6 Home Remedies for Vaginal Itching

To ease vaginal itching, several home remedies can be effective in providing relief. Firstly, maintaining proper hygiene is essential; wash the area with mild, unscented soap and water.

Secondly, avoid irritants such as scented feminine hygiene products, which can exacerbate itching. Keeping the area dry and wearing breathable cotton underwear can also help prevent moisture buildup that encourages itching.

Best Home Remedies for an Itchy Vagina

Cold Compress

Applying a cold compress to the affected area can numb the itchiness and provide immediate relief. This method is particularly effective for temporary relief from itching caused by yeast infections or irritation.

Oatmeal Baths

An oatmeal bath can soothe itching and reduce inflammation. Oats contain compounds that have anti-inflammatory properties, making them beneficial for skin irritation and calming inflamed skin.

Coconut Oil

Coconut oil serves as a natural moisturizer and has anti-inflammatory properties that can reduce irritation and dryness. Its antifungal properties can also help control yeast growth, which is often a culprit in vaginal itching.

Yogurt

Applying unsweetened, plain yogurt topically can help restore the natural flora of the vagina, thanks to its lactobacilli content. This can balance the pH and suppress the growth of irritants like yeast.

Apple Cider Vinegar

A diluted solution of apple cider vinegar used as a vaginal rinse might help restore acidic pH levels, which can discourage the growth of yeast and bacteria. However, it must be used carefully to avoid further irritation.

Baking Soda Bath

Soaking in a bath with baking soda can help neutralize vaginal acidity and soothe itching. Baking soda has mild antiseptic properties, which can relieve irritation and discomfort associated with yeast infections and other causes of vaginal itching.

These methods can provide temporary relief, but it's important to consult a healthcare provider if symptoms persist or worsen, as they may indicate a more serious condition.

There are various home remedies for an itching vagina, however, which one to use will depend on the cause of the itching. 

Determining the Cause of Your Vagina Itching

Chemical Irritation or Food

Some women can experience an allergic reaction to chemicals in certain soaps, detergents, bubble baths, body washes, fabrics, or food resulting in a rash or itching that can sometimes localize in the vagina. 

Home remedies for this type of vaginal itching involve an elimination process to determine the source of the irritant. Once you’ve discovered the root of the irritant and stop using the product or food type, the itching will usually disappear.

While you are going through the process of elimination you may find relief from dissolving 1-2 cups of ground oatmeal in a warm bath and soaking in it for up to 30 minutes. 

Additionally, try switching to cotton underwear, which is a more natural and breathable fabric than synthetic materials.  

Poor Hygiene

Poor hygiene can also be a culprit for vaginal itching, however it is easily eliminated by some simple lifestyle changes and improving some of your daily routines. 

Avoid douching, and instead wash your vagina every day with unscented soap and warm water. As well as wearing breathable cotton underwear, try not to wear jeans or pants that are too tight.  Drink at least two liters of water per day to flush out harmful bacteria, and change wet bathing suits or sweaty gym pants as soon as you can. 

Hormonal Changes

Many women experience hormonal changes during the different stages of menstruation, as well as during pregnancy, perimenopause, and menopause.  A decrease in estrogen, for example, can cause itching and dryness in the vagina.  

Home remedies for itching and dry vaginas due to hormonal changes include placing an icepack (wrapped in a towel to prevent ice burn) on the vagina for 10-20 minutes at a time. Dissolving 1-2 cups of ground oatmeal in a bath of warm water and soaking in it for 20-30 minutes can also ease this type of vaginal itching.   

Bacterial Vaginosis 

Bacterial Vaginosis is a vaginal infection caused by an overgrowth of harmful bacteria. It is most common in women aged 15-44 and includes symptoms such as an itching vagina, pain during urination, and a foul-smelling vaginal discharge.  

In conjunction with antibiotics prescribed by your doctor, women’s health experts highly recommend Boric Acid Vaginal Suppositories from Intimate Rose as a home remedy to treat and relieve BV symptoms.

By supporting a natural rebalancing of acidity in the vagina, this natural supplement acts rapidly to soothe itching. These capsules are inserted directly into the vagina.

Sexually Transmitted Infections

When an itching vagina is a result of a sexually transmitted infection (STI), such as Trichomoniasis, Gonorrhea, or Chlamydia, it is usually accompanied by a strong-smelling vaginal odor, a thick yellow discharge, and discomfort when urinating.  

The first step to take if you experience STI symptoms is to contact your doctor for treatment as they will not go away on their own. As an additional home remedy, take a regular probiotic to balance vaginal bacteria, as an imbalance can significantly increase the risk of contracting STIs.

It’s also recommended to use a condom with any new sexual partners.  

Conclusion

Although home remedies can help to ease many causes of vaginal itching, it is important to consult with your doctor if it is accompanied by blisters, pain when urinating, or a burning sensation during intercourse.  

References

Office on Women’s Health – Vaginal Yeast Infections - https://www.womenshealth.gov/a-z-topics/vaginal-yeast-infections

National Center for Biotechnology Information – Fluconazole and Boric Acid for Treatment of Vagina Candidiasis - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26866095/

Mayo Clinic - Bacterial vaginosis https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/bacterial-vaginosis/symptoms-causes/syc-20352279

Center for Disease Control & Prevention – Trichomoniasis -  https://www.cdc.gov/std/trichomonas/stdfact-trichomoniasis.htm