I'm only 13 and I'm having it! It can't be any of those causes for me. What I do is put aloe vera on it or moisturizing lotion and make sure I don't touch it at all. It works! Even though you said it was from too much moisture, It can be dry as well. For me, it starts with just itchiness. Try my suggestion.
Ok, hope this helps: in a healthy vagina, the normal flora consists of bacteria and yeast, together they live in harmony. Yeast in naturally produced, and the bacteria eat it, keeping the yeast numbers in check. If there is a rise in either the yeast (a yeast infection,) or the bacteria, (gardnerella,) you will know.
Most likely, at some point, you took antibiotics? Lowering the bacteria levels which lead to yeast growing out of control. If the yeast creams helped, there is a clue, the numbers temporarily lowered, but then came back. You were never "cured." What I suggest is going to, or simply calling if you've been to see them recently, your doctor and asking for stronger treatment. Sometimes they will cover with both a cream and a one time dose of diflucan.
Ladies try this! I have had this problem several times from antibiotics, my old GYN (who is not retired) bummer! Tole me to eat yogurt with live active cultures(has to have live active in it) will say on the side on container. she always said if the outside is really bad rub some on the outside area. I thought she was a a little nuts but it always works wonders. Good luck!
Excuse typos..was in a hurry,is now retired and told
Well, ladies, I may have an answer for some of you.
Right off, at least some of you sound like it could be a yest infection (common name). It can be caused by an imbalance of bacteria around the vagina. When the bacteria are low, the yeast gets out of control. Taking antibiotics, hormonal changes, and even illness (such as diabetes and HIV) can cause this.
You can try an OTC treatment or go to the doctor and s/he can proscribe something that should work. And, at the same time, I recommend testing for STDs and diabetes if you are at risk. Also, as Lalarodeh states, wear cotton underwear (or none) so the area can breathe and dry out (no wet swim suits), cut back on perfumes and such, and keep the area clean.
Otherwise, I would have to see the area to get a better idea of what you are dealing with. There are a few other things it could be, but this would be my first guess since it is the most common.
Look up cytolytic vaginosis. I have the same thing and I've had it for over a year. It's especially bad during ovulation (12-20 days after period). I thought it was yeast at first but using things to kill yeast and acidity the vagina only made it worse. What's happening is there's too much good bacteria (lactobacillus) in the vagina and it's making it too acidic. Hormones can play a factor so that's why ovulation can make it worse. The treatment I found was a baking soda douche. It stings at first (because the skin is sensitive) but I rub pure shea butter on myself after to help protect and heal the skin — it stops the itch too. Remember to drink a lot of water, wear cotton panties, go commando at night, don't use soap down there, and don't use tampons. I use tampons the first day (if I need to work or whatever) but after that just let it flow. Blood is alkaline and will help the acidity. Exercise and avoiding carbs can also help balance the bacteria and hormones simultaneously. *for a lot of you though, it sounds more like candida, so get tested for that first!* I hope this helps!