There is always an uncomfortable and embarrassing situation associated with vaginal itching. One of the most important concerns is finding out what causes vaginal itching. What do you think? What can be a reason for vaginal itching? Does the itching come from a yeast infection or your new soap? Understanding the cause of vaginal itching is the first step to getting relief. Certain conditions of vaginal itching demand an appointment with your doctor to recover properly.
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However, some homemade remedies can alleviate vaginal itching without requiring a time-consuming, prolonged clinical procedure. To avoid complications, it is nevertheless strongly advised to consult your physician while dealing with vaginal conditions. You will learn the following from this post:
- Meaning of vaginal itching
- Causes of vaginal itching
- Symptoms of vaginal itching
- Home remedies for vaginal itching
What is Vaginal Itching?
Itching or vaginal purities are recurrent irritations of the vaginal and vulva that can occur due to many medical disorders. It can occur due to dryness or irritant available in clothing or soap. Vaginitis, yeast infection, or bacterial vaginosis also causes vaginal discharge.
There are several home remedies for vaginal itching to relieve your symptoms, but opting for an effective remedy depends on the real cause of your discomfort. Internal itching, for instance, indicates a yeast infection, while external itching indicates skin problems.
Finding out the main cause of vaginal itching is always crucial to get effective recovery from vaginal itching. It is also important to monitor any worsening of your symptoms or changes. Vaginal itchiness can cause serious problems if left untreated. However, using protracted therapeutic treatments to recover from vaginal itching can be stressful. Numerous natural remedies for this issue can stop vaginal itching at home without causing negative effects.
The following are also potential causes of vaginal itching:
- Irritants such as sanitary pads or underwear
- Prolonged contact with workout gear or wet swimsuits
- Insufficient hygiene
- Contact dermatitis
- Infection
- Hormonal changes
Your doctor can identify the cause of vaginal itching through a lab test, symptoms analysis, and a physical examination. In addition, your doctor may recommend that you consider lifestyle changes or medication depending on the condition’s cause.
Causes of Vaginal Itching
The most common question people ask is, why does my vagina itch? A variety of factors can cause vaginal itching. Let’s look at the most common causes of vaginal itching.
Bacterial Vaginosis
An excess of harmful bacteria causes a kind of vaginitis called bacterial vaginosis (BV). It coincides with a decline in the bacteria responsible for maintaining a balanced environment in the vagina.
The condition often occurs in women between the ages of 15 to 44. African American women have twice the chance of having BV as Caucasian women. Other factors that can make you develop BV include the following:
- Having an intrauterine device (IUD)
- Pregnancy
- Not using dental dams or condoms during sexual engagement
- Multiple sex partners
- Douching
Although bacterial vaginosis is more often transmitted during sexual intercourse, it can also infect women not engaged in such activity. And vaginal itching is a common symptom among all patients, regardless of what is causing their bacterial vaginosis.
Contact Dermatitis
Contact dermatitis is another medical condition that irritates the skin due to exposure to certain products or compounds. You may experience vaginal itching if you continually expose your vagina to the following:
- Douches and other feminine products
- Certain body soaps
- Laundry detergents
- Fabric softener
- Scented toilet paper
- Scented sanitary pads
- Vaginal creams
- Vaginal lotions
Sexually Transmitted Disease
Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are often passed from person to person through sexual contact. However, it’s also possible to get an STD by kissing or other kinds of body contact. In addition, STDs can have symptoms of vaginal itchings, such as:
- Genital warts – These are caused by contracting human papillomavirus (HPV). It can result in symptoms like skin warts, including itching around the vagina. You can also contract HPV through oral sex.
- Herpes – This is a viral infection that can result in blisters and sores in the areas of the genitalia. Herpes can also spread to other areas of the body, such as the brain and eyes. In addition, recurrent vaginal itching can indicate herpes infection.
- Gonorrhea – This is a bacterial infection that can seriously damage a woman’s reproductive organs. This infection is caused by the Neisseria gonorrhoeae bacteria and is typically passed via some form of sexual interaction. You can also get gonorrhea by coming in contact with bodily fluids that contain the virus.
- Chlamydia – This infection can be passed from person to person through sexual relationships. While conditions usually do not result in visible symptoms, women can experience vaginal itching due to Chlamydia infection.
- Pubic lice – They are often referred to as crabs, and they can get into the hair of the genital area. This organism can also be transmitted by using objects infected with pubic lice, such as towels, bedding, or clothing. Pubic lice can spread to and dominate other areas of the body, such as the eyelashes. Along with vaginal itching, the appearance of bite marks around the genital area is also a symptom of pubic lice.
Skin Ailments
Some skin diseases, such as eczema and psoriasis, can make the vaginal area red and itchy. When rashes appear in these conditions, they may spread to the vulva and cause vaginal irritation.
Yeast Infection
Yeast naturally lives in the vagina. A yeast infection occurs when the yeast grows out of proportion. Candida albicans typically cause it. However, several Candida species can be a cause of yeast infection.
Yeast infections usually trigger:
- Abnormal discharge
- Vaginal burning and vaginal Itching
Menopause
The hormonal fluctuation occurring during menopause can also be a reason for vaginal itching. The estrogen level is particularly declined during menopause. It causes the vulva and vaginal tissue to become thinner and drier, leading to vaginal itching.
Vulvar cancer
Itching in the vaginal can be a sign of vulvar cancer. Vaginal irritation caused by vulvar cancer is uncommon and difficult to cure or recover from. On certain vulva locations, it might also result in skin changes like thickness or discoloration.
Hormones
Hormonal changes can trigger vaginal itching during the following:
- Pregnancy
- Menopause
- The menstrual cycle
- Perimenopause
Low estrogen levels can result in dry, itchy vaginal skin. In some cases, a significant estrogen drop can trigger vaginal atrophy. That includes itching, burning, and dryness.
