Itching down there can be uncomfortable, but what if we told you there was a way to ease the itch almost immediately? If you’re experiencing vaginal itch, you’re not alone! Vaginal irritation happens for many reasons, and you may be able to stop the itching with a home remedy. We’ve got you covered whether you’re dealing with a yeast infection, skin irritation, STD, or bacterial infection. Keep reading to learn how you can stop vaginal itching from the comfort of your home and when it’s time to see a doctor.
Things You Should Know
- Use a cold compress to soothe vaginal itching caused by yeast infections.
- Soothe vaginal itch immediately by taking a baking soda, apple cider vinegar, or oatmeal bath.
- Add more fermented foods like yogurt, pickles, and sauerkraut to your diet to improve your vagina’s bacteria and pH balance.
- Prevent vaginal itch by wearing cotton underwear, regularly changing clothes, and practicing safe sex.
Steps
How Do You Treat Vaginal Itching?
Expert Q&A
Tips
- If you’re experiencing vaginal itching while on your period, use pads or liners instead of tampons or a menstrual cup. This way, your vagina won’t become more irritated and can heal faster. [25] X Trustworthy Source DermNet NZ Online clinical resource website written and run by dermatologists providing evidence-based information about dermatology and skin health Go to sourceThanks
Warnings
- Avoid scratching your vagina as much as possible. We know it’s tough, but itching the area could make it feel worse. [26] X Trustworthy Source American Academy of Dermatology Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists Go to sourceThanks
References
- ↑ https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/vaginal-irritation-and-infection
- ↑ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17373175
- ↑ https://uihc.org/educational-resources/vulvar-skin-care-guidelines
- ↑ https://nationaleczema.org/eczema/treatment/bathing/
- ↑ https://ufhealth.org/vaginal-itching-and-discharge-child
- ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5788933/
- ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/do-home-remedies-actually-work-for-yeast-infections/
- ↑ https://intermountainhealthcare.org/blogs/preventing-vaginal-yeast-infections-with-lifestyle-and-diet-changes
- ↑ https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1978301916302820
- ↑ https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/candidiasis-yeast-infection
- ↑ https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/001511.htm
- ↑ https://www.health.harvard.edu/womens-health/managing_common_vulvar_skin_conditions
- ↑ https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/supplement/lactobacillus-acidophilus
- ↑ https://www.healthyeating.org/nutrition-topics/milk-dairy/benefits/probiotics
- ↑ https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/health-and-wellness/vaginitis/what-bacterial-vaginosis
- ↑ https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vaginitis/
- ↑ https://youngwomenshealth.org/guides/vulvar-and-vaginal-care-and-cleaning/
- ↑ https://www.womenshealth.gov/a-z-topics/vaginal-yeast-infections
- ↑ https://www.acog.org/womens-health/experts-and-stories/the-latest/think-you-have-a-vaginal-infection-heres-what-you-need-to-know
- ↑ https://www.yalemedicine.org/conditions/yeast-infection
- ↑ https://www.womenshealth.gov/a-z-topics/douching
- ↑ https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/safe-sex
- ↑ https://myhealth.alberta.ca/Health/aftercareinformation/pages/conditions.aspx?hwid=uf9648
- ↑ https://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/conditions/sexually-transmitted/Pages/Sexually-Transmitted-Infections-Prevention.aspx
- ↑ https://dermnetnz.org/topics/the-itchy-vulva
- ↑ https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/itchy-skin/itch-relief/relieve-groin-itch
About This Article
To stop vaginal itching, apply a cool compress, like a wet washcloth, to your vaginal area for 5 to 10 minutes. You can also use a gentle moisturizer for temporary relief. No matter what the cause of your itching is, try to stop scratching as this will only lead to more itching or a possible infection. If you’re unsure why you’re having vaginal itchiness, try to eliminate irritants or possible allergens by using an unscented laundry detergent, skipping fabric softener, and switching to a gentle cleanser. For more tips from our Medical co-author, like how to treat vaginal itchiness due to a yeast infection, keep reading!
Reader Success Stories
- "Dealing with that relentless vaginal itch was misery until I found this article! Trying things like cold compresses, oatmeal soaks, and coconut oil finally eased my discomfort during the long wait for my doctor's appointment. I'm so glad to have handy home tricks to calm the itch instead of constantly scratching." ..." more