How to Relieve Vaginal Burning

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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]

Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Treating Vaginal Burning Medically

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  1. 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]
    • 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]
    • Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) like gonorrhea, chlamydia, and trichomoniasis [4]
    • Bacterial vaginosis (BV) [5]
    • Yeast infections (caused by the fungus candida) [6]
    • Genital warts caused by human papillomavirus (HPV) [7]
    • Genital herpes caused by herpes simplex virus [8]
    • Vulval cancer [9]
  2. 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]
    • 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]
    • In rarer cases, you may need a colposcopy to closely examine the vaginal walls or cervix, or a vaginal biopsy. [12]
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  3. 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]
    • 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]
  4. 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]
    • 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]
    • Yeast infections can be treated with prescription oral antifungal medication if over-the-counter treatments don’t work. [17]
    • Trichomoniasis is always treated with oral medication. [18]
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Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Relieving Vaginal Burning Due to Irritation

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  1. Keeping your vaginal area clean can help reduce any burning or itching sensations. Practicing good hygiene and safe sex are key. [19]
    • 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]
    • You do not need any special products, like hygiene sprays or perfumes, to clean your vagina. [21] The mucus made by your vagina naturally cleans blood, semen, and vaginal discharge. [22] 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]
    • Avoid using scented tampons, pads, powders, and sprays. In addition, consider using natural or fragrance-free detergents to launder your clothes. [24]
  2. Scented tampons and sanitary pads can irritate your vagina and lead to an allergic reaction. [25] Both pads and tampons may cause contact dermatitis of the vulva, which causes burning, irritation, and itching. [26]
    • If you use tampons and believe this may be the cause of your burning, start using sanitary pads instead. [27]
    • Opt for “cotton-only” pads and tampons, and be sure to change them regularly throughout the day. [28]
  3. If you have any kind of vaginal or vulvar discomfort, switch to 100% cotton underwear, which lets air in and moisture out. [29] Try to avoid synthetic materials, like nylon and spandex, because they can create a breeding ground for bacteria. Change your underwear every day. [30]
    • Avoid wearing tight clothing. [31]
  4. 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]
    • Wrap a cold compress or gel pack in a towel, then place it on your vulva for 15 minutes at a time. [33]
    • Alternatively, make your own cold pack by adding ice in a plastic bag and wrapping it in a clean cloth. [34]
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Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Using Herbal Remedies to Treat Bacterial or Fungal Infections

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  1. 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]
    • 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]
  2. Studies show that tea tree oil is antimicrobial and antifungal, and it may treat certain yeast infection strains. [37] 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]
    • 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]
  3. 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] 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]
    • 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]
  4. 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] With that being said, there is limited scientific evidence to support its use so talk to your doctor before trying it.
    • Dilute 3-5 drops of oregano oil with 1 ounce (2 tbsp) of olive oil or sweet almond oil. Apply the mixture to a tampon and insert it into your vagina. [44]
    • You can also insert an oil of oregano capsule into your vagina before bedtime. [45]
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      References

      1. ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9131-vaginitis
      2. ↑ https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/disorders-of-the-vulva-common-causes-of-vulvar-pain-burning-and-itching
      3. ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9131-vaginitis
      4. ↑ https://www.acog.org/womens-health/experts-and-stories/the-latest/think-you-have-a-vaginal-infection-heres-what-you-need-to-know
      5. ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9131-vaginitis
      6. ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9131-vaginitis
      7. ↑ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/2845706/
      8. ↑ https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/sexual-and-reproductive/genital-herpes/
      9. ↑ https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/vaginal-irritation-and-infection
      1. ↑ https://www.plannedparenthood.org/blog/i-have-a-burning-sensation-in-my-vagina-whats-going-on
      2. ↑ https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/condition/vaginitis
      3. ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diagnostics/4044-colposcopy
      4. ↑ https://www.womenshealth.gov/a-z-topics/vaginal-yeast-infections
      5. ↑ with https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9131-vaginitis
      6. ↑ https://medlineplus.gov/vaginitis.html
      7. ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/3963-bacterial-vaginosis
      8. ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/5019-vaginal-yeast-infection
      9. ↑ https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/trichomoniasis/
      10. ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9131-vaginitis
      11. ↑ https://www.womenshealth.gov/a-z-topics/douching
      12. ↑ https://uihc.org/educational-resources/vulvar-skin-care-guidelines
      13. ↑ https://www.womenshealth.gov/a-z-topics/douching
      14. ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9131-vaginitis#management-and-treatment
      15. ↑ https://uihc.org/educational-resources/vulvar-skin-care-guidelines
      16. ↑ https://www.plannedparenthood.org/blog/i-have-a-burning-sensation-in-my-vagina-whats-going-on
      17. ↑ https://uihc.org/health-topics/contact-dermatitis-vulva
      18. ↑ https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vaginitis/
      19. ↑ https://goaskalice.columbia.edu/answered-questions/are-baths-bad-vagina
      20. ↑ https://uihc.org/educational-resources/vulvar-skin-care-guidelines
      21. ↑ https://axiawh.com/resources/how-your-underwear-can-affect-your-vaginal-health/
      22. ↑ https://uihc.org/educational-resources/vulvar-skin-care-guidelines
      23. ↑ https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/vaginal-irritation-and-infection
      24. ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/vulvodynia/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20353427
      25. ↑ https://www.goodrx.com/health-topic/womens-health/treating-vulvovaginitis-at-home#
      26. ↑ https://www.womenshealth.gov/a-z-topics/vaginal-yeast-infections
      27. ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/do-home-remedies-actually-work-for-yeast-infections
      28. ↑ https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/medicine-and-dentistry/vaginal-yeast-infection
      29. ↑ https://twc-ms.com/what-is-a-yeast-infection/
      30. ↑ https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/medicine-and-dentistry/vaginal-yeast-infection
      31. ↑ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10594976/
      32. ↑ https://www.goodrx.com/conditions/yeast-infection/use-garlic-for-yeast-infection#
      33. ↑ https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/fact-or-fiction-a-clove-of-garlic-can-stop-a-vaginal-yeast-infection/
      34. ↑ https://twc-ms.com/what-is-a-yeast-infection/
      35. ↑ https://plushcare.com/blog/bacterial-vaginosis-vs-yeast-infection/
      36. ↑ https://plushcare.com/blog/bacterial-vaginosis-vs-yeast-infection/
      37. ↑ https://uihc.org/educational-resources/vulvar-skin-care-guidelines
      38. ↑ 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

      Article Summary X

      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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