- Utilizing scented soaps round (or inside) your vulva
- Not altering out of sweaty garments proper after a exercise
- Douching
- Not sporting safety throughout intercourse
Artificial materials like nylon or rayon can entice moisture and warmth, which can enhance your threat of a yeast an infection or BV. “We at all times suggest breathable cotton underwear,” Dr. De-Lin says.
When to see a health care provider: Seeing a health care provider is one of the simplest ways to find out you probably have both an infection. Yeast overgrowth can typically be eradicated with one dose of an oral pill known as fluconazole (Diflucan). For BV, at the least one spherical of antibiotics is normally required, which might both come within the type of a gel that you simply insert into your vagina or as a capsule you’re taking by mouth.
2. STIs
“There are a variety of sexually transmitted infections that may trigger burning, with the most typical ones being chlamydia, gonorrhea, and trichomoniasis,” Dr. De-Lin says. All of those are handed by sexual activity and may result in adjustments in vaginal discharge and odor, she explains—which might have quite a lot of overlap with yeast an infection and BV signs, making it troublesome to know what’s occurring with no check. It’s not at all times the case, however typically, STIs trigger a burning sensation throughout intercourse, or if you urinate.
When to see a health care provider: If you happen to’re experiencing burning, a health care provider will typically suggest doing an STI panel, which exams for these three Dr. De-Lin mentions. Remedies sometimes contain antibiotics, however within the case of herpes or HIV, anti-virals are wanted.
Irritants
Fragrances, whether or not in your favourite tub bomb, physique wash, laundry detergent, or a scented panty liner, can irritate the pores and skin round your vulva, inflicting a fiery sensation down there (and never the good variety), which might make you suppose you might have a vaginal an infection.
3. Scents
Identical to different areas of the physique can react to issues like fragrances or detergents, so can the vulva, Dr. De-Lin explains. And the pores and skin round your vagina tends to be additional delicate.
Probably the most generalized recommendation is to not use something with a perfume to scrub your vagina (the inner half) or your vulva (the exterior components), Dr. De-Lin says. This may help scale back the possibility of growing contact dermatitis, which manifests as a rash or swelling—often called vaginitis—after coming into contact with one thing you’re delicate or allergic to.
When to see a health care provider: If you happen to’ve stopped utilizing all scented merchandise and also you’ve additionally swapped out your nylon underwear for cotton ones, however you’re nonetheless experiencing burning, one thing else could also be occurring. Think about speaking to your physician about different potential causes of vaginal burning, equivalent to infections and pelvic ground dysfunction (extra on that under).
Pores and skin circumstances
Contact dermatitis isn’t the one pores and skin challenge that may trigger burning down there.
4. Lichen sclerosus
One lesser-known situation is lichen sclerosus, an inflammatory pores and skin dysfunction that may present up as skinny, white, wrinkly patches across the vulva. It will possibly trigger intense itching, ache, and a burning sensation. “Lichen sclerosus, which is believed to be an autoimmune inflammatory situation, can have an effect on the vagina and the vulvar space,” says Dr. Benjamin Brucker, MD, a urogynecologist at NYU Langone Well being in Manhattan. It will possibly additionally crop up round your anus.