How to Relieve Vaginal Itching—Because No One Likes to Be Itchy Down There - Real Simple
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Can't stop itching down there? Vaginal itching can be uncomfortable and even distressing, but it's a common issue many women face at some point in their lives. In most cases, vaginal itching is nothing to worry about, but it can be a symptom of an allergic reaction or infection. Fortunately, there are effective ways to address the itching itself, which may also address the root cause of your itching if it's not a sign of something more serious (in which case, your doctor will prescribe you the right medication!). In the meantime, we talked to health experts about how to stop itching down there immediately.
- Victoria Scott, MD, is a urogynecologist based in Southern California.
- Sameena Rahman, MD, is a board-certified OB/GYN in Chicago and the founder of the Center for Gynecology and Cosmetics.
What Usually Causes Vaginal Itching?
Several different factors can lead to itching down there (or make it worse). Here are the most common:
- Bacterial infections: Bacterial vaginosis can lead to itching, an unusual odor, and discharge.
- Allergic reactions: Sometimes, irritation may occur due to an allergic reaction to certain soaps, detergents, or latex products.
- Hormonal changes: Hormonal fluctuations during pregnancy, menopause, or your menstrual cycle can contribute to vaginal itching.
- Yeast infections: A yeast infection is one of the most common culprits of vaginal itching. Other than making you itchy down there, it can result in redness and a thick white discharge. Fortunately, most only last for around one week and may clear up on their own.
- Sexually transmitted infections (STIs): STIs, like chlamydia or gonorrhea, can cause itching and burning. Seeking medical attention is crucial if you suspect an STI.
It's best to get checked out by a medical professional to prevent long-term health consequences if you suspect a skin disorder. Additionally, other inflammatory skin conditions like psoriasis and eczema can result in itching.
How to Stop Itching Down There
If you are currently experiencing vaginal itching, thankfully, you can do several things to relieve vaginal itching. These low-lift habits and natural remedies can make a huge difference and ease discomfort. Note that these steps won't necessarily solve your problem, but they can help provide you some immediate relief. If the itching is not a symptom of something more serious, however, (like a vaginal yeast infection, bacterial vaginosis, or a sexually transmitted infection), some of these remedies may be the fix you need.
Rinse Your Vagina
Vaginal itching might mean nothing more than you need to take a shower. Be sure to rinse everything—all the folds and creases—with water. Water is enough to get the job done, as the vagina is actually a self-cleaning part of the body (and many soaps can knock off your natural pH balance).
"Use unscented, gentle soap to clean the vulva, but you don't need to use soap in the vagina—it will clean itself," says Victoria Scott, MD, a urogynecologist based in Southern California. Scott also says to avoid douching, which can similarly disrupt the natural balance of the vaginal flora (your vagina has a microbiome, too).
Wear Breathable Fabrics
Breathable fabrics can help keep bacteria at bay. Therefore, choose cotton underwear and looser-fitting clothing to allow air circulation, which can help prevent and alleviate itching. Loose fabrics that don't rub against your skin can also prevent further irritation.
Avoid Irritants
Steer clear of products that may contain known irritants, like scented feminine hygiene products, douches, and certain laundry detergents. These irritants can make the itching feel worse and prolong you getting relief.
Apply Tea Tree Oil
You can topically apply diluted tea tree oil to help with itching and discomfort. Ensure it's well-diluted to prevent further irritation, especially on such a sensitive area. Make sure to only use the tea tree oil on the exterior skin, as applying oils inside the vagina can be uncomfortable and lead to worse symptoms.
Soak in Baking Soda
Soaking in a warm bath with a cup of baking soda can help reduce itching and discomfort. Ensure the water is cool enough not to cause more irritation. Be sure to pat the area down after soaking, too, to keep the area dry and prevention further irritation.
Apply Coconut Oil
Applying coconut oil to the irritated area can moisturize and relieve itching. Ensure it's pure, unrefined coconut oil. Just make sure only to use the coconut oil on the exterior skin; putting oil inside your vagina can knock off your natural pH balance.
Take a Sitz Bath
A sitz bath involves soaking your lower pelvic region in warm water. Fill a shallow tub or basin with warm water and sit in it for about 10 to 20 minutes or until the itching subsides. You can add Epsom salts or baking soda for additional relief.
Apply a Cold Compress
A cold compress can temporarily relieve itching down there by gently numbing the area and reducing inflammation. Use a clean, cold washcloth or ice pack wrapped in a cloth for just a few minutes at a time.
Smear Some Yogurt
Surprise! Applying plain, unsweetened yogurt with live active cultures to the affected area can help restore the natural balance of bacteria in the vagina, particularly in the case of yeast infections.
Use Petroleum Jelly
Applying a thin layer of unscented, non-medicated petroleum jelly can lock in moisture and create a protective barrier. The area should be clean before you apply to avoid trapping harmful bacteria or yeast. "Oftentimes you can use an emollient such as Vaseline petroleum jelly or Aquaphor. You can put it in the fridge to cool it off and utilize it over itchy areas," recommends Sameena Rahman, MD, a board-certified OB/GYN in Chicago and the founder of the Center for Gynecology and Cosmetics.
