Dear Jacqui:
I've been itching on the outside of my vagina. I've been going to a gynecologist and he's performed two biopsies. The first one he said showed I had thickened skin. He prescribed a creme that was supose to clear up the itching, it didn't.

The second showed I had genital warts on my vulva. He performed laser surgery and removed them. But they were on the inside of my vagina and I'm itching on the outside. Then he put me on a creme and I've been on it for almost a month now and it's not helping, I still itch. We already went through a yeast infection test, which was negative. I don't have a discharge, I don't use perfumed soaps, but I use Dial anti-bacterial soap. I don't wear tight pants. I'm tired of itchin. Like I said, it's been a year that I've had to endure this and if you could give me some advice I'd greatly appreciate it. I just want my life back.
Tara

Dear Tara:
I can understand how hard it is to live with the condition that's been plaguing you for the last year.

Unfortunately, I can only make suggestions based on what you describe: Vaginal itching is quite common and often associated with low hormone levels. Have yours been checked? Many women have vaginal itching because they are allergic to a product they use or an ingredient in a product their skin does not tolerate. Possibly you're allergic to your anti-bacterial soap.

For the time being, I suggest you use nothing but luke warm water to cleanse your intimate area, refrain from using Dial for at least two weeks. It might be too harsh and contain an ingredient your skin doesn't tolerate. It definitely contains fragrance which should be avoided in the intimate areas of the body.

Don't sit in bubble baths and never use a douche. See if there is a change by avoiding all products that could be causing an allergic reaction for the next two weeks. Thereafter, if the itching has lessened, be sure to use a pH balanced cleansing wash or soap such as Very Private which is also very mild.

Stay away from products that foam a lot, they are usually loaded with detergents which are harsh on the skin. And no wash cloth, use cotton and throw it away after use. If you are sexually active and your partner uses a condom, it is very possible that you're allergic to the spermicide applied on the tip of the condom.

Ask him to use a different brand without spermicide. If that's not the case and the itching continues I strongly suggest you get another medical opinion, possibly see a dermatologist. I know you are not eager to go through another medical check up but I am concerned about your health and your emotional well-being and you cannot let this situation continue. I hope it will soon be diagnosed correctly and you will get some well deserved relief.

Jacqui





	"I've been itching for almost one year on the outside of my vagina." Dear Jacqui: I've been itching on the outside of my vagina. I've been going to a gynecologist and he's performed two biopsies. The first one he said showed I had thickened skin. He prescribed a creme that was supose to clear up the itching, it didn't. The second showed I had genital warts on my vulva. He performed laser surgery and removed them. But they were on the inside of my vagina and I'm itching on the outside. Then he put me on a creme and I've been on it for almost a month now and it's not helping, I still itch. We already went through a yeast infection test, which was negative. I don't have a discharge, I don't use perfumed soaps, but I use Dial anti-bacterial soap. I don't wear tight pants. I'm tired of itchin. Like I said, it's been a year that I've had to endure this and if you could give me some advice I'd greatly appreciate it. I just want my life back. Tara Dear Tara: I can understand how hard it is to live with the condition that's been plaguing you for the last year. Unfortunately, I can only make suggestions based on what you describe: Vaginal itching is quite common and often associated with low hormone levels. Have yours been checked? Many women have vaginal itching because they are allergic to a product they use or an ingredient in a product their skin does not tolerate. Possibly you're allergic to your anti-bacterial soap. For the time being, I suggest you use nothing but luke warm water to cleanse your intimate area, refrain from using Dial for at least two weeks. It might be too harsh and contain an ingredient your skin doesn't tolerate. It definitely contains fragrance which should be avoided in the intimate areas of the body. Don't sit in bubble baths and never use a douche. See if there is a change by avoiding all products that could be causing an allergic reaction for the next two weeks. Thereafter, if the itching has lessened, be sure to use a pH balanced cleansing wash or soap such as Very Private which is also very mild. Stay away from products that foam a lot, they are usually loaded with detergents which are harsh on the skin. And no wash cloth, use cotton and throw it away after use. If you are sexually active and your partner uses a condom, it is very possible that you're allergic to the spermicide applied on the tip of the condom. Ask him to use a different brand without spermicide. If that's not the case and the itching continues I strongly suggest you get another medical opinion, possibly see a dermatologist. I know you are not eager to go through another medical check up but I am concerned about your health and your emotional well-being and you cannot let this situation continue. I hope it will soon be diagnosed correctly and you will get some well deserved relief. Jacqui Copyright 2000 Brandwynne Corporation. All rights reserved.

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