Sichu Zhiyang Gao for Genital and Perineal Itching

A few days ago I published an article titled "Experience Using Pifang Xuedu Wan for Vaginal and Anal Itching," after which many readers contacted me—some asking about medication, others sharing their own experience treating genital itching. One reader told me about a Japanese Kampo product called "Sichu Zhiyang Gao" (Genital Itch-Stopping Cream, available on JD and Taobao), saying she had used it with excellent results and hoping I would write about this treatment.

Sichu Zhiyang Gao is an external plaster made by the Japanese from a TCM formula for itching of the anus, vagina, and scrotum. Its main ingredients are Kushen (Sophora flavescens root), Shechuangzi (Cnidium fruit), Dujiao lian (Typhonium giganteum rhizome), and Baixianpi (Dictamnus bark)—all classic TCM herbs for skin pruritus. Japanese pharmacological research shows the cream inhibits Staphylococcus aureus, Candida albicans, and Escherichia coli. There are many causes of genital itching; symptomatic Chinese and Western medicines both have advantages, but the effective range of Chinese medicine is broader.

External medicines are safer than oral ones. Although Pifang Xuedu Wan has some efficacy, herbs it contains, such as Cang'erzi (Xanthium fruit), are toxic and can damage liver and kidney function; patients with liver disease or those undergoing other treatments with liver-injuring side effects should avoid it. For such patients, external medication is preferable.

Itching of the anus and other private parts is a common condition; the germs that cause anal itching are ones we encounter in daily life. After treatment, maintain good personal hygiene to avoid recurrence. During treatment, avoid spicy food, seafood, milk, freshwater fish/shrimp/crab, beef and mutton, and greasy or grilled foods.