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What are the Causes, Prevention and Best Home Remedies for Vaginal Itching?

Vaginal Itching – Overview

Vaginal itching is a very common problem in women. Vaginal itching can be a symptom of many conditions. It could be caused by – vaginal dryness or chemical irritants (such as the ones found in scented soaps), hormonal changes during periods, from pregnancy, menopause to yeast infection. Itching can also be the result of a bacterial vaginosis, a sexually transmitted infection (STI), or something else.

Sometimes vaginal itching is very uncomfortable and painful. If the itching persists and persists for more than a week, you should consult a dermatologist.

It is recommendable to consult a doctor as soon as you feel pain in the genital area, trouble while urinating, abnormal vaginal discharge or blisters on the vagina. In top cases, it can be due to stress or vulva cancer. The treatment that your dermatologist will prescribe will be based on the type of vaginitis such as yeast infection, bacterial vaginosis, trichomoniasis or something else. This article contains- what causes vaginal itching, how to stop or prevent itching down and home remedies for itching in private parts of female.

Causes of Vaginal Itching

Minor vulvar itching can be a result of products that irritate the sensitive skin around the genitals. These products may include:

  • Menstrual pads
  • Synthetic materials in panties
  • Underwear washed with scented detergent
  • Scented brand creams, soaps, or lotions
  • Latex condoms

There Can be Some Major Reasons for Itching in the Genitals:

1. Yeast Infection

There are many types of bacteria and fungi in the vagina. They usually reside in the vagina maintaining a healthy balance. Yeast is a naturally occurring fungus that’s normally present in the vagina.

But if you take antibiotics, if you are pregnant or are taking hormone therapy, the amount of estrogen in the body increases, as these types of medications can destroy good bacteria along with the bad bacteria. This causes yeast infection.

The overgrowth of yeast in the vagina can result in uncomfortable symptoms, including itching, lumpy discharge and burning.

2. Bacterial Vaginosis

There is a healthy mix of bacteria in our vagina but when the balance of good and bad bacteria in the vagina starts deteriorating. So it can cause infection. In such a situation, apart from itching in the genitalia, there is also swelling, burning, white discharge, unprotected sex, douching or steaming in the vagina can also cause bacterial vaginosis.

3. Sexually Transmitted Diseases

Sexually transmitted diseases, including chlamydia, gonorrhea or trichomoniasis, which cause itching and burning in the vagina, among many other symptoms.

4. Menopause

At the end of women’s reproductive years, the production of estrogen decreases, leading to vaginal atrophy. It is a thinning of the mucosa that can lead to excessive dryness. This may cause itching and burning.

5. Contact Dermatitis

If you see a red itchy rash in the vagina, it could be a symptom of contact dermatitis. It can also happen due to all these reasons such as skin irritation from sanitary napkins, allergies to new soaps, allergies to latex condoms or vaginal lubricants, cycling long distances, or wearing too tight underwear.

6. Hormonal Changes

If there is a change in the level of sex hormones in the body, genital itching can also happen. Many women also have itching and burning in the genital area during menstruation. During menopause, when the level of estrogen in the body decreases, it also causes dryness and itching in the vagina.

7. Removal of Hair from the Pubic Area

The vulva is very sensitive, sometimes due to shaving or waxing in the pubic area, there is also redness, due to which itching occurs. If you are waxing in the pubic area for the first time, then first know whether you are allergic to wax.

Also Read: Top 10 Natural Remedies to Stop Hair Fall

How to Prevent Vaginal Itchiness

Here are some ways in which you can get rid of vaginal itchiness:

1. Use Soap-Free Cleansers

Although, it is not recommend to use any cleanser as vagina is self-cleaning. Your vulva is a sensitive area and some soaps, especially ones that contain delicious-smelling fragrances, can make you itchy down there, but if you are using any cleansers, then please see to it that they are soap-free in order to maintain the pH balance of your vagina.

2. Wear cotton Panties

Cotton is breathable and helps circulate air around the vagina. Wearing synthetic panties is never a good idea. Synthetic fabrics tend to lock in moisture and are also more likely to cause contact dermatitis. In summers one should frequently change panties, especially if you sweat a lot.

3. Moisturize your vagina

That area is very delicate and to prevent dryness, you can use coconut oil or any other regular moisturizer that comes without fragrance.

