Features

• Vaginitis is characterized as swollen, red, or itchy areas within or around the vaginal area. Symptoms may include itching, redness, swelling, a bad-smelling vaginal odor, burning during urination, irritation during sexual intercourse, and unusual or excessive vaginal discharge. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, get tested for sexually transmitted infections immediately.
  
  

Types

• Once you have been tested and cleared for sexually transmitted infections, ask your doctor to test you for other illnesses with these characteristics such as yeast infections, kidney infections and foreign bodies that may be stuck inside the vagina, like a condom or tampon. This will help you to narrow down any serious maladies.
  
  

Identification

• If you have recently changed soaps or vaginal lubrication, or have changed to scented tampons, you may be experiencing vaginal irritation from this switch. The best cleansers for vaginal areas are those that are specially designed for it such as Summer's Eve or non-scented options like Dove Unscented Soap. You may also want to try a hypoallergenic soap like Dial Hypoallergenic Soap. These soaps are available online or may be special-ordered from your local drugstore.
  
  

Benefits

• Using a glycerin-free, hypoallergenic and unscented soap is your best bet to curb vaginal irritation, whether or not the soap was originally the cause. Gently wash your vaginal area gently in the shower, making sure to thoroughly wash around the vaginal folds but avoiding using soap internally. Wash your vaginal area thoroughly in order to prevent further infection or irritation. If you do not experience a change in one week, see the doctor for a prescription soap and antibiotics.
  
  

Warning

• If you have itchy, red skin around or inside the vaginal area, you may not have a soap irritation or allergy. You may have a potentially harmful sexually transmitted infection. Always see a doctor first to make sure you do not have a more serious illness. If vaginal irritation still occurs after switching to hypoallergenic and unscented soap, see a doctor immediately and request more tests in order to find a correct diagnosis.