I have been suffering with alternating burning or itching for at least 15 years. It started roughly 10 years before menopause.
I initially thought it was pin worms, the sensation started out very light and odd - but it would escalate into a maddening itch.
I've seen dermatologists, gynos and allergists. I was diagnosed with all the things, had a biopsy. There was no treatment except to live with it. (WTH)
I didn’t want to go on oral medication, however, because the sensation would ebb during the day. Sometimes antihistimes will mellow it a bit. Probably just makes me sleepy enough to sleep through a flare.
Any creams or ointments that were prescribed ended up exacerbating the issue, sometimes to the point of chemical burns because I am now allergic to any steroid creams or gels - propylene glycol is in everything. I recommend doing a skin test on the inside of your elbow before putting ANYTHING down there. Let it sit for at least 24 hours, covered by a band aid. If you react at all, don’t use it below.
I have been mostly gluten free for 5 years. I’ve been slowly removing other foods from my diet. Dairy, nightshades, citrus and sugar are the last to go and they all cause different "zones" to flare. Some worse than others. Citric acid is in EVERYTHING.
I'm mostly whole-food diet now.
I’m hoping to work up to a sugar-detox as one person suggested here. Maybe I can heal my gut. I’ve been a huge sugar addict all of my life.
My suggestion is to skip dairy for a week and see if it helps. If not, do another week without any nightshades, then try gluten.
Oh - and get a handheld bidet sprayer to attach to your toilet.
Lifesaver.