infections are not considered sexually transmitted. However, sometimes men also develop itching and redness following sexual contact. If this is the case, or you get recurrent infections for unclear reasons, both you and your partner may require treatment. Talk to your doctor.

For itching related to menopause, your doctor may consider estrogen cream or tablets to insert vaginally.

Teach children to resist and report any attempted sexual contact by another person. Don't try to remove any foreign object from a child's vagina. Take the child to a doctor right away for removal.