The vagina hosts a variety of bacteria to help it stay clean and healthy. Because the vagina is exposed to the outside environment and is influenced by the body’s internal environment, there are a number of conditions that may occur and cause irritation. If you are experiencing vaginal burning, itching, pain, or an abnormal odor or discharge, talk to a doctor to find the exact cause and treatment to get relief. [1] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source
Steps
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Know what conditions cause vaginal burning. Various conditions can cause infection or inflammation in your vagina. Some of these conditions are serious, while others are minor. The following conditions may cause burning, itching, or irritation: [2] X Trustworthy Source American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists Professional association of OB/GYNs focused on education and public outreat initiatives Go to source
- Vaginitis (or inflammation of the vagina). Vaginitis is often accompanied by symptoms of burning, itching, and discharge, or a strong odor. It is commonly caused by yeast or bacterial infections. [3] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source
- Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) like gonorrhea, chlamydia, and trichomoniasis [4] X Trustworthy Source American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists Professional association of OB/GYNs focused on education and public outreat initiatives Go to source
- Bacterial vaginosis (BV) [5] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source
- Yeast infections (caused by the fungus candida) [6] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source
- Genital warts caused by human papillomavirus (HPV) [7] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health Go to source
- Genital herpes caused by herpes simplex virus [8] X Research source
- Vulval cancer [9] X Research source
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Diagnose vaginal burning. Vaginal burning is commonly caused by infections, irritation from a tampon or douching, using vaginal hygiene products, diabetes, urinary tract infections, and by normal changes in hormonal levels. Determine if your vaginal burning may be from tampon usage, a recent douching, or use of other vaginal hygiene products. [10] X Research source
- If you think the cause may be medical, the specific cause can be determined by a pelvic exam, microscopic examination of any vaginal discharge and vaginal swabs, taking a culture of vaginal organisms to determine the cause of an infection, or taking a Pap smear. [11] X Research source
- In rarer cases, you may need a colposcopy to closely examine the vaginal walls or cervix, or a vaginal biopsy. [12] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source
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Treat a yeast infection with over-the-counter meds. If you have previously had a vaginal yeast infection and are certain that what you are experiencing is another yeast infection, you can use over-the-counter treatments that are available in most drug stores to treat the yeast infection. [13] X Trustworthy Source US Office on Women's Health U.S. government agency providing resources for women's health Go to source
- If there is no relief within 3-5 days, make an appointment with your doctor or OB/GYN. Some untreated infections can cause serious consequences, including pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) and sterility. [14] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source
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Visit your doctor. Any vaginal burning that you don’t think is just a yeast infection should be evaluated by a physician. Your doctor can give you an exam to determine what is causing the burning and catch issues that may develop into more serious conditions if left untreated. [15] X Trustworthy Source MedlinePlus Collection of medical information sourced from the US National Library of Medicine Go to source
- Vaginal bacterial infections can be treated medically with either topical or oral antimicrobials. Usually, one round of antibiotics, taken up to 7 days, treats the infection. [16] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source
- Yeast infections can be treated with prescription oral antifungal medication if over-the-counter treatments don’t work. [17] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source
- Trichomoniasis is always treated with oral medication. [18] X Trustworthy Source National Health Service (UK) Public healthcare system of the UK Go to source
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Use good vaginal hygiene. Keeping your vaginal area clean can help reduce any burning or itching sensations. Practicing good hygiene and safe sex are key. [19] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source
- Never douche (clean inside your vagina). Your vagina contains both beneficial and harmful bacteria, carefully balanced to create an ideal, acidic environment. When you douche, this balance is disrupted and can lead to an overgrowth of the bad bacteria. This can lead to a yeast infection or bacterial vaginosis and can push an infection deeper into your body where it can cause more harm. [20] X Trustworthy Source US Office on Women's Health U.S. government agency providing resources for women's health Go to source
- You do not need any special products, like hygiene sprays or perfumes, to clean your vagina. [21] X Research source The mucus made by your vagina naturally cleans blood, semen, and vaginal discharge. [22] X Trustworthy Source US Office on Women's Health U.S. government agency providing resources for women's health Go to source Just using warm water is enough to clean your vagina.
