Itchy genitals can affect both males and females, and they don’t always signal an STI. In fact, they can have a variety of causes, including allergies, infections and even some medications.
Itching in the groin and scrotum is normal, but it’s important to know that it can be a sign of an infection. Here are nine possible reasons your genitals might be itchy after shaving:
1. Irritation
The vulva is a sensitive part of your body and can be itchy from being irritated. This can happen from shaving too much, using a poor quality razor, or even just the irritation of the hairs themselves.
Sometimes, itching can also be caused by certain skin conditions, like dermatitis or psoriasis. These can cause red, scaly patches of itchy skin in and around the vulva. If you suspect this is the case, try switching your products for ones that aren’t as harsh on your skin (including shaving creams and lubes), or use a natural vaginal wash that doesn’t contain fragrances or any other chemicals that can irritate your vulva and cause a pH imbalance.
If itching is persistent, you may have a bacterial infection like candida or yeast infections. These can also cause itchy genitals and a burning sensation when you go to the bathroom. If this is the case, you should seek medical advice as soon as possible.
You can also try treating the itching by applying a cold compress, a lubricant that is free of alcohol and perfumes, or an over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream. Other home remedies include aloe vera, witch hazel, and tea tree oil. You can apply these to a cotton ball and rub it into your vulva or vulva area a few times a day.
2. Razor Burn
If your itchy vagina is accompanied by pain, pus or bumps you may have an infection such as vulva cancer. Or you may have a sexually transmitted infection such as herpes, genital warts or chlamydia. If this is the case you will need to visit a healthcare provider as it will require more intensive treatment.
Another common cause of itching is razor burn. This can be caused by shaving the same area too frequently or using a dull razor blade. Also, using too much pressure when you shave can cause irritation and friction which can lead to razor burn. To prevent razor burn you should always shower before shaving, use a shaving gel or cream to lubricate the skin and shave with a new blade each time.
If you do suffer from razor burn, try using a cooling agent such as an ice pack to cool down the itchy area and to help reduce inflammation. You should also apply a moisturizing lotion or cream after shaving. You could also try an oatmeal bath or over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream to soothe the itchy area.
3. Folliculitis
If you’re experiencing itching in and around the genital area, you should visit your doctor. Don’t be embarrassed – they’ve seen it all before and will likely be more than happy to help. You may also need to get a swab test to identify an infection or STI.
If the itchiness persists, your doctor will likely recommend topical creams to help soothe your skin. These include lubricants to make shaving easier and post-shave lotions to add moisture. They may also suggest avoiding irritants such as perfumes, soaps and alcohol. Menopausal women may experience itchiness in and around the vulva due to a decrease in oestrogen, which is caused by hormonal changes.
Folliculitis is a condition characterized by red bumps from inflammation near your hair follicles. It can be triggered by irritation, shaving, or certain skin conditions like psoriasis. It can be accompanied by other symptoms such as pain or pus-filled lesions (called boils and carbuncles).
A dermatologist can identify if your itching is caused by folliculitis, and prescribe antibiotics to clear the infection. They can also help if you have other causes of itching in the genital area, such as jock itch or yeast infections. They can suggest lifestyle changes, such as switching laundry detergents or wearing looser underwear, to avoid the itching. Or, they can prescribe anti-fungal medications for jock itch or anti-seborrheic agents to treat a yeast infection.
4. Infections
A rash on your labia or vulva is not only itchy, but it can also be painful and embarrassing. It can be caused by several things, such as razor burn or folliculitis (infected hair follicles), but it could also be an infection like candida vaginitis or chlamydia or an STI like herpes or trichomoniasis.
Yeast infections, or vaginitis, occur when there’s an overgrowth of the candida fungus that normally lives in your body. This fungus thrives in warm, moist areas, so the genital area is a prime place for it to grow. Yeast infections can cause itchiness, discharge and other symptoms, including a fishy smell.
Bacterial infections can also trigger vaginitis. These are typically spread through sex with a partner, but they can also occur from organisms like bacteria and yeast that live in your body or that come in contact with the skin and tissues of your vulva or labia. These infections can include bacterial vaginosis, gonorrhea and chlamydia, as well as herpes and trichomoniasis, which are common sexually transmitted infections.
Infections can be caused by many things, including: long periods of time when the vulva or labia are exposed to moisture, such as after a shower or bath; using harsh soaps or sprays on this area; not changing menstrual or incontinence pads often enough; and douching. It can also happen because of changes in hormone levels, such as during perimenopause or menopause or when taking certain birth control medications.
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