How to Stop Itching ‘Down There’: 10 Home Remedies for Vaginal Itching
Vaginal itching can be a symptom of many conditions. It could be caused by something like vaginal dryness or chemical irritants, which are found in scented soaps. Itching can be the result of a variety of infections.
There are many home remedies for an itch on a vagina, but you should choose one that works for the itch.
Vaginal itch is often caused by one of the following.
Yeast infection
If you have a vagina, there’s a chance that you’ll get a yeast infection at some point in your life. Other than itching, yeast infections can cause you to have a thick, white, cottage cheese-like discharge.
Bacterial vaginosis
This happens when a certain kind of bacteria overgrows in the vagina, most commonly Gardnerella vaginalis.
Bacterial vaginosis is often accompanied by a fishy odor, burning during urination, and discharge that is gray, white, or green.
Vaginal dryness
This is a symptom of many other conditions. It can cause your vagina to itch. It can cause some problems during sex.
“Water-based lubrication can help with vaginal dryness. If it seems like it’s a problem for you, you can go to your doctor.”
Exposure to irritants
Irritating chemicals in pads, intimate washes, sprays, and more can cause an itchy vagina. It is recommended that you wash your vulvar with water.
If you suspect your pads are making you itch, try a different brand or switch to a menstrual cup.
Skin conditions
Dry skin can cause itching and can affect the skin around your vagina.
STIs
A number of sexually transmitted infections could cause vaginal itching. These include:
- “It’s a sexually transmitted disease, called chlamydia.”
- There are genital warts.
- Gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted disease.
- genital herpes
- There is a disease called trichomoniasis.
- pubic lice.
If you think you have an STD, you should speak with your doctor.
Baking soda bath
Baking soda baths can potentially treat yeast infections as well as certain itchy skin conditions.
According to a 2012 study, baking soda has antifungal effects. A 2014 study found that baking soda killed Candida cells, the same cells that cause yeast infections.
The National Eczema Foundation recommends adding 1/4 cup of baking soda to your bath, or making it into a paste and applying it to your skin to treat eczema.
A
Try this: Baking soda bath
- Allow the baking soda to be dissolved in your bath.
- Take a bath for 10 to 40 minutes.
Greek yogurt
Greek yogurt is a common home remedy for yeast infections.
A yogurt that is good for the vagina. The yeast can be killed by this bacteria.
A
A 2015 study involving 70 non-pregnant women reached the same conclusion: Yogurt and honey was more effective than commercial antifungal cream.
Try this: Greek yogurt
- You can put yogurt in your vagina to calm it.
- You can put a tampon in Greek yogurt.
- “If you try both, wear a pad so the yogurt doesn’t get on your clothes.”
- Greek yogurt has no added flavors or sugar.
Cotton underwear
If you have vaginal or vulvar irritation, cotton underwear is helpful. Cotton underwear is very soft, which can help reduce itchy skin conditions.
The cotton underwear that is 100 percent cotton might prevent yeast infections.
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Apple cider vinegar bath
If you are looking for a cure for vaginal itching, apple cider vinegar is a good choice.
Adding apple cider vinegar to your bath can soothe a yeast infection, according to many people. It is a common home remedy for itchy skin.
There is little evidence to support this claim. It is a cheap remedy that has no known side effects.
Try this: Apple cider vinegar bath
- Add a half cup of apple cider to your bath water.
- Take a bath for 10 to 40 minutes.
Probiotic supplements
The good bacteria in your vagina can be increased by the good bacteria in your gut.
You can find supplements for the beneficial flora at your local drugstore, health store or online. These help the growth of good bacteria in your vagina and gut.
These can be used as a preventative measure. Your doctor may recommend taking a strain of flora.
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Coconut oil
A 2016 study demonstrated that coconut oil can kill Candida albicans, which causes yeast infections. However, this study was done in a lab, and there’s not enough evidence to confirm whether it works in humans.
