Can scented soap cause vaginal itching and burning?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am an 18-year-old girl. I have been having the issue of itching in the vaginal area for two days, and whenever I pee, I feel a burning sensation. I am not sexually active and never have been. Two days ago, I remember using a heavily scented soap to wash my vagina, and it instantly burned, but I quickly washed it.

It has been itching to the point I cannot fall asleep, and itching is the only symptom. Since then, the itching in my vagina has become really bad. I make sure that I wear loose underwear. I do not have access to doctors or expensive treatments.

Kindly help.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I am deeply concerned about your worries.

First, take a breath. From what you described, this sounds most like irritant contact vulvitis, basically, your skin irritation from that strongly scented soap. The fact that it burned immediately when you used it is a big clue. Contact dermatitis of the vulva can cause:

Intense itching.

Burning when urine touches the skin.

Redness and swelling.

Trouble sleeping from the itch.

Since you are not sexually active, infections like STIs (sexually transmitted infections) are not a concern here. This is very likely a simple chemical irritation.

What you can do at home:

Stop using any scented soap, washes, wipes, or sprays.

Wash only with lukewarm water on the outside area.

Do not wash inside the vagina.

After passing urine, rinse with water or a flow of water while passing urine to reduce the burning sensation.

Pat dry gently; do not rub.

Wear loose cotton underwear.

Avoid tight leggings for now.

To calm the itching, you can apply a small amount of plain petroleum jelly to the outside area as a skin barrier. If available, a mild over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream can be used very thinly on the outside only for a few days. Avoid scratching, even though it is hard; scratching makes it worse. It should improve within a few days once the irritant is removed.

Go to a clinic if you develop these:

A thick white discharge.

Fever.

Severe swelling.

Pain inside the vagina.

Symptoms last more than a week.

This is uncomfortable but very common after using harsh soaps. Your body just needs time to calm down. You did the right thing by switching to loose clothing. It should settle soon.

I hope you are satisfied with my answer.

Revert in case of further queries.

Thank you.