6 Highly-effective Home Remedies For Vaginal Itching

Vaginal itching can be both embarrassing and irritating. Even figuring out the cause can be difficult. Does the itching come from a yeast infection or your new soap? To eliminate the issue of vaginal itching, you have to first understand the cause. That may require a trip to the office of your healthcare provider. However, it is possible to ease the itching with home remedies for vaginal itching.

The itchiness of the vagina can arise for several reasons. While some home remedies to stop vaginal itching may help relieve the condition, it is crucial to first seek medical advice concerning it.

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?

Vaginal itching, also called vaginal purities, is a medical condition that various other conditions can cause. For example, itching can occur due to dryness or irritant available in clothing or soap. It can also result from vaginitis – a sexually transmitted infection, yeast infection, or bacterial vaginosis.

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. For example, internal discomfort may indicate a yeast infection, but external discomfort tends to point to a skin condition.

Considering the source of your discomfort is very crucial when you seek medical attention. It is also important to monitor any worsening of your symptoms or changes. The fantastic news is that several remedies can help you find relief.

Pruritus is a common term known as persistent itching. Many people experience vaginal pruritus, which is characterized by the consistent itching of the vagina and vulva. Symptoms include irritation, dryness, and itchiness.

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, analysis of symptoms, and a physical examination. In addition, your doctor may recommend that you consider lifestyle changes or medication depending on the cause of the condition.

Causes of Vaginal Itching

Age may be one of the significant factors that contribute to vaginal itching. Below are some common reasons behind vaginal itching:

Bacterial Vaginosis

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a kind of vaginitis produced by an overproduction of harmful bacteria. It occurs at the same time as a decrease in the bacteria that maintains a healthy balance in the vaginal environment.

The condition often occurs in women between the ages of 15 to 44. African American women have twice as much 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

While bacterial vaginosis can be passed through sexual activity, the condition can also affect women that are not sexually active. Vaginal itching may be one of the symptoms experienced by women with BV experience.

Contact Dermatitis

Contact dermatitis is another medical condition that makes the skin become irritated 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

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 genital. 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 – this is often referred to as crabs, and it 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.

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

Factors that can contribute to the vaginal environment that result in 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

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

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. Here are they:

1. 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
• Burning
• Itching

Natural Remedies for Yeast Infections

You can treat yeast infections in the home. You can decide to opt for over-the-counter antifungal products or home remedies. The symptoms of yeast infections have a close similarity with 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 may also be 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.

2. Hormones

Hormonal changes can trigger vaginal itching during:

• 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.

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.

3. Chemical Irritation

Some chemicals irritate the tissues of the vagina, and those chemicals may result in itching of the vagina. Possible irritants include the following:

• Feminine sprays
• Douches
• Bubble baths
• Bath salts
• Body washes
• Soap
• Laundry detergents

Some people develop allergies to these products. In addition, using them may trigger rashes and itching all over.

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.

• Wearing 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.

 

4. Skin Conditions

Skin diseases like psoriasis or eczema sometimes trigger vaginal itching. They are more common in other parts of the body though. Eczema is a red, scaly rash. It’s most common on the ankles, wrists, neck, knees, or elbows. Psoriasis also causes a scaly, red rash. It’s common on the palms, face, scalp, soles, legs, knees, elbows, and lower back.

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 it to the vulva and inside the vagina.

• Coconut Oil

Coconut oil may be excellent for treating eczema. Research has found that topical coconut oil works more effectively than mineral oil.

 

5. Bacterial Vaginosis

Harmful bacteria thrive when there are not enough good bacteria in the vagina. That bacterial imbalance can trigger bacterial vaginosis. The symptoms of bacterial vaginosis include the following:

• Burning during urination
• A fish-like, strong odor
• Gray or white discharge
• Vaginal itching

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:

• Raw Honey Ointment

The antibacterial properties contained in 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.

 

6. Vulva Cancer

Even though it is rare, vulva cancer can also be responsible for vaginal itching. It may also result from a more common condition known as lichen sclerosis, which can be a precursor to vulva cancer. Therefore, it is crucial to seek medical attention for vaginal itching that refuses to go away.

The itching from vulva cancer is often alongside symptoms like:

• The skin becoming whiter and redder
• Bleeding that won’t stop
• Burning

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 is aware of 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 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.