- After using the toilet, always wipe yourself from front to back. This prevents bacteria from fecal matter from getting in your vagina. [23] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source
- Avoid using scented tampons, pads, powders, and sprays. In addition, consider using natural or fragrance-free detergents to launder your clothes. [24] X Research source
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Switch your menstrual product. Scented tampons and sanitary pads can irritate your vagina and lead to an allergic reaction. [25] X Research source Both pads and tampons may cause contact dermatitis of the vulva, which causes burning, irritation, and itching. [26] X Research source
- If you use tampons and believe this may be the cause of your burning, start using sanitary pads instead. [27] X Trustworthy Source National Health Service (UK) Public healthcare system of the UK Go to source
- Opt for “cotton-only” pads and tampons, and be sure to change them regularly throughout the day. [28] X Trustworthy Source Go Ask Alice Medical advice site with content written by health promotion specialists affiliated with Columbia University Go to source
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Wear cotton underwear. If you have any kind of vaginal or vulvar discomfort, switch to 100% cotton underwear, which lets air in and moisture out. [29] X Research source Try to avoid synthetic materials, like nylon and spandex, because they can create a breeding ground for bacteria. Change your underwear every day. [30] X Research source
- Avoid wearing tight clothing. [31] X Research source
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Try a cold compress. A simple approach to help reduce vaginal burning is applying a cold compress. A cold compress (wrapped in a cloth) can help ease vaginal itching and discomfort. [32] X Research source
- Wrap a cold compress or gel pack in a towel, then place it on your vulva for 15 minutes at a time. [33] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source
- Alternatively, make your own cold pack by adding ice in a plastic bag and wrapping it in a clean cloth. [34] X Research source
Using Herbal Remedies to Treat Bacterial or Fungal Infections
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Eat yogurt. Some studies suggest that eating yogurt with live cultures (or taking Lactobacillus acidophilus tablets) may prevent or treat a yeast infection. Yogurt contains probiotics, which can kill harmful bacteria and encourage the growth of good bacteria. Eat 8 oz (236.8 g) of yogurt daily. [35] X Trustworthy Source US Office on Women's Health U.S. government agency providing resources for women's health Go to source
- Do not insert yogurt into your vagina. While this was once a recommended home remedy, this has not been shown to have any effect on treating a yeast infection. [36] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source
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Use tea tree oil. Studies show that tea tree oil is antimicrobial and antifungal, and it may treat certain yeast infection strains. [37] X Trustworthy Source Science Direct Online archive of peer-reviewed research on scientific, technical and medical topics Go to source You can mix 2-3 drops of tea tree oil with 5 mL (1 tsp) of a carrier oil, then apply the solution on a tampon and insert it into your vagina. However, some people can be sensitive to tea tree oil, so talk to your doctor before trying this home remedy. [38] X Research source
- Do not apply pure tea tree oil directly to your vagina. It must be diluted with a carrier oil, like cold-pressed vegetable oil, sweet almond oil, or oil of evening primrose. [39] X Trustworthy Source Science Direct Online archive of peer-reviewed research on scientific, technical and medical topics Go to source
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Try garlic. Some studies show that garlic has antimicrobial properties, which may prevent the growth of candida albicans (the specific fungus that often causes yeast infections). [40] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health Go to source You can either take garlic supplements or apply a garlic-thyme cream directly to the vaginal area. However, research is inconclusive when it comes to the effectiveness of garlic so it’s best to talk to a doctor to find the right treatment for you. [41] X Research source
- Do not insert garlic into your vagina. This is another popular home remedy that has no proven benefit, and it may increase your risk of burning and irritation. [42] X Research source
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Use oregano oil. Oil of oregano is a common alternative treatment used in folk medicine. It has been shown to have antibacterial and antifungal properties, which may help relieve burning due to a bacterial or fungal infection. [43] X Research source With that being said, there is limited scientific evidence to support its use so talk to your doctor before trying it.
