Itchy genitals, especially an itchy vulva, are a great cause for concern, apart from being extremely uncomfortable. It hampers your quality of life significantly and also leads to further diseases. If you notice any of the symptoms like redness, soreness, itchiness, or dryness, you should immediately consult with a healthcare professional to address these issues.
Apart from obtaining a medical opinion, you should also practice hygiene and adopt certain home remedies to care for your vulva and stop vaginal irritation.
Did you know:
The vagina is a self-cleaning body part and does not need any external products to maintain hygiene. One should refrain from douching, soaping, or using any medicated washes.
What Causes Vaginal Itching
The vaginal itching reason varies from person to person and can be any one of the following:
Infections
Yeast infection (vaginal candidiasis) and fungal infections are the most common causes of vaginal itching in a woman. Candida, a naturally occurring microorganism in the vagina, leads to yeast infections when overgrown. This disruption is often due to scented products or medications.
Bacterial Vaginosis
The distinct fishy odor and a burning sensation during urination are common symptoms of Bacterial Vaginosis (BV). It is often painful and needs to be treated medically.
Dryness in the Vagina
Dryness in any part of the body often leads to itching and redness. It is also extremely uncomfortable to have penetrative sex with a dry vagina. One can choose home remedies for vaginal dryness and keep your vagina healthy at all times.
Artificial Scents
Artificially scented soaps and fragrances are a big no for female genitals. They completely disrupt the regular pH balance of the region and lead to dryness, yeast infections, and itching.
Hormonal Imbalances
The onset of menstruation and menopause is accompanied by several hormonal imbalances. These changes often create an imbalance in the yeast and bacteria ratio inside your vagina, leading to an itchy vulva.
Underlying Skin Conditions
Certain skin conditions, such as eczema, dermatitis, and psoriasis, often extend to the vagina too and can be very painful.
Sexually Transmitted Diseases
Vaginal itching can also be a result of STDs or STIs. Some are chlamydia, gonorrhea, pubic lice, genital herpes, and warts.
How To Treat Vaginal Irritation
If you are looking for answers on how to stop vaginal itching, then you need to first identify the cause of your vaginal itching. To do so, consult a healthcare professional and get diagnosed with symptoms for different causes. The reason behind your vaginal itching can be known through urine tests, pap smear tests, and blood tests. It can also be identified by analyzing the color of your discharge and the odor it emits. The dermatologist or healthcare professional can prescribe topical creams, oral medications as well as medicated soaps to treat these concerns.
Home Remedies For Itching In Private Parts Female
For effective vaginal itching treatment, you can try a few home remedies as discussed below:
Practice Good Hygiene
The first step to maintaining a healthy vagina is to practice good hygiene. One of the easiest and simplest ways to avoid vaginal irritation is to cleanse your vagina daily with normal water. Make sure that you do not use any scented products around the vulva. While wiping, make sure to wipe from front to back to prevent fecal matter from entering your vagina and leading to infections.
Include Probiotics In Your Diet
Probiotics are a boon when it comes to treating vaginal irritation naturally. Greek yogurt and probiotic drinks contain a healthy amount of bacteria necessary to maintain balance in the vagina. These help prevent yeast infections and also maintain your gut health.
Use Cortisone Creams
If you have an irritated vaginal area, you can get some over-the-counter cortisone creams that will help soothe the itch almost instantly. You can also try antifungal creams if you have a yeast infection.
Apply Natural Oils
Natural oils are a great ayurvedic medicine for itching in private parts. These pure oils are soothing and have a moisturizing effect on the skin. Coconut oil is the most appropriate choice as it contains antifungal properties that prevent infections. Be careful as to not apply the oil inside the vulva.
Wear Cotton Undergarments
Wearing cotton undergarments can prevent the risk of infections, allow for the free flow of air, and also helps absorb sweat. Cotton undergarments are healthy for the skin and allow it to breathe.
Use Natural Washes
You can try a few home tricks used to treat vaginal itching during the period. One of the most used ones is an apple cider vinegar bath, as it is a common remedy to treat yeast infections and skin conditions. Baking soda is also known for its anti-fungal properties and can be applied topically as a paste or diluted in water.
When To Seek Medical Attention For Vaginal Itching
- If the itching persists for more than a few days or becomes progressively worse
- If the itching causes severe discomfort, pain, or disruption to daily activities
- If there are changes in vaginal discharge (odor, color, consistency) along with the itching
- If there are frequent or recurring episodes of vaginal itching
- If there has been recent unprotected sexual exposure or suspicion of a sexually transmitted infection (STI)
- If there are additional symptoms like pain during urination, abdominal pain, genital sores or blisters, or other concerning symptoms
- If pregnant and experiencing vaginal itching
- If self-care measures or over-the-counter treatments do not improve or worsen the symptoms.
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