Vaginal or vulval itching is uncomfortable, embarrassing, and very common. Almost all causes are treatable — many in a single visit. At Mascot Healthcare in Akoka, you see a doctor privately, get tested, and leave with the right treatment the same day. From ₦5,000.
The most common cause of vaginal itching. Candida overgrowth causes intense itching, thick white discharge, redness, and burning. Triggered by antibiotics, diabetes, hormonal changes, or tight clothing.
Antifungal treatment — fast reliefBV is usually associated with discharge and odour rather than severe itching — but it can cause mild irritation and burning. Treated with metronidazole.
Antibiotic treatmentA common, often under-diagnosed STI. Causes intense itching, frothy yellow-green discharge, and burning. Both partners must be treated simultaneously.
STI swab + treatmentSoaps, panty liners, spermicides, tight underwear, or scented products applied to the vulva cause allergic or irritant contact dermatitis — intense itching without discharge.
Remove irritant + topical treatmentA skin condition causing intense vulval itching, white patchy skin, and thinning — more common after menopause but can occur at any age. Requires prescription steroid cream.
Specialist dermatology / gynaecology referralIntense itching especially at night, with visible eggs or rash at the pubic hairline. Both are treatable with topical insecticide.
Topical treatment — both partnersThe most common mistake women make with vaginal itching in Lagos is buying antifungal cream from a pharmacy without a proper diagnosis. If the cause is BV rather than candidiasis — and they can feel identical — antifungal cream will not work and may even worsen BV by further disrupting vaginal pH.
Similarly, if the itching is caused by trichomoniasis (an STI), the only effective treatment is oral metronidazole — a prescription medication. Many women cycle through over-the-counter treatments for months without relief because the correct diagnosis was never made.
A vaginal swab takes 2 minutes, costs very little, and tells you exactly which organism is causing your symptoms — so treatment is targeted and effective from the first visit. At Mascot Healthcare, this is exactly what we do. You leave with the right diagnosis and the right medication, not a guess.
Confidential swab and prescription at Mascot Healthcare, Akoka. By appointment from ₦5,000. Same-day results for most tests.