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Vaginal itching can be relieved with baking soda, greek yogurt, and antifungal creams if it occurs because of yeast infection, vaginal dryness, or any other bacterial vaginosis. However, for prolonged and severe vagina itching, do consult a professional healthcare provider.
What Causes Vaginal Itching?
Vaginal itching or burning sensation in vagina is something that women experience at some point in life. To date, several reasons such as yeast infection, bacterial vaginosis, chemical irritants, STIs, skin conditions, and low estrogen levels have been identified as the causes of vaginal itching. Because different conditions can cause similar symptoms, it is necessary to identify the underlying cause so that you can choose the right treatment.
Yeast Infection
Candida, a type of yeast, is a naturally occurring microorganism in the vagina without causing any symptoms. However, when it overgrows, yeast infection can occur, resulting in vulvar itching, burning, redness, or swelling. Hormonal imbalance, changes in medication, using deodorant or spray can also trigger yeast infection in vagina. Keep in mind that itching alone does not confirm a yeast infection; there are other conditions as well that cause similar symptoms.
Chemical Irritants
Vagina is a very sensitive area and any exposure to certain products can do harm to it. There are certain fragrances and other ingredients in pads, deodorants, feminine washes, soaps, and sprays that women use as part of hygiene care but these ingredients can cause itching, burning or discomfort down there.
Bacterial Vaginosis
Douching inside the vagina, having a new sex partner or multiple sex partners who do not use condoms can increase the risk of bacterial vaginosis (BV). Here is a point: BV can also occur in women who are not sexually active.
Bacteria is always there in vagina but BV occurs when certain kinds of bacteria overgrow, creating an imbalance. Women with BV may show symptoms like a thin white or gray vaginal discharge, a strong fish-like odor, itching, or burning sensation during urination. Some women have no symptoms; still they have BV.
STIs
A number of STIs such as genital warts, genital herpes, pubic lice, and chlamydia etc can cause vaginal itching. These STIs require medical attention so it is recommended to reach out to your healthcare provider.
Low Estrogen Level
Estrogen plays a vital role when it comes to maintaining vaginal secretions. These secretions reduce friction during sexual intercourse. However, when estrogen levels get low, vagina becomes dry leading to itching, irritation, burning, and discomfort during sex.
Natural Remedies for Vaginal Itching
Want to know about the best home remedies for vaginal itching? Continue reading to find out more.
1. Baking Soda For Vaginal Itching
Baking soda may provide relief for some types of vulvar itching. Laboratory research has found that sodium bicarbonate can inhibit Candida growth. Similarly, some studies also suggest that sodium bicarbonate can have antifungal activity against some fungi, including Candida species.
Procedure
Add ¼ cup of baking soda to a basin of lukewarm water and sit in the solution gently for 10 minutes and allow the external genital area (vulva) to soak. Do not rinse the solution inside the vagina. After that, use a soft towel to pat the area dry.
2. Plain Yogurt and Bee-Honey
A mixture of natural yogurt and honey can relieve vaginal itching. According to a study published on Pubmed, a mixture of yogurt and honey can relieve yeast infection when it is applied to the vagina. In that study, the researchers prepared a mixture of bee-honey (62.5%), yogurt (25%) and distilled water (12.5%). The participants, with vulvo-vaginal candidiasis (VVC), were divided into two groups – study groups and control groups. The study group was instructed to apply 30 grams of that mixture to vagina with an applicator for seven days (twice daily). The control group was instructed to use local antifungal agents.
Results: The clinical cure rate was found higher in the study group (87.8%) than the control group (72.3%). While the mycological cure rate was higher in the control group (91.5%) than the study group (76.9%).
Fast forward, other studies affirm that even though the mixture did show signs of clinical cure rate, its low mycological cure rate show that yogurt and honey should not be represented as a “proven” replacement for standard antifungal treatment. The CDC further recommends that treatment for VVC should be based on appropriate diagnosis.
Procedure:
- Choose a plain, unsweetened yogurt that contains live cultures (also referred to as probiotics).
- Prepare a mixture of 2 tablespoon yogurt, 5 tablespoon honey, and 1 tablespoon water.
- By using an applicator, use this mixture not more than 30 g.
- Lie idle for some minutes and if the mixture leaks out, gently clean the external vulvar area with lukewarm water.
- Stop using the mixture if it causes burning, swelling or increased irritation.
3. Coconut Oil
A randomised clinical trial published in the International Journal of Dermatology found that topical virgin coconut oil can improve skin hydration in children with mild-to-moderate atopic dermatitis. Although this study was not conducted on vaginal itching, its findings suggest that coconut oil may have moisturizing and skin-barrier properties that could be relevant when external vulvar dryness or irritation is present.
