I'm really worried about my wife. She's been experiencing really bad itching around her urine area and under her thighs for the last four days. Her skin seems super dry, and there's even some light swelling. I'm trying to figure out what's going on. Should we be concerned or is there anything specific we should do?

Dr Dhankecha Dineshbhai

General Practitioner

• MBBS
• 6+ Yrs

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Severe itching, dry skin, and swelling in the genital area can be uncomfortable and concerning.

Possible Causes

1. Urinary Tract Infection (UTI): Bacterial infections can cause itching, burning, and swelling in the genital area.
2. Vaginal Yeast Infection: Fungal infections can lead to itching, redness, and swelling in the vaginal area.
3. Contact Dermatitis: Irritation from soaps, detergents, or other substances can cause itching, redness, and dry skin.
4. Eczema or Atopic Dermatitis: Skin conditions like eczema can cause itching, dryness, and inflammation in the affected area.

Immediate Steps

1. Encourage Your Wife to Practice Good Hygiene: Urinate when needed, wipe from front to back, and avoid using scented soaps or bubble baths.
2. Apply a Topical Cream or Ointment: Over-the-counter (OTC) creams or ointments like hydrocortisone, calamine lotion, or antifungal creams can help soothe the skin and reduce itching.
3. Take an OTC Antihistamine: If the itching is severe, an antihistamine like diphenhydramine (Benadryl) can help relieve itching and reduce the allergic response.

Answered 04/07/2025