Other Factors
Other factors that can influence the environment in the vagina that causes itching and other related symptoms include:
- Having a foreign body embedded in the vaginal
- Taking antibiotics
- Douching frequently
- Diabetes
- Pregnancy
- An imbalance in the vaginal pH
- Not maintaining good hygiene
Symptoms of Vaginal Itching
Vaginal itching may come with other symptoms, such as:
- Painful intercourse
- Vaginitis, or inflammation of the vagina
- Burning sensation
- A strange odor coming out of the vagina
- Dryness in the vagina
- Vaginal discharge
The severity of the symptoms that come with vaginal itching can vary according to the underlying cause. You may have to visit your doctor if your symptoms do not improve within a few weeks.
Home Remedies for Vaginal Itching As Per Causes
How to stop vaginal itching through homemade remedies? Because several factors can contribute to vaginal itching, it is hard to find general home remedies for the condition. Therefore, the best way to deal with this condition is to address the individual factors leading to vaginal itching and provide home remedies for each of those factors. Let’s find out how to get rid of vaginal itching through homemade remedies.
Natural Remedies for Yeast Infections
You can treat yeast infections at home. You can decide to opt for over-the-counter antifungal products or home remedies. The symptoms of yeast infections are closely similar to those of other conditions, such as some STDs.
Probiotics: Yeast and vaginal bacteria keep each other in check. But sometimes, the population of the bacteria drops. Then yeast grows out of control. Probiotics are food for bacteria. The probiotics can increase the number of bacteria and get things back in balance. You can derive probiotics from supplements or yogurt. If you try yogurt, opt for the one that’s low in sugar, such as Greek yogurt.
Boric Acid: The boric acid powder may be able to cure yeast infections. More research is required to be sure about this claim, and not enough is known about its long-term safety. Do not use it to treat recurring conditions without letting your healthcare provider know. Boric acid is toxic in large amounts. Only use it as vaginal suppositories or topically to maintain a low level.
Baking Soda Baths: A baking soda bath for vaginal itching is also effective. A study suggests that baking soda can kill Candida, but no one yet knows if it can also do that in the body. To make a baking soda bath, add the baking soda to between a quarter cup and 2 cups of warm water, then lie back and relax.
Home Remedies For Hormone-Related Itching
It’s impossible to control your hormones, but you can have options to reduce the itch from hormonal shifts. They include:
Cool Compress: Use cool water to dampen a clean washcloth and place it over your vulva (the outer genitalia).
Colloidal Oatmeal Bath: The colloidal oatmeal powder may reduce skin inflammation. That can help reduce irritation and itching. Just dissolve oatmeal in a warm bath and soak yourself in it for about 20 minutes.
Home Remedies For Chemical Irritants
Home remedies for itching as a result of chemicals include the following:
Avoidance: Not using a certain irritant product should solve the itching problem. Use cotton underwear. Cotton is a breathable material. Therefore, it can effectively reduce irritation.
Taking a Colloidal Oatmeal Bath: The anti-inflammatory properties of oatmeal baths may help reduce vaginal itching.
Home Remedies For Vaginal Itching from Skin Conditions
You can relieve the itch resulting from eczema or psoriasis with the following:
Aloe Vera Cream: Aloe vera has been known to soothe itching from various ailments. Apply this vaginal itching cream to the vulva and inside the vagina.
Coconut Oil: Coconut oil for vaginal itching is best when caused by eczema. Research has found that topical coconut oil works more effectively than mineral oil.
Home Remedies For Bacterial Vaginosis
You may require prescription medication for vaginal vaginosis. However, home remedies may help relieve the symptoms. Yogurt and probiotics may be excellent remedies. Some trials have indicated that probiotics are effective, but systematic reviews have not determined enough evidence to support that theory.
Other home remedies include:
Apple Cider Vinegar: Apple cider vinegar for vaginal itching is effective because of its antimicrobial properties, which kill bacteria and relieve itching.
Raw Honey Ointment: Honey is one of the best ointments for vaginal itching. The antibacterial properties of honey have been shown to help relieve vaginal itching and even treat bacterial vaginosis.
Baking Soda or Colloidal Oatmeal Baths: A warm bath with colloidal oatmeal or baking soda has been shown to reduce itching. However, do not apply baking soda to a cut or an open sore.
Topical Greek Yogurt: Greek yogurt can introduce good bacteria to the vagina, especially when vaginal bacteria are not enough. Use Greek yogurt alone, with vaginal cream, or with honey.
Garlic Tablets: The antibacterial properties of garlic make it effective against bacterial vaginosis. Taking it in the form of tablets ensures that you are getting enough.
Home Remedies For Itching from Vulva Cancer
A good healthcare provider should treat vulva cancer. However, you can still soothe itching with the following:
- Topical coconut oil
- An oatmeal bath
- A cold compress
Ensure that your healthcare provider knows any home treatment for vaginal itching.
Final Thoughts
Many conditions can be the cause of vaginal itching. Prescription medications can treat some, while you may only need natural remedies to get relief from some. Consult your healthcare provider for a proper diagnosis before attempting to treat any itching of the vagina.
Home remedies for vaginal itching can make you more comfortable while the condition resolves on its own or during treatment. When you notice symptoms like changes in the discharge or skin, pain, swelling, blistering, bleeding, or a persistent itch, consult your healthcare provider as soon as possible.
Post Disclaimer
The information contained in this post "6 Highly-effective Home Remedies For Vaginal Itching" is for educational purposes only. Always consult your primary care doctor before using the remedies that are provided. The information is provided by The Hidden Cures and while we do timely, in-depth research on the information that we provide to you, everything stated may not be up to date or accurate from the time it was written.