Itchy vaginal area?

My wife recently (past 3 weeks) has a very itchy vaginal area mainly in the area where the vulva meet the skin.
She has tried thrush treatment but this has no effect, there is no discharge.The only thing I can see is the vulva area seems a little swelled and red but this could be from the scratching!
Any GOOD advice is welcome

This has never been a problem in the past and I have read that this can be a sign of cancer of the vulva

she has had treatment for thrush so it cannot be that, we have not changed the soaps we use etc so that has been ruled out

mallary21 has hit the nail on the head....

Vaginitis is an inflammation of the vaginal mucosa and often associated with an irritation or infection of the vulva leading to vulvovaginitis. It is a common problem.

A woman with this condition may have itching or burning and may notice a discharge. In general, these are symptoms of vaginitis:

Irritation and/or itching of the genital area
inflammation (irritation, redness, and swelling caused by the presence of extra immune cells) of the labia majora, labia minora, or perineal area
vaginal discharge
foul vaginal odor
discomfort or burning when urinating
pain/irritation with sexual intercourse

Causes
Vulvovaginitis can affect women of all ages and is very common. Specific forms of vaginitis are:

Infection
Infectious vaginitis accounts for 90% of all cases in reproductive age women and is represented by the triad:

Candidiasis: vaginitis caused by Candida albicans (a yeast),
Trichomoniasis: vaginitis caused by Trichomonas vaginalis (a protozoan),
Bacterial vaginosis: vaginitis caused by Gardnerella (a bacterium).
Other less common infections are caused by gonorrhea, chlamydia, mycoplasma, herpes, campylobacter and some parasites.

Hormonal
Hormonal vaginitis includes atrophic vaginitis usually found in postmenopausal or postpartum women. Sometimes it can occur in young girls before puberty. In these situations the estrogen support of the vagina is poor.

Irritation/allergy
Irritant vaginitis can be caused by allergies to condoms, spermicides, soaps, perfumes, douches, lubricants and semen. It can also be caused by hot tubs, abrasion, tissue, tampons or topical medications

I don't think it is Cancer, but tell her she should see her doctor. it could be an infection

There is no cancer as all. You have a yeast infection. Check your doctor for your Yeast Infection. Your doctor will take care for you. It's will goes away after treatment.

it could be as simple as dryness. Maybe try some of the lubricating creams that they make. They are in the feminine hygiene section, and are fairly reasonable. (at any grocery store, or pharmacy)

sounds uncomfortable! this could happen if you change your laundry soap/dryer sheets, body wash, clothing or even razor burn. if you've changed anything in the last 3 weeks, it would probably have something to do with it.

Itching can mean infection .Has she changed soaps or bought new underwear and didn't wash them . There is a new kit out , i believe that it is by monistat that can check for infections and other problems . I know that they also make feminine wipes with aloe and that really can help with itchiness. I hope all goes well .

She has vaginitis.
Inflammation of the vagina.

Go to a Dermatologist...

go to GP, arrange to see a gynaeologist, but at the doctors ask the nurse there for her to have bloods taken and a smear test, if not thrush, diabetics itch in that area,
what does she use in bath? could be allergy to perfume bath products, i use salt in hot water, unperfumed soaps.

it could be yeast also she might need to go to the doctor or just try some monistat or vagisil itch cream if the itching persist then i suggest she go to the doctor and let them know everything she has tried and try to get some answers

try canastan cream its good