My wife has been experiencing severe itching around her urinary area and under her thighs for the past 4 days. Her skin is also dry, and there's some light swelling visible. Can you suggest what might be causing this and how to treat it?
Severe itching, dry skin, and swelling in the genital area can be uncomfortable and concerning.Possible Causes1. 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 Steps1. 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.