Itchy vagina is not a new thing for most adult females. In fact almost every woman develops vaginal itching at some point of life. There are numerous reasons (most common ones include infection or contact with incommodious piece of fabric causing irritation of vaginal lining). In case the reason for vaginal itching is diagnosed as a bacterial infection, immediate measures should be taken to get rid of the pathogen in order to bring back the normal flora of the genital tract. Depending upon the cause of vaginal itching, serious cases may require prescription medicines whereas mild cases can be easily managed by effective home remedies.

Home Remedies for Vaginal Itch

1. Maintain Optimal Hygiene

Maintaining proper hygiene can ease most of your worries. For maintenance of vaginal hygiene:

• Bathe daily and change your under-garments often (even twice daily in case of an active infection).
• Use non-irritating cotton underwear instead of tight-fitting panty-hose.
• High fragrance soap may initiate or intensify the existing itch due to the chemicals present so using soap with a mild fragrance is a better idea.
• Itching can increase upon excessive washing of vagina as that makes the skin dry.
• Itching can be temporarily relieved by employing a washcloth that is cold over the vagina.
• washing hands both before and after toileting
• Wiping from the vagina all the way back to the anus can decrease the chances of occurrence of bacterial infection.

2. Use Yogurt

The use of probiotic foods can help in early restoration of normal vaginal flora. Yogurt supply live cultures of lactobacillus acidophilus (which is the human friendly bacteria) and maintains the normal flora of vagina. Over perfusion of bacteria and yeast result in escalated itching that’s where yogurt saves the day and balances the existing ratio. You can either eat yogurt to promote PH balance in your body or you can apply yogurt in the vaginal area.

3. Prevent Irritation

The symptoms may aggravate if chemical irritants are not avoided and may altogether initiate itching in some cases. And to make things worst perspiration and heat can elevate the itching. Be careful when buying products with fragrance (like toilet paper or detergents) because it will cause more itching. Additionally perfumed products such as hygiene sprays and douches may also result in itching.

4. Take Medication

You can relax a little if you have extremely dry vaginal tissues because application of an OTC (over-the-counter) corticosteroid vaginal cream just might help. Merck Manuals say that the use of oral anti-histamine will help the women suffering through an excessive vaginal itch.

5. Use Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar helps soothe the burning and itching. It works alkalizing the tissues of body and possesses anti-septic activity. To seek the complete benefits here’s what you must do: in a shallow water bath add two cups of vinegar for almost 1 and a half hour. Now allow your vagina to submerge in the shallow water bath. It will not only kiss goodbye to your itching, but will also fight off any yeast infection if that is the cause of your itch.

6. Say Hi to Ginseng

It helps in the regulation of the feminine hormones at the time of menopause. It possesses estrogen like activity in women with decreased estrogen secretion. So if you are in peri-menopausal age group, ginseng may help you in relieving dryness, burning and vaginal itching.

7. Increase Water Intake

“Water, a home remedy?” that’s what they all ask. And the answer to that is a ‘Yes’; at times the simplest things can cure the complicated issues. Lack of water intake can result in dehydration that may lead to troublesome consequences like vaginal dryness. Minimizing intake of water is a preventable cause of itchy and irritated tissues of vagina which can result into painful sex. So drinking at least 8 glasses of water every day will help you maintain the health of your genital system.

8. Other Tips that Might Help You

• Say no to bubble baths, spermicidal gels, sanitary towels that are scented and any sort of chemical irritant.
• Avoid douching and soaping your vagina. It provides a platform for bad bacteria to cause itching as good ones are killed, try using warm water for washing instead.
• Avoid wearing underwear while sleeping and if it’s not a big deal avoid wearing it at all until your itching seizes. However if you must, then go for clean cotton underwear.
• Try avoiding sex until your itching seizes. Use of condoms can always turn out to be the best and may help in preventing any chances of STDs infection.
• Consult your doctor if the itching continues as it’s essential to pinpoint the underlying cause and sometimes the cause is more serious than you think. If it stays untreated, complications associated with fertility may occur.

When to See a Doctor

Call your health care provider immediately in the following conditions:

• If your appetite or thirst increases.
• If you lose weight unexpectedly.
• If you feel like urinating frequently.
• If you feel fatigue.
• If you have ulcers and blisters on your vulva or vagina.
• If you feel a burning sensation while urinating or other complications while urinating.
• If your partner is also going through symptoms and you suspect you have STDs infection.
• If the symptoms aggravate, keep appearing even after self care or prolong for more than a week.