4. Use Cooling Therapy to Reduce Inflammation

If you are prone to dermatitis, take a cool shower. If there is visible redness or swelling, wrap an ice pack in a towel and place it on the skin for 10 to 20 minutes. Just be sure to use them with a cloth barrier such as your underwear or a towel rather than applying directly to the skin. Doing so can lead to tissue injury.

5. Practice Good Personal Hygiene

Always clean your genitals with water and plain unscented soap. Take a clean and cotton cloth to dry pelvic area.

6. Use Sexual Lubricant

If you’re facing vaginal dryness, a water-based lubricant can stop irritation that can lead to itching. If an itch is starting to develop, you may temporarily stop sex until your condition improves.

7. Don’t wear uncomfortable and tight clothes

Try to avoid tight and synthetic clothes as all these are not breathable. Instead, look for loose-fitting and made of cotton clothes as a daywear.

Also read: 10 Best Pigmentation Creams in 2022 for Women

The Best 5 Home Remedies for Vaginal Itching

Here are Some Tips for Preventing and Treating Vaginal Irritation at Home.

1. Baking Soda Bath

Taking a bath with baking soda can potentially treat yeast infections as well as certain skin irritation. As per a study, baking soda has antifungal properties that kill irritation causing bacteria.

Dissolve 1/4 cup of baking soda in your bath and soak in the bath for 10 to 40 minutes.

2. Greek Yogurt

This is a common Home Remedy for Yeast Infections. A probiotic yogurt helps in the growth of good bacteria in the vagina. These bacteria can kill off some yeast and keep your vagina healthy.

  • Keep some plain yogurt into your vagina that helps to calm the itching. You can also insert a tampon coated with Greek yogurt. You can wear a pad, so the yogurt doesn’t get on your clothes.

3. Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) Bath

The answer of “how to relieve vaginal itching” can be Apple Cider Vinger (ACV) bath. ACV has antifungal and antibacterial properties, which prevents the growth of bacteria and soothe a yeast infection.

  • Add a 1/2 cup of apple cider vinegar to your bath water and soak in the bath for 10 to 40 minutes.

4. Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is always a good option for the skin. According to a study coconut oil can kill bacteria causing yeast infections.

  • Take a few drops of pure coconut oil on your fingers and directly insert to your vagina. Coconut oil can leave a mark on your clothes so wear a pad.

5. Probiotics Foods

Eating food items that contain probiotics helps in the growth of “good” bacteria in your vagina that help to get rid of the infection. This is important for your vagina as well as your gut.

Probiotic Foods Include:

  • Yogurt
  • Kombucha
  • Kimchi
  • Miso

6. Essential Oils

Some essential oils are also effective home remedy for vaginal itching. Tea tree and oregano are the two most effective oils that can be a solution of itchy vagina. These oils have anti fungal properties that kill a range of yeasts and fungi.

  • Take 2-3 drops of oil on your clean fingers and apply it on the outer skin of the vagina.

Read also: Best 5 Home Remedies to treat Acne or Pimples

Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs): Vaginal Infections

Q1: How to know your vagina is healthy?

Ans. Your vagina is healthy, when your vagina has no smell or discharge, no redness, burning or discomfort, and no swelling.

Q2: What are the Symptoms of a Vaginal Yeast Infection?

Ans. The most common symptom of yeast infection is vaginal itching. Other symptoms are:

  • Thick, white vaginal discharge
  • Burning with urination
  • Redness around the vagina
  • Pain with sex

Q3: Yeast Infections are Considered Sexually Transmitted Disease(STD). Is it True or False?

Ans. Answer is – False. Yeast may also be present in a healthy vagina, so yeast infection is not considered to be a sexually transmitted disease (STD).

Q4: How can a minor Vaginal Infection be Prevented?

Ans. You can follow some tips to reduce the vagina infection, such as:

  • Wearing cotton underwear
  • Change your underwear often
  • Use soap-free cleansers
  • Consume yogurt

Q5: Does the Vagina Need Cleaning?

Ans. The vagina is a self-cleaning organ that does not require special cleaning products. But if you are using any cleansers, then please see to it that they are soap-free in order to maintain the pH balance of your vagina.

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