Itchy underarm & labia; general itchiness

[VegaDream]

I'm a 33 yr. old female, and for the past 6-8 months or so, I've been very itchy in my groin area - it seems I have a little bulge between the bottom of my labia and my anus, which is very itchy, and now my labia will all of a sudden start itching very bad (and gets red and swollen when I itch it - which I try not to do:).  I recently had a colonoscopy and the doctor didn't mention that it was a hemorrhoid or anything so I don't think it is.  But my underarms have also been itchy and irritated for many months now, too (and I think they get swollen a bit), and I haven't used a new deodorant or anything different. And sometimes my arms or legs just itch, too, not as bad as the other areas, but for no reason - no rash or anything.  Right now I might have a little eczema on my face, I'm not sure (I had it once on the back of an arm, very small and not serious) - just wondering if the underarm and labia itching could be related to eczema or if it might be something else.  I also have cystic acne which I believe is caused by my hormones, so I wasn't sure if it might be a hormonal problem.  Just wondering if anyone has any ideas of what it might be, or had similar experiences.  Thank you in advance!

[VegaDream]

Thank you for your help, Dr. Santos!  I think I'm going to call my gyn and make an appointment.  I appreciate your help!

[Dr Santos]

Hi,

Common causes of vaginal itching include: chemical irritants ( such as detergents, fabric softeners, feminine sprays, ointments, creams, douches, and contraceptive foams or jellies); hormonal; stress, vaginal yeast infection, or  vaginitis. It may help to avoid overexertion, heat, and excessive sweating and avoid scratching, which will only aggravate the problem.

There are many causes of itching without any particular rash. Dry skin, aging, contact irritants, reaction to medications, parasites, superficial skin infections such as folliculitis and impetigo and diseases such as pityriasis rosea, psoriasis and seborrheic dermatitis.

Although this is likely due to hormonal imbalance, it would be best to see your doctor or have a referral to your gynecologist for further evaluation and to rule out other causes. Take care and keep us posted.                                

[girl9898]

I have exactly the same problem. All itching at the same time. I've tried all creams available at the drug store and have also tried prescription drugs.  Right now the Dr. has me taking an estrogen pill suppository daily and then twice daily.  The itch is unbearable and I can't live this way.  It's constant, day and night.  I am 64