Try this: Coconut oil
- You can put coconut oil in your vagina.
- It is important to use high quality coconut oil.
- If you try this, wear a pad as it could stain your clothing.
Antifungal cream
There are many over-the-counter antifungal creams that can help you with a yeast infection. They kill off the yeast that causes the itch. Vaginal suppositories can be inserted into the vagina.
If you use an antifungal cream, it is best to wear a pantyliner.
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Cortisone cream
If you have an itch after shaving pubic hair, you should use cortisone cream. This can be used to treat a number of skin conditions. It reduces the itch.
If pubic hair grows, cortisone cream can be applied to the skin outside of your vagina.
Probiotic foods
Eating food with a high amount of probiotics can promote the growth of healthy bacteria in your vagina and gut. This is important for your health.
There are foods that are good for the body.
- yogurt
- There is a food called kombucha.
- “It’s called kimchi.”
- sauerkraut
- Is that a word?
If you have a yeast infection, eating the above foods can help.
Hygiene
Good vaginal hygiene can help soothe an itch.
Sometimes, less is more when it comes to washing your vagina and vulva. Your vagina cleans itself, so all you need to do is wash the outside of your vagina — your vulva — with some warm water.
Do not use scented soaps. You should avoid products that are marketed as feminine hygiene. If your doctor prescribes vaginal douching, it should only be done.
Over- washing your vagina can cause itching. There arealleges and infections that can be caused by soaps and scents.
If you have certain symptoms, you might have to see a doctor. These symptoms can be seen.
- burning during sex or urination
- There is pain in the genital area.
- There is redness or swelling to the genitals.
- There are blisters or strange spots on your vagina.
- unusual vaginal discharge, especially discharge that is green, yellow, or gray
- discharge that looks frothy or cottage cheese-like
- A foul smell.
Typically, your doctor will ask about your symptoms and take a look at your medical history. They might perform a pelvic exam, which involves examining your vulva and vagina.
If you don’t already have an OB-GYN, the Healthline FindCare tool can help you connect to physicians in your area.
There is a lot of unreliable information on the internet when it comes to vaginal itch. Some remedies are worse than others. You should always avoid these three.
Douches and feminine hygiene sprays
Many feminine hygiene sprays contain ingredients that can cause irritation and inflammation of the vagina and genital area.
Doctors recommend that you do not douche. The vaginal flora and natural acidity can be changed by doing so.
Scented clothing detergents
“Synthetic ingredients and perfumes are common causes of genital itching. Look at the ingredients in your soap. If it has ingredients you don’t know, then you should not be associated with that brand.”
A good resource is the Environmental Working Group, which lists allergens and other chemicals in specific brands of soap (among many other consumer products).
Talcum powder
It was once thought that talcum powder was a wonder product for its ability to keep you dry in hard-to-reach places.
It was used to diaper babies and for vaginal itch. After years of use, it was discovered to have a link to ovarian cancer, as
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Can you put itching cream on your vagina?
You should not put itching cream in your vagina. The skin on this part of the body is sensitive and can cause inflammation.
You can, however, use these creams on the outside of the genital area for relief.
Can you put Vaseline on your vagina to stop itching?
No. Vaseline, or petroleum jelly, is an oil-based ointment. There have been some studies that link Vaseline with an increased risk of vaginal health issues, such as bacterial vaginosis.
How can you stop itching down there at night?
Vaginal itching may seem worse at night because there are fewer things to do. Take a bath and then change into cotton clothing. If you are taking over-the-counter medication, know that it can make your symptoms worse.
Scratching the area, or excessive bathing might make itching worse, according to a
Greek yogurt is one of the best home remedies for an itchy vagina. Some remedies may work better than others. Douching and using talcum powder are not good ways to wash your face.
If you have any unusual or unexplained symptoms, or if you are wondering how to stop vaginal itching, you should see your doctor.