Rub on Aloe Vera
The soothing properties of aloe vera can help alleviate itching. Apply a small amount of pure aloe vera gel to the affected area for relief. Be sure to only apply aloe vera to the exterior part of your pubic area. Using it inside the vagina can cause burning and worsen symptoms.
Use Over-the-Counter Medicines
Nonprescription antifungal creams, like clotrimazole or hydrocortisone, can relieve certain types of itching down there. "If you've had a yeast infection before and are fairly certain that you have [another] one, you can try an OTC antifungal cream, such as Monistat," Scott says. "There are also OTC creams such as Vagisil that have low-dose steroids or numbing and soothing ingredients you can try for temporary relief."
Do a Chamomile Tea Rinse
Use cooled chamomile tea as a rinse to soothe the area. The anti-inflammatory and calming properties of chamomile tea can help soothe itchiness and provide immediate relief. In fact, chamomile extract has been shown to be as effective as clotrimazole in vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) treatment. Just be sure to cool it completely because hot water can cause further irritation.
Take an Apple Cider Vinegar Bath
Adding a cup of apple cider vinegar to a warm bath can help balance your pH levels by restoring the natural acidity of the vaginal area. After soaking for about 15 to 20 minutes in diluted apple cider vinegar, be sure to rinse thoroughly with clean water.
Apply an Ice Pack
Ice can cool and soothe the pubic area, providing immediate relief from itching. It can also help to reduce any inflammation and irritation from scratching. Ice helps numb the skin down. Just make sure that you wrap the ice in a cloth to avoid direct contact with the skin. Direct contact can cause discomfort and even hurt the skin.
Spray Rose Oil
Spray or apply rose water to the itchy area (exterior only) for its cooling and soothing properties. Rose water can help reduce redness and irritation and provide a gentle relief. It boasts antibacterial properties, as well, which can help keep the area clean and fend off infections.
Refrigerate the rose water so that it offers an extra cooling effect when applied.
Use Sanitary Pads
If the vaginal area is itchy because of dampness (such as from abnormal discharge), you can use hypoallergenic, breathable sanitary pads or liners. These can help absorb moisture and reduce irritation to help keep the area dry. The drier you keep the area, the more relief you'll find from itchiness.
How to Prevent Vaginal Itching the Future
When it comes to itching between your legs, an ounce of prevention is certainly better than a pound of cures. Here are some of the best, healthiest strategies to keep vaginal itching from bothering you again going forward.
Wear Cotton Underwear
Wearing cotton underwear prevents buildup and sweat, and promotes air circulation down there.
Avoid Vaginal Sprays and Wipes
Vaginal sprays, douches, and scented wipes often contain harsh chemicals and fragrances that can claim to clean and refresh the vagina, but actually disrupt the delicate pH balance of the vagina.
Practice Safe Sex
Practicing safe sex is vital for preventing STIs and avoiding itching and discomfort. Using condoms can help protect against them.
Stay Well-Hydrated
Drinking enough water throughout the day helps your body maintain a natural moisture balance, reducing dryness that may lead to itching.
Maintain Good Hygiene
When bathing, it's important to clean everywhere, including down there. Always wash the outer, visible vaginal area (e.g. vulva) gently with mild, fragrance-free soap and warm water. However, you don't need to wash the inside (remember, it cleans itself!).
Get Enough Vitamins
Vitamin C helps support a healthy immune system and keep infections (including vaginal infections) at bay. Its antimicrobial components can also help treat Candida overgrowth, which can cause itchiness.
Meanwhile, Vitamin E (which is even available as vaginal suppositories), can help treat vaginal atrophy in postmenopausal women (caused by a lack of estrogen), which can increase the risk of bacterial and yeast infections and cause itchiness. Vitamin E can also help reduce inflammation from Candida overgrowth.
Watch Your Sugar Intake
Sugar can weaken your immune system, making your body more susceptible to infections, and feed the yeast in your vagina, causing it to overgrow. Because infections, like yeast infections, can cause itchiness, being mindful of your sugar intake can help keep them away.
Signs It's Time to Call the Doctor
While you can often manage cases of vaginal itching at home, there are some situations in which you'll want to get in touch with a health care provider as soon as you can for advice and treatment.
- Persistent symptoms: Seek medical advice if the itching continues for more than a few days.
- Unusual odor or discharge: If you notice an unusual, unpleasant odor, an increase in vaginal discharge, or changes in the color of the discharge, consult a health care professional. This could be a sign of something like a bacterial infection.
- Pain or burning sensations: Experiencing severe pain or a burning sensation along with itching may indicate an underlying issue that needs medical attention.
- Recurrent infections: Consult a health care provider to address potential underlying causes of recurrent yeast or bacterial infections.
Rahman reiterates you should see your doctor when dealing with "itching that is prolonged, does not respond to emollients or vulvar hygiene recommendations, or prolonged itching and scratching, particularly leading to skin changes of the vulva."
Vaginal itching is a common issue you can usually manage with proper care and attention. However, knowing when to seek professional help to ensure your overall health and well-being is essential. Remember, you're not alone, and solutions are available to alleviate this discomfort and get you back to feeling your best.
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