Note:
It is necessary to do a patch test on your inner arm. If your skin shows no sign of irritation, flushing or irritation, only then you can apply it to the vaginal area. Be informed that the findings of study do not “blindly” recommend women to use coconut oil as a proven remedy for vaginal itching – it can cause irritation. Moreover, women who are more prone to vaginal infection should reach out to their concerned healthcare providers as lubricant can disrupt the natural pH balance of vagina. If it works for you and ameliorates the itchy vagina, continue it; else reach out to your doctor.
4. Antifungal Creams
Antifungal medicines can work when the symptoms of vaginal itching are due to vaginal yeast infection. Common vaginal antifungal medicines include clotrimazole and miconazole. The formulation of these tablets or creams is designed to be inserted into the vagina while some of the product can also be used externally on the vulvar skin. Keep in mind that itching can be for several reasons; so do not assume that every vaginal itching requires antifungal medicines.
5. Probiotic Capsules and Tonics
For supporting the body’s microbial balance, microorganisms such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium can play a vital role and they are present in probiotic supplements. A 2026 review of 14 randomised controlled trials found that probiotics, when used together with antifungal medication, can improve short-term clinical and mycological cure rates and can also reduce recurrence in some women. However, they also maintained the certainty of this evidence as low or very low and noted that the most effective doses and treatment durations remain uncertain.
6. Eating Probiotic Food
Among home remedies for vaginal itching, diet can also play a vital role. Probiotic and fermented foods such as plain yogurt, kombucha, kefir, kimchi, and other fermented foods contain live microorganisms that support the body’s microbiome leading to the growth of “good bacteria”. There is also a research that affirms that the consumption of such foods may lead to maintaining a healthy vaginal bacterial balance and reduce the risk of vaginal infections.
7. Use Cotton Panty
The advantage of using 100% cotton panties is that your vagina remains safe from moisture and irritation, mitigating, somehow, the risk of vaginal candidiasis. Cotton underwear does not treat existing vaginal infection but it does avert its chances up to some extent. Therefore, consider the following lifestyle changes to avert possible vaginal irritation:
- Choose 100% cotton underwear or underwear with a cotton panel that fits comfortably and is not too tight.
- Change your underwear at least once a day. If it gets wet from sweat, exercise, or vaginal discharge, then change it sooner.
- Wear underwear that is not too tight. Also, avoid such clothes that are too tight and prevent ventilation and that can cause friction and heat around the vulvar area.
- Make it a habit to change trousers, underwear and swimsuit right after exercise and swimming.
- Make sure you wear clothes and underwear that are completely dried.
8. Vaginal Hygiene
The vulva, the external genital area, requires special care as it should not be taken as skin of other body parts. You need to wash it with lukewarm water and gently pat it dry afterward. While washing, don’t over rub it. Let your partner know not to rub vigorously during intimate moments. Similarly, avoid douching and applying scented products to vagina as these may irritate the vulvar skin.
How to Take Care of Your Vagina?
Maintaining a healthy vagina involves proper hygiene and preventive measures. Here are some general tips for avoiding vaginal itching
Maintain Good Hygiene
Gently wash your external genital area regularly. During regular baths or showers, use a gentle, fragrance-free soap.
Avoid Douching
The vagina has its own natural cleaning system that flushes out bacteria. Therefore, douching is unnecessary as it can disrupt the normal vaginal environment. Doing so can increase the risk of developing BV and even some sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
Use Protection During Sex
Using condoms during sex can protect against STIs including infections that cause genital itching.
Wear Breathable Underwear
Opt for breathable, cotton underwear. Avoid panties that are too tight or are made of nylon or lycra as they can increase heat, moisture or friction around the vulvar area, thus becoming a breeding ground for yeast and bacteria.
Change Out of Wet Clothes
Don’t sit in wet bathing suits or sweaty gym clothes. Change them as soon as possible.
Eat a Balanced Diet
A healthy diet can help maintain a healthy vaginal pH. Some evidence suggests that probiotics, found in yogurt and other fermented products, can help maintain a healthy balance of bacteria in the vagina.
Use Fragrance-Free Personal Hygiene Products
Scented products like bubble baths, soaps, or tampons can be irritating for some people and cause itching.
Wipe from Front to Back
After using the toilet, always wipe from front to back rather than back to front. This helps reduce the transfer of bacteria from the anal area toward the urethra and genital area.
Change Tampons and Pads Regularly
During menstruation, it’s important to change your menstrual products regularly. Change sanitary pads every few hours depending on your flow. However, tampons should not be left in for more than 8 hours.
Get Regular Health Checks
Regular check-ups with a gynecologist can help identify potential problems early and ensure that everything is in good health.
Takeaway
While these are general guidelines, everyone’s body is unique. What works for one person may not work for another, and it’s essential to consult with a healthcare professional if you have any concerns or if symptoms persist. At Euromed Clinic, our dermatologists and gynecologists collaborate to treat issues related to the vagina. If you have any questions or want to book your appointment, please call us or fill out the provided form.
