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What is Internal Itching?
Internal itching refers to any itch that occurs in a body cavity or body orifice. Unlike a standard itch, which occurs on the skin and is therefore easy to tackle with one’s fingernail, an internal itch can occur in a nasal cavity, the mouth, the anus, or the vagina. It’s therefore harder to alleviate. Plus the causes tend to be more complex.
Internal itching in the nasal cavity or mouth, for instance, is typically associated with an infection, such as a cold, or a simple allergy. There are, however, more than 50 medical conditions known to cause a nasal itch, and more than 160 associated with an oral itch. The most common include allergies, infections, dry skin, bites and stings, chronic diseases, and ulcers. In case an individual is unsure about what caused his itch, the best recommendation is to visit a doctor.
When itching occurs in the anal cavity, it indicates that there’s an inflammation around the skin at the bottom of the rectum. It’s most commonly caused by diarrhea, especially after an individual has developed food poisoning after eating spoiled food or has eaten especially spicy food. It’s also associated with pinworms, hemorrhoids, and the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). There are, in fact, more than 70 listed medical causes. Though food poisoning is the most common reason for itching in the anus, there is a chance it could be an infectious diarrheal illness as well.
Vaginal itching is a form of internal itching wherein a woman experiences irritation in her vagina. It’s traditionally associated with vaginal infections, such as a yeast infection, or a sexually transmitted disease (STD). Chemical irritants, menopause, stress, contraceptives, and pinworms, however, can also cause vaginal itching. Usually, itching in the vagina gets better on its own. If, however, it continues or it disappears and then returns, it’s very likely the woman is suffering from a serious condition.
There are some home treatments for internal itching in the vagina, but they only apply for mild conditions, such as a yeast infection. In general, women should avoid scented douches or toilet paper, wear panties that have no synthetic fibers, and always use a condom. Ideally, though, a woman should avoid any sexual activity while experiencing itching.
In the case the itching was brought on from a severe condition, doctors will typically prescribe either a topical or oral medication. For example, vaginosis and STDs are usually treated with antibiotics, while yeast infections are treated with antifungal creams. Other medicines might include estrogen cream, estrogen tablets, and steroid lotions.
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![An internal itch may occur in the nasal cavity.]()
By: dyomaAn internal itch may occur in the nasal cavity. -
![Allergies may cause internal itching.]()
By: David StuartAllergies may cause internal itching. -
![Bites and stings may cause internal itching.]()
By: Andrea IzzottiBites and stings may cause internal itching. -
![Food poisoning is the most common reason for internal itching in the anus.]()
By: lightwavemediaFood poisoning is the most common reason for internal itching in the anus. -
![Using scented toilet paper may cause internal itching in the vagina.]()
By: Nikola BilicUsing scented toilet paper may cause internal itching in the vagina. -
![Oral contraceptives may cause vaginal itching.]()
By: Kimberly ReinickOral contraceptives may cause vaginal itching. -
![Vaginal rashes may develop as a result of a sexually transmitted disease.]()
By: sumnersgraphicsincVaginal rashes may develop as a result of a sexually transmitted disease.
Discussion Comments
I just got treated for an STI. I took an antibiotic for two weeks and finished it last weekend, but last week I began to experience this internal itching. Of course, I thought it might be thrush, so I went out and bought canistin thrush cream, but the cream hasn't worked and there was no immediate relief whatsoever. Even though it did disappear for a few days, it's back again. Anyone got any ideas? Could it still be thrush even though the cream didn't work? I would appreciate any help at all. Thanks.
I deal with allergies all year long, so I have internal itching in my throat and nose often. The itching in my nose can usually be fixed by blowing it, but getting rid of the throat itch is a bit more troublesome.
It often happens at night. When I lie down, the mucus in my nose drips back into my throat, which begins to tickle. I cough to try to scratch it, but because the flow of mucus is constant, this doesn’t help much.
The best thing I can do is prop my head up with an extra pillow and take an antihistamine. I am already taking one daily that is supposed to last 24 hours, but it isn’t doing enough for me. I have to take an additional 4-hour one at night so that I don’t choke on mucus.
Hemorrhoids caused my anal itching, and it was so uncomfortable. Just sitting down bothered me, and I kept shifting around in my chair at work.
When you are itching up inside like that, the only way to get relief is through a suppository. Because you actually insert it into the itchy region, it comes in contact with the inflamed tissue and works on it.
Using suppositories felt really weird at first, but after I saw how much relief they could give me, I had no problem using them as much as I needed.
@shell4life - I have heard that yogurt is good at preventing yeast infections, but only if you eat it! I’d never heard of inserting it before.
I also haven’t had much luck with OTC creams. One even made my vaginal discomfort worse.
As if the extreme itching from a yeast infection wasn’t bad enough, I developed an allergy to the cream. I inserted it at night, and all throughout the next day, my vagina swelled increasingly. By the end of the day, it was nearly swollen shut.
I went to the emergency room, fearing that I soon would be unable to urinate. The doctor told me I had experienced an allergic reaction. He prescribed me a powder for the itching and some pain pills, but he said that antihistamines and ice packs were the only remedy for the swelling.
I was not happy about having to pay $500 for the ER visit without getting a cure. However, the pain pills did help, and I didn’t notice the itching as much while under their influence. The powder did not cure my yeast infection, and I had to visit another doctor for treatment after the swelling had subsided.
Internal vaginal itching from a yeast infection is the worst! It itches so intensely and continually that it is hard to concentrate on anything else.
I have tried over-the-counter cures for a yeast infection, but they all failed. I even tried a weird home remedy that involved a yogurt-loaded tampon, but it seemed to make things worse.
Every time I have had a yeast infection, I have ended up at the doctor’s office. She gives me a pill that cures it right up, as well as some antifungal cream for the external vulval itching.
One time, I had a urinary tract infection and a yeast infection at the same time. I got the UTI first, and my doctor told me that the antibiotics she had prescribed to treat it had probably caused my yeast infection! So, I had to take two types of medication at once.
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