Stop vaginal itching with these tips

Vaginal itching often occurs due to hygiene issues. But there are more causes of vaginal itching like infections, estrogen hormone deficiencies, and chemical irritants like creams or even condoms. So you shouldn’t just assume that it’s just itchy down there because of a lack of intimate hygiene. Keeping your vagina clean is important, but you can also try home remedies or other methods to get rid of vaginal itching.

To find out how to stop vaginal itching, Health Shots teamed up with Dr. Seema Sharma, Head of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Daffodils by Artemis, Jaipur.

Ways to stop vaginal itching

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

1. Avoid strong soaps and perfumes

Soaps or daily douches are not suitable for your vagina. They can upset their natural and healthy bacterial balance. Even using the wrong soap can make you itch. In general, products used in the vaginal area should be fragrance-free and as gentle and mild as possible, says Dr. Sharma.

2. Probiotic supplement

Such supplements can help prevent bacterial vaginosis from becoming a chronic problem. Probiotics help build up the good bacteria in the vagina and keep the bad bacteria from growing out of control.

3. Colloidal Oatmeal

It’s a great way to soothe dry skin. If your vagina itches from irritated or flaky skin, take an oatmeal bath! Just add a cup or two of oatmeal to a warm bath and let it soak for about 20 minutes.

4. Baking soda bath

Baking soda is known to kill the Candida bacteria, which causes yeast infections and relieves vaginal itching. Add 1/4 cup baking soda to a warm bath and let soak for 10 to 15 minutes.

5. Apple Cider Vinegar Bath

Apple cider vinegar’s antimicrobial properties can help treat yeast infections. It is believed to kill Candida strains. For this reason, some people believe in soaking in an apple cider vinegar bath for 10 to 40 minutes. However, apple cider vinegar can cause skin irritation, so talk to a gynecologist before trying this home remedy, warns Dr. Sharma.

6. Sitz bath

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

7. Vaginal moisturizers, antifungals, or steroid creams

Over-the-counter or prescription medications can treat both infections and skin conditions. For a yeast infection, a cream containing butoconazole, clotrimazole, miconazole, and/or terconazole as the active ingredient can be used, says Dr. Sharma. If the skin around the vagina is scaly or red and bumpy, talk to an ob-gyn or dermatologist. Vaginal moisturizers are particularly beneficial for postmenopausal women and those with dry skin, says the expert.

Before treating anything, be sure about the type of infection or condition you have, as applying the wrong cream can make the itching worse.

Avoid this during vaginal itching

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

• Application of talcum powder in the intimate area
• the use of scented products such as tampons, vaginal sprays or bubble baths,
• Wash laundry with perfumed detergent
• Daily showers

Things to do to avoid vaginal itching

Vaginal and vulval itching can be prevented by:

• Use of unscented soap
• Wearing cotton underwear
• Choose loose-fitting clothing
• Get rid of damp clothing as soon as possible after training
• Using barrier methods such as condoms during sex to avoid sexually transmitted infections
• Use of water-soluble lubricant