Expert Q&A
Tips
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Thanks
- Avoid sex for a week while treating any vaginal infection. [47] X Trustworthy Source American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists Professional association of OB/GYNs focused on education and public outreat initiatives Go to sourceThanks
References
- ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9131-vaginitis
- ↑ https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/disorders-of-the-vulva-common-causes-of-vulvar-pain-burning-and-itching
- ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9131-vaginitis
- ↑ https://www.acog.org/womens-health/experts-and-stories/the-latest/think-you-have-a-vaginal-infection-heres-what-you-need-to-know
- ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9131-vaginitis
- ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9131-vaginitis
- ↑ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/2845706/
- ↑ https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/sexual-and-reproductive/genital-herpes/
- ↑ https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/vaginal-irritation-and-infection
- ↑ https://www.plannedparenthood.org/blog/i-have-a-burning-sensation-in-my-vagina-whats-going-on
- ↑ https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/condition/vaginitis
- ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diagnostics/4044-colposcopy
- ↑ https://www.womenshealth.gov/a-z-topics/vaginal-yeast-infections
- ↑ with https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9131-vaginitis
- ↑ https://medlineplus.gov/vaginitis.html
- ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/3963-bacterial-vaginosis
- ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/5019-vaginal-yeast-infection
- ↑ https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/trichomoniasis/
- ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9131-vaginitis
- ↑ https://www.womenshealth.gov/a-z-topics/douching
- ↑ https://uihc.org/educational-resources/vulvar-skin-care-guidelines
- ↑ https://www.womenshealth.gov/a-z-topics/douching
- ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9131-vaginitis#management-and-treatment
- ↑ https://uihc.org/educational-resources/vulvar-skin-care-guidelines
- ↑ https://www.plannedparenthood.org/blog/i-have-a-burning-sensation-in-my-vagina-whats-going-on
- ↑ https://uihc.org/health-topics/contact-dermatitis-vulva
- ↑ https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vaginitis/
- ↑ https://goaskalice.columbia.edu/answered-questions/are-baths-bad-vagina
- ↑ https://uihc.org/educational-resources/vulvar-skin-care-guidelines
- ↑ https://axiawh.com/resources/how-your-underwear-can-affect-your-vaginal-health/
- ↑ https://uihc.org/educational-resources/vulvar-skin-care-guidelines
- ↑ https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/vaginal-irritation-and-infection
- ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/vulvodynia/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20353427
- ↑ https://www.goodrx.com/health-topic/womens-health/treating-vulvovaginitis-at-home#
- ↑ https://www.womenshealth.gov/a-z-topics/vaginal-yeast-infections
- ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/do-home-remedies-actually-work-for-yeast-infections
- ↑ https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/medicine-and-dentistry/vaginal-yeast-infection
- ↑ https://twc-ms.com/what-is-a-yeast-infection/
- ↑ https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/medicine-and-dentistry/vaginal-yeast-infection
- ↑ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10594976/
- ↑ https://www.goodrx.com/conditions/yeast-infection/use-garlic-for-yeast-infection#
- ↑ https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/fact-or-fiction-a-clove-of-garlic-can-stop-a-vaginal-yeast-infection/
- ↑ https://twc-ms.com/what-is-a-yeast-infection/
- ↑ https://plushcare.com/blog/bacterial-vaginosis-vs-yeast-infection/
- ↑ https://plushcare.com/blog/bacterial-vaginosis-vs-yeast-infection/
- ↑ https://uihc.org/educational-resources/vulvar-skin-care-guidelines
- ↑ https://www.acog.org/womens-health/experts-and-stories/the-latest/think-you-have-a-vaginal-infection-heres-what-you-need-to-know
About This Article
If you’re experiencing vaginal burning, see your doctor as soon as possible. Vaginal burning can be caused by various medical conditions, so it’s important to rule them out before you try treating it at home. If your doctor rules out medical complications, shower daily and clean the area with soap and water, which will help reduce burning. Try switching your menstrual products, either from tampons to pads or vice versa, since they can sometimes irritate your vagina. Wearing cotton underwear is also a good idea, since it’s more breathable than other materials. You can also reduce the burning sensation by applying a cold compress to your vulva. Simply soak a cloth in cold water and leave it on for 5 minutes. For tips from our Medical co-author on how to treat vagina burning with herbal remedies, read on!
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