When it comes to worst feelings ever, an itchy vagina ranks high on the list. And it’s especially uncomfortable when there’s no discrete way to scratch that pesky sensation. Luckily, you’re not alone, and there are doctor-approved ways to stop itching down there almost immediately.
“Vaginal itchiness is extremely common, but there’s a big difference between having a little itch and being up all night thinking you can’t stand this,” says Lauren Streicher, MD, an associate professor of clinical obstetrics and gynecology at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine.
The most common culprits are irritants such as bubble baths, fragranced soaps, or detergents, yeast infections or bacterial vaginosis, and hormonal changes due to lack of estrogen (often caused by lactation or menopause), says Lyndsey Harper, MD, an associate professor of obstetrics and gynecology at Texas A&M College of Medicine and the CEO and founder of Rosy. “When estrogen is low, the bacterial makeup of the vagina changes and the skin becomes thinner and more easily irritated which can lead to varying degrees of discomfort and itching.”
An allergy or skin condition might be to blame, and the vagina (the inside canal) and/or the vulva (everything on the outside) might be involved, adds Alyssa Dweck, MD, an ob-gyn based in Westchester County, New York.
Meet the experts: Suzanne Bovone, MD, is a board-certified ob-gyn at Pediatrix Medical Group in San Jose, California.
Lauren Streicher, MD, is an associate professor of clinical obstetrics and gynecology at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine.
Lyndsey Harper, MD, is an associate professor of obstetrics and gynecology at Texas A&M College of Medicine and the CEO and founder of Rosy.
Alyssa Dweck, MD, is an ob-gyn based in Westchester County, New York.
Kyle Bukowski, MD, is an ob-gyn and the chief medical officer at Planned Parenthood of Maryland.
Jonathan Schaffir, MD, is an ob-gyn at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center.
The good news is that vaginal itching is rarely a sign of a serious underlying issue. But if it's ongoing or you spot other concerning symptoms like blisters or a rash, you should get it checked out ASAP so you can get an accurate diagnosis and receive the appropriate treatment, notes Kyle Bukowski, MD, an ob-gyn and the chief medical officer at Planned Parenthood of Maryland. "Since some symptoms of a yeast infection overlap with those of some STIs and other infections like bacterial vaginosis, an accurate diagnosis is critical,” underscores Dr. Streicher.
If you’ve already checked in with a health care provider and are dealing with occasional itchiness, there are plenty of home remedies that gynecologists recommend to successfully calm your itch.
The Best Home Remedies For Itching Around The Vaginal Area
1. Check your soap.
Your vulva is a sensitive area, and some soaps, especially ones that contain delicious-smelling fragrances, can make you itchy down there, says Jonathan Schaffir, MD, an ob-gyn at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center.
Try switching to a hypoallergenic soap like Cetaphil and see where that gets you. “Sometimes just eliminating a particular product will make all the difference,” Dr. Streicher adds.
2. Swap out your period products.
Some women experience allergic reactions to their menstrual pads that can trigger a serious case of the itches. That's because some pads contain perfumes that can be irritating, explains Dr. Schaffir. If you notice you get especially itchy around your period, stop using your go-to pads and opt for an unscented variety, or even organic versions of pads and tampons.
If your symptoms continue even after a product swap, talk with your doctor.
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3. Try a yeast infection cream.
A lot of women assume they have a yeast infection whenever they get a vaginal itch, but it’s not always the case, Dr. Streicher says. Still, if you’ve had a yeast infection before and you know that’s what you’re dealing with, an OTC yeast infection medication should help. Keep in mind that you can also get a yeast infection in your vulva—and there are creams for that too.
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Common symptoms of a yeast infection include a white, cottage cheese-like discharge, vaginal itchiness or irritation, and even pain during urination or sex, per Dr. Bukowski. And while you can start with an OTC antifungal cream for fast relief, you should see a doctor if symptoms persist for more than a few days so you can get prescription meds to clear it up.
“If symptoms do not improve, it’s important to visit a healthcare provider since misidentifying infections and treating them incorrectly can lead to persistent or recurrent infections," he says. Remember: Yeast infection symptoms can overlap with those of some STIs and other infections like bacterial vaginosis.
Definitely see your doc if you're unsure whether the symptoms you're experiencing may be related to a yeast infection.
4. Take a sitz bath.
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A hot bath can provide more than a little relaxation when you’re dealing with itchiness down there.
In case you're not familiar, a sitz bath is a warm, shallow bath that you sit in to relieve itching and irritation around your anus or vagina, per the Cleveland Clinic. Feel free to add plain Epsom salt or oatmeal bath such as Aveeno Soothing Bath Treatment, Dr. Dweck says.
5. Talk to your doc about a hydrocortisone cream.
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6. Apply an ice pack or other cooling therapy.
Applying a cold treatment like an ice pack or over-the-counter cooling pad can provide relief down there, says Dr. Dweck. Just be sure to use them with a cloth barrier such as your underwear or a towel rather than applying directly to the skin, as you could further irritate it.
A cool, clean washcloth can also do the trick if you’re in a pinch, adds Dr. Bovone.
What Makes a Happy Vagina?
by Women's Health US
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7. Opt for cotton underwear.
Certain fabrics can lead to extra irritation and itching, so sticking with cotton panties may be your best bet, says Dr. Dweck. Better yet, opt for organic, she adds.
When it comes to working out, Dr. Bovone says it’s up to individual preference if you wear underwear at all. However, if you do, she says to opt for a breathable fabric like cotton to limit sweat and odor. And whether you wear undies or not, always rinse off and change clothes after a sweat sesh to limit bacteria, she adds.
8. Try an alternative hair-removal method.
Shaving causes itching due to new hair growth as well as friction of the bare skin next to clothing, says Dr. Bovone. And while there is no medical reason to remove your pubic hair, if you shave your bikini area and notice that it’s always followed by itchiness, Dr. Dweck recommends considering other methods, such as laser hair removal, electrolysis, or waxing.
Additionally, if you opt for shaving, never share a razor, use a new one every five to seven times, and shave in the direction of hair growth, says Dr. Bovone. “If you are getting ingrown hairs from shaving, gently exfoliate the mons (the pubic area) and vulva in the shower with a washcloth or a loofah,” she explains. No special soap is needed, but Dr. Bovone recommends using Cetaphil, CeraVe, or shaving cream or gel.
9. Consider an OTC antihistamine.
Medications like Benadryl are known to help relieve allergic reactions to the skin, so trying them for itch issues may prove to be helpful as well, says Dr. Dweck.
Just note that daily OTC antihistamines should not be a long-term solution for vaginal itching, adds Dr. Bovone. “If there is swelling and possibly an allergic reaction, then an antihistamine is appropriate for 24 to 48 hours, but if there is no improvement, it’s best to see your physician.”
10. Moisturize the external area.
“From time to time, vaginal itching may be due to dry skin, so consider a hypoallergenic moisturizer without petrolatum, which may worsen the issue,” says Dr. Dweck.
Cetaphil and CeraVe are go-to brands that are gentle on the vulva. Aquaphor can also be a soothing option, Dr. Streicher says.
For odor (once your doctor has determined there is no infection), Dr. Bovone says Lume is a great moisturizing product made by a gynecologist with skin safe ingredients.
11. Consider hormone therapy.
If all else fails, vaginal estrogen might do the trick if low estrogen is the issue, which can be the result of experiencing menopause, taking hormonal birth control, breastfeeding, or taking certain medications, explains Dr. Dweck.
Vaginal estrogen is used to support the vaginal mucosa from thinning when there are lower estrogen levels, says Dr. Bovone. “As the vaginal mucosa thins and loses elasticity, it is more prone to dryness, irritation, and possible infections,” she explains. “By maintaining the tissue, the normal vaginal bacteria can thrive and lessen bacterial vaginosis and yeast infections.”
Just note that you’ll need a prescription for vaginal estrogen (or any type of hormone therapy), so talk to your doctor if you want to consider this option, adds Dr. Dweck.
The bottom line: While these home remedies for vaginal itch can be a temporary solution, if you’re struggling with an itch that won’t quit, it’s time to see your doctor to get it checked out.
Korin Miller
Korin Miller is a freelance writer specializing in general wellness, sexual health and relationships, and lifestyle trends, with work appearing in Men’s Health, Women’s Health, Self, Glamour, and more. She has a master’s degree from American University, lives by the beach, and hopes to own a teacup pig and taco truck one day.
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Andi Breitowich
Andi Breitowich is a Chicago-based writer and graduate student at Northwestern Medill. She’s a mass consumer of social media and cares about women’s rights, holistic wellness, and non-stigmatizing reproductive care. As a former collegiate pole vaulter, she has a love for all things fitness and is currently obsessed with Peloton Tread workouts and hot yoga.
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