Is vaginal itching normal? Home remedies to stop it

All women experience vaginal itching at some point or the other. An itch or irritation around the vagina and vulvar area is quite common, and most of the times, harmless. Vaginal itching often happens due to hygiene issues. But there are more causes of vaginal itching like infections, estrogen hormone deficiency and chemical irritants such as creams or even condoms. So, you shouldn’t just assume that it’s itchy down there just because of lack of intimate hygiene. It is important to keep your vagina clean, but you can also try home remedies or over-the-counter medications for vaginal itching relief.

What causes vaginal itching?

There can be many itchy vagina causes. Yeast or other parasitic infections can cause itching down there. Besides this, bacterial vaginosis can also lead to irritation. Various STIs can also lead to itching. Menopause, as well as the use of chemicals in your vaginal can lead to vaginal itching. Sometimes this itching is accompanied by discharge and at times, there is vaginal itching with no discharge as well.

Ways to stop vaginal itching

Home remedies for vaginal itching work best only when the cause of vaginal itching and discomfort is properly diagnosed. If there is no major infection or possibility of malignancy, you can try out some vaginal irritation treatments. Here’s what you can do!

1. Avoid strong soaps and perfumes

Soaps or daily douching is not suitable for your vagina. They can throw off its natural and healthy bacterial balance. Even using wrong soap can make it itchy for you. In general, products used in the vaginal area shouldn’t have any perfume in them, and should be as gentle and mild as possible, says obstetrician and gynaecologist Dr Seema Sharma.

2. Probiotic supplement

Such supplements may help to prevent bacterial vaginosis from becoming a chronic issue. Probiotics help to build the good bacteria in the vagina and prevent the bad bacteria from growing out of control.

3. Colloidal oatmeal

It is great way to soothe dry skin and is a great vaginal dryness remedy. If your vagina is itchy because of irritated or flaky skin, soak in an oatmeal bath! Just add a cup or two of oatmeal to a warm bath and soak in it for about 20 minutes.

4. Baking soda bath

Baking soda is another popular vaginal itching remedies. It is known for killing the bacteria candida that causes yeast infections and alleviates vaginal itch. Add 1/4 cup of baking soda to a warm bath and soak in it for 10 to 15 minutes. This is helpful right before you go to bed as night time vaginal itching is the most severe.

5. Apple cider vinegar bath

Apple cider vinegar’s antimicrobial properties may help to treat yeast infections. It is believed to kill strains of candida. Because of this, some people believe in soaking in a bath with apple cider vinegar for 10 to 40 minutes. But apple cider vinegar can lead to skin irritation, so discuss with a gynecologist before trying this home remedy, warns Dr Sharma.

6. Sitz bath

Sitz bath is a warm water bath that helps to relieve discomfort in the perineum region. Soaking this area in warm water relaxes you and in turn, helps to increase blood flow through the tissues. This promotes healing and reducing the pain, itching and irritation.

7. Over-the-counter medications

Over-the-counter or prescribed medications can treat infections as well as skin conditions. For yeast infection, a cream with butoconazole, clotrimazole, miconazole, and/or terconazole as an active ingredient can be used, says Dr Sharma. If the skin around vagina is flaky or red and bumpy, talk to a gynecologist or dermatologist. Vaginal moisturisers are especially beneficial for postmenopausal ladies and with dry skin conditions, says the expert.

Before treating anything, be sure about the type of infection or condition you have, as applying the wrong cream could worsen the itch.

Avoid doing these during vaginal itching

There are several things that should be avoided to prevent vaginal itching.

• Applying talcum powder on private area
• Using scented products such as tampons, vaginal sprays or bubble baths.
• Washing clothes with scented detergent
• Daily douching

Things to do to avoid vaginal itching

Vaginal and vulval itchiness can be prevented by doing the following:

• Using fragrance-free soap
• Wearing cotton underwear
• Choosing loose-fitting clothes
•  Getting out of damp clothes after workout as soon as possible
• Using barrier methods like condoms while having sex to avoid sexually transmitted infections
• Using water-soluble lubricant

When to seek doctor’s help

If your daily life and sleep get disrupted due to vaginal itching or it it persists for more than a week then you need to see a doctor.

You should also watch out for other other symptoms –

• Pain in your private area
• Redness or swelling down there
• Unusual vaginal discharge
• Pain while urinating
• Discomfort while having sex

Frequently asked questions about vaginal itching

Why am I itchy down there at night?

Pubic lice can get passed through towels and bedding or while having sex. They cause vaginal itching that begins less than a week after infestation. The itching intensifies at night.

Can stress cause vaginal itching?

If you live under high stress, it can weaken your immune system. Weak immunity can cause several symptoms, including itching down there.

Does vaseline stop itching down there?

Dabbing a little bit of petroleum jelly can help with vaginal dryness. However, it is safer to use a vaginal moisturiser.

Can I apply coconut oil on my private area itching?

You can apply it on the vulvar area as it may help with itching. However, more research is needed for the same.