Introduction:

Itching at the vagina can make women uncomfortable and create difficulty in concentrating on tasks. In addition, this vaginal itching can be a symptom of a more severe problem. For example, vaginitis is a terminology used to describe various disorders that cause the vagina to become inflamed and infected. Itching in the vagina can be a symptom of vaginitis.¹ There are various causes for your vagina to itch. Read on to find out more about the symptoms and causes of vaginal itching and how to take care of it.

What Causes Vaginal Itching?

Vaginal itching is mostly due to bacterial or fungal overgrowth. Maintaining proper hygiene of the intimate area helps to maintain the vaginal PH and prevents the overgrowth of microorganisms.

Dr. Nikhil Yadav MBBS MD, CCEBDM

There are different types of infections that may cause vaginal itching and irritation. Here, the vaginal itching is accompanied by vaginal discharge. The infections are:

• Sexually transmitted infections
• Vaginal yeast infection
• Bacterial vaginosis²

Other causes of vaginal itching and discharge include:

• Low estrogen levels and menopause (end of menstruation)
• Forgotten foreign body or tampon in the vagina
• The products used in daily life that contain chemicals include detergents, fabric softeners, feminine sprays, creams, ointments, contraceptive foams, douches, and or jellies or creams. The chemicals present in these products may irritate the vagina or the skin around the vagina.²

Less common causes of vaginal itching include:

• Cancer of the vulva, vagina, cervix, uterus, or fallopian tubes
• Skin conditions, such as desquamative vaginitis (inflammatory vaginitis) and lichen planus (a condition that causes inflammation on the skin)²

Symptoms of Vaginal Itching:

I always advise my patients to maintain proper hygiene and change their sanitary napkins every 4-5 hours to avoid itching and rashes. Failing to do so can cause discomfort and skin irritation.

Dr. Arpit Verma MBBS, MD (Pharmacology)

The symptom of vaginal itching involves itching on the skin of the vagina and the surrounding area (vulva). This symptom is sometimes accompanied by vaginal discharge.²

Also Read: Does Boric Acid Make You Tighter? Evidence-Based Insights Into Vaginal Health

Suggested Home Remedies for Vaginal Itching:

1. Coconut oil and Tea Tree oil

You can use warm coconut oil to ease vaginal irritation and itching. Tea tree oil can also be used by dropping a few drops in a warm water bath and soaking the pelvis area. Caution should be exercised while using tea tree oil as it might cause a burning sensation if used in large quantities.³

You can make the following changes in the diet to help manage vaginal itching:

2. Yoghurt and Probiotics:

You can try yoghurt and probiotics that contain lactobacillus. There is some scientific evidence that yoghurt and probiotics containing lactobacillus can reduce vaginitis infections.¹

3. Limit Sugary Foods

Limiting sugary foods to prevent the growth of yeast is also recommended. You can ask your healthcare provider if this is something you can adopt.¹

You can follow these measures to take care of your vagina and keep the area clean:

4. Hygiene Habits

• You may avoid using soaps and use water to rinse and clean the area.
• You can try soaking in a warm water bath, as it will ease the symptoms. However, it is important to dry thoroughly after a wash.
• Avoid douching. Douching removes even the healthy bacteria that line the vagina and may worsen the situation. These bacteria help prevent infections.
• You should also avoid hygiene sprays, fragrances, or powders in the genital areas.²

5. Good Sexual Health

Maintaining sexual health is an important factor to help prevent catching or the spread of infections; you can maintain good sexual health by:

• Practising safe sex²
• Using condoms and dental dams can help prevent the passing of infections between partners
• Avoid staying in a wet bathing suit or sweaty workout clothing for too long. A warm and moist atmosphere would promote yeast and bacterial growth.
• Regularly getting a screening from a gynaecologist: Going for a complete gynecologic exam is a good health habit. The gynecologic exam should be taken at regular intervals by discussing with the healthcare provider.¹

 6. Other Tips to Prevent Vaginal Itching Include:

• If you have diabetes, you should keep your blood sugar levels in good control.
• Avoid using tampons when you have an infection; use pads instead.
• You can allow more air to reach the genital area, by
  • Wearing loosely fitted clothes
  • Wearing cotton underwear and not synthetic ones. Cotton is known to increase the airflow and decrease moisture buildup.²
• You must know ways to properly clean your genital area while bathing or showering.
• You should wipe appropriately after using the toilet, always from front to the back.
• You must wash the area thoroughly before and after using the toilet or bathroom.²

Also Read: Effective Home Remedies For Period Pain

When to Seek Medical Help?

Seek medical help if you:

• Experience vaginal discharge
• May have been exposed to sexually transmitted infections
• Have fever or pain in the pelvis or belly area²

In case of any infection, you may experience:

• A sudden change in the amount, colour, odour, or consistency of discharge
• Redness, itching, and swelling in the genital area
• Symptoms that get worse or last longer than a week despite home care measures
• Sores or blisters on your vagina or vulva
• Burning sensation during urination or other urinary symptoms (this may indicate that you have a urinary tract infection).²

Also Read: Effective Home Remedies For PCOS

Conclusion:

Vaginal itching or itching at the site of the vagina and vulva can have many underlying causes. Some of them are lack of good hygiene habits, certain infections, the presence of irritant chemicals in products, and menopause. Suppose the itching is due to chemical irritants. In that case, you can improve the symptoms by avoiding the products that contain these chemicals. If the vaginal itch you are experiencing is due to infection by bacteria or fungi, you need to seek medical treatment. 

Don’t be embarrassed to talk about your symptoms; talking to a healthcare provider will help you know and get rid of the cause and symptoms.

Also Read: 8 Effective Home Remedies For Vaginal Yeast Infections!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Want to get rid of vaginal itching naturally? Check out Tea Tree: Uses, Benefits & Side Effects

References:

• Vaginitis: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention [Internet]. Cleveland Clinic. [cited 2022 Apr 5]. Available from: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9131-vaginitis
• Vaginal itching and discharge – adult and adolescent: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia [Internet]. [cited 2022 Apr 5]. Available from: https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003158.htm
• Usages of Herbal Remedies for the Management of Vaginal Infection among Women in Jazan Area at Saudi Arabia [Internet]. [cited 2022 Apr 8]. Available from: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/281293488_Usages_of_Herbal_Remedies_for_the_Management_of_Vaginal_Infection_among_Women_in_Jazan_Area_at_Saudi_Arabia

Also Read: Understanding and Managing Vaginal Boils: An Essential Guide

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