Home remedies for vaginal itching

Women of all ages suffer from vaginal itching from time to time. Itching, burning or irritation in a sensitive area like the vagina and vulva can be very uncomfortable.

Some common causes of itching, burning and irritation in and around the vaginal area are bacterial or yeast infections, sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), menopause and chemical irritants.

Vaginal pinworm infections can also cause vaginal itching; however, this type of infection is common in children. Excessive stress and a weak immune system can increase the likelihood of suffering from this uncomfortable problem.

In addition to itching and burning sensations, there can be redness and swelling in and around the vagina and vulva. Vaginal discharge and odor may also be present. Often, women also have discomfort during urination or intercourse.

To stop vaginal itching, you need to maintain proper hygiene as well as follow a healthy lifestyle and diet. Also, try some simple home remedies to get temporary relief from the symptoms. However, for proper diagnosis and treatment, consult your doctor.

Home Remedies to Stop Vaginal Itching :

Stop Panicking :-

• •  The first and most vital thing to do when trying to get rid of an itchy vagina is to take a deep breath, and try to relax.
  • As stress can make having a vaginal itch worse, or cause recurring vaginal itching.

• Plus, it can increase the chances of developing an infection.

Cold Water :-

• Rinse the vaginal area with cold water, as this should reduce the heat to the area that can cause the itch.
• Try showering the vaginal area in a downward position, never directly into the vagina itself.

Wash Away Perfumed Powders or Scented Soaps :-

• If you have washed recently with soaps or any substance containing a perfume like talc, I would strongly suggest rinsing the area gently, with just plain water.
• As the residues of the soap or perfume could be causing you to itch in the first place.
• This is especially common if you have just changed soap brands.
• I personally suggest not using any soap on the area whatsoever, just rinsing once a day with plain, clean water is enough to keep every vagina healthy!

Remove Tight Clothes :-

• Take off your pants and lingerie to air the vagina out.
• By not letting the vaginal area get enough oxygen and ‘breathe’ if you like, can cause negative bacteria to grow and will be enough to cause an itch.

Apple Cider Vinegar Baths :-

• • Once a day, immerse your vagina in a shallow water bath (usually referred to as a ‘sitz’ bath) with ½ cup of organic, raw apple cider vinegar.
  • Keep your legs spread wide apart at all times during the sitz bath, so the water can flow freely around your vaginal region.

• If you do not have a bath, then try using a bath intended for a baby.
• Apple cider baths have had great results for many women, and experts believe it is due to apple cider being able to inhibit the growth of yeast by killing them with its strong acidic pH level.

Stop Itching :-

• I know this one sounds hard, but in reality, the truth is that the more you itch the scratch – the more the scratch will itch! So you end up in a constant itching battle with yourself.
• Take a deep breath, relax and try telling yourself ‘I do NOT need to itch’ whilst doing something to take your mind off.

Sleep without Underwear :-

• So your vagina is again exposed to the healthy clean air and will be less likely to sweat in the night.
• Going forward, you may also want to wear loose fitting clothing in the day time.
• Try to avoid the following fabrics: Lycra/Spandex, polyester, lace, thongs, tights or anything else that causes your vagina to become hot and itchy.
• Until you have got your vaginal itch under control it is best to wear organic cotton lingerie (or no lingerie at all) and over the top of this cotton skirts, shorts or trousers.

Apply Ice :-

• Take an ice pack, and cover it in a clean cloth and lay on the lips of your vagina for approximately one hour.
• You could also try immersing the clean cloth in witch hazel as this could help soothe the itching more quickly.

Apply Plain Organic Yogurt :-

• When applying the yoghurt, apply it to the external genitalia only.
• The yoghurt cultures help relieve the itch due to the probiotic strains found within, and if it has been kept in the fridge will help soothe the area too.

Avoid Having Sex :-

• If you engage in sexual intercourse, and say a yeast infection is causing this particular itch, it can make you itch even more.
• Ideally, wait for a few days until symptoms calm down.

Drink Plenty of Clean, Purified Water :-

• By ensuring you drink a lot of water, this can help to flush a yeast infection out of your system quicker.
• Ensure you do not drink more than 2 500ml glasses of water in an hour, as your body can only cope with this amount of water at once.

Avoid Sugar :-

• If the cause of your chronic itching, or reoccurring itching is due to a yeast infection (thrush), then avoiding sugar in your diet will be a step in the right direction to helping to reducing the levels of yeast present.
• As yeast, specifically Candida Albicans, thrives on sugar.
• Some people have to avoid fruit sugar also and adhere to a strict Anti-Candida diet for several months, but this is only in extreme cases.