How to Stop Vaginal Itching: 9 Home Remedies
Medically reviewed by Valinda Riggins Nwadike, MD, MPH — By Sian Ferguson and Tracee M. Herbaugh — Updated on October 4, 2023
Baking soda, probiotics, and antifungal creams are just a few of the home remedies that can help relieve your vaginal itching. Douches and feminine hygiene sprays are not on the list.
Vaginal itching can be a symptom of many conditions. It could be caused by an issue like vaginal dryness or chemical irritants, such as the ones found in scented soaps. Itching can also be the result of a yeast infection, bacterial vaginosis, a sexually transmitted infection (STI), or another type of irritant or medical condition.
There are many home remedies to relieve an itchy vagina, but the remedy you choose will depend on what’s causing the itch.
A note on language
At Healthline, we respect and acknowledge an individual’s sex, gender, and sexual orientation. Throughout this article, we use the terms “women” and “female” as the sex assigned at birth as most studies we source use these terms. However, this article pertains to anyone who has a vagina.Was this helpful?
What causes vaginal itching
Vaginal itchiness is often due to one of the following common causes.Yeast infection
If you have a vagina, there’s a chance that you’ll get a yeast infection at some point in your life.Candida, a naturally occurringTrusted Source microorganism in the vaginal area, causes yeast infections. Changes in medications, hormones, or a soap or spray can make a yeast infectionTrusted Source more likely.
Candida naturally lives in healthy vaginas, but when this microorganism overgrows, it can cause a yeast infection, which can lead to itching or burning sensations in the vagina.
Other than itching, yeast infections can cause a thick, white, cottage cheese-like discharge.
Bacterial vaginosis
Bacteria naturally grow in your vagina to keep it healthy. When the bacterial makeup is unbalanced, certain kinds of bacteria may become overgrown, most commonly Gardnerella vaginalis. Douching, not using condoms or other barrier methods, and having multiple sex partners can increase the riskTrusted Source of developing bacterial vaginosis.Bacterial vaginosis often leads to a fishy vaginal odor, burning during urination, and discharge that’s gray, white, or green.
Vaginal dryness
This is a symptom of many conditions. Vaginal dryness can cause your vagina to feel itchy inside. It can also cause discomfort during sex or masturbation, as there will be more friction during penetration, which can irritate your skin.Water-based lubricants can help with vaginal dryness. In a 2017 studyTrusted Source involving 50 Indian women, estrogen creams were shown to improve vaginal dryness and itching.
You may want to talk with a doctor if vaginal dryness seems to be a consistent problem for you.
Exposure to irritants
The skin near your vulva and vagina is sensitive. Irritating chemicals in pads, intimate washes, sprays, and other products can irritate the skin and cause an itchy vagina. This is why it’s recommended that you avoid using anything other than water to wash your vulva.It’s also possible to have an allergic reaction to the ingredients of intimate washes and components of menstrual products.
If you suspect your pad is irritating your skin, try a different brand, or switch to tampons or a menstrual cup.
Skin conditions
Skin conditions can affect your pubic area and the skin around your vulva, leading to itchiness.Some skin conditions that may cause vaginal itching may include:
If you suspect you have a skin condition, speak with a doctor or dermatologist.
Low estrogen levels
Low estrogen levels are more common in young and perimenopausal females, but they can occur at any age.Estrogen plays a major role in maintaining vaginal secretions. These vaginal secretions lubricate the vaginal wall, reducing friction during sexual intercourse. Low estrogen levels can reduce the natural vaginal lubrication. This can lead to vaginal dryness, which can result in irritation and itching, especially during sex.
Other symptoms of low estrogen can include irregular or absent periods, fatigue, and hot flashes.
STIs
A number of STIs could cause vaginal itching. These include:The above conditions require medical attention. It’s important to speak with a doctor if you think you have an STI.
The best home remedies for vaginal itching
Baking soda bath
Baking soda baths can potentially treat yeast infections as well as certain itchy skin conditions.A 2012 study indicated baking soda has antifungal effects. A 2014 study found that baking soda killed Candida cells, the same cells that cause yeast infections.
The National Eczema Foundation recommends adding 1/4 cup of baking soda to your bath, or making it into a paste and applying it to your skin to treat eczema.
Research from 2005Trusted Source indicated that baking soda baths are an effective treatment for psoriasis too.
Try this: Baking soda bath
- Add between 1/4 cup and 2 cups of baking soda to your bath and allow it to dissolve.
- Soak in the bath for 10–40 minutes.
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Greek yogurt
Greek yogurt is a common home remedy for yeast infections.A probiotic yogurt promotes the growth of “good” bacteria in the vagina. These bacteria can kill off some yeast and keep your vagina healthy.
A 2