Something else? Ask Aunt Vadge – bottom left of your screen!
Hi Aunt Vadge,
I really do not know how to describe my problem. I am engaged and have only had sex with one man for the past two-and-a-half years. I have been tested and I am clear. I find my clit will itch, then sting, and start to burn.
The itch normally happens when I am half asleep, so I end up scratching. I have tried wearing underwear to bed so I cannot scratch it, but even rubbing it causes the problem. I get yeast infections too, but not always at the same time, though I do get them a lot. I would like to know if I can do anything to help at home until I can see my doctor.
Thanks,
Scratchy
Hi Scratchy,
Thanks for writing. That pattern – an itch that wakes you to scratch in your sleep, then stings and burns – is worth taking seriously and getting properly examined, so I am glad you have a doctor’s appointment lined up.
Night-time itching like this can point to one of the vulval skin conditions rather than a straightforward infection. The main ones to have in mind are the vulvar dermatoses – lichen sclerosus, lichen planus and lichen simplex chronicus – and plain old dermatitis.
Lichen sclerosus in particular is one to rule in or out properly. It is a chronic inflammatory skin condition, not a trivial thing, and the itch is very often its first sign, especially at night. Caught and managed it is very liveable, but left alone it can cause scarring and changes to the skin over time – which is exactly why an itch like yours deserves a real diagnosis rather than a guess.
Diagnosis here is visual and sometimes needs a small biopsy, so it has to be someone who can actually examine the skin – your GP, a dermatologist, or a vulval clinic. We are naturopathic and do not do physical exams ourselves, so this part really does need an in-person look.
The recurrent yeast infections may be their own thing or part of the same irritated picture. Frequent yeast can sit alongside these skin conditions, and constant scratching plus repeated thrush treatments can keep the whole area inflamed – an itch-scratch cycle that feeds itself.
While you wait for your appointment, a few things can soothe without muddying the picture:
- Try an oat bath to calm the skin.
- Keep your hands off as much as you can – the scratching is part of what keeps it going.
- Skip soaps, washes and anything perfumed on the area; warm water only.
- Keep a short diary of when it flares and what you have used, and take photos of anything visible to show the doctor.
For the recurring yeast, it is worth finding out exactly what is going on rather than treating blind – a comprehensive vaginal microbiome test can sort out whether it really is candida each time or something wearing a yeast costume.
Write back anytime – this stuff can get tricky, even with a diagnosis.
Warmest regards,
Aunt Vadge
This is general information, not a substitute for personalised medical advice.
