How can I relieve ‘down there’ itching?

Q: I recently took a chance on a bargain brand of laundry detergent. I thought everything was fine, but then I started noticing some itching and burning outside my vagina (but not inside) after wearing clothes washed in the new detergent. What’s happening?

A: It sounds like you may be experiencing vulvitis, which is an inf lammation of the vulva (the soft folds of skin outside the vagina) that can occur as a reaction to an irritant. In your case, as you suspect, it’s likely one or more ingredients in your new laundry detergent that are causing the problem. Along with the itching and burning, you may also notice swelling or unusual vaginal discharge. The good news? Vulvitis is fairly easily managed.

The first step is to switch back to your old detergent or try a different one designed for sensitive skin (such as All Free Clear) that doesn’t contain irritating perfumes or dyes. Next, rewash your clothes to remove any residue from the offending brand.

Then to ease any lingering symptoms, gently apply pure, fragrance-free aloe vera gel to the area. According to German investigators, aloe works as effectively as prescription and over-the-counter steroid creams like hydrocortisone to stop itching—without the risk of side effects such as thinning skin or further irritation.

Applying a cool compress to the area (a washcloth dipped in cold water will do the trick) can also help provide instant relief from itching. But if your symptoms don’t go away once you’ve switched detergents and tried these remedies, I suggest reaching out to your gynecologist about other treatment options. She can also rule out any other possible causes of the symptoms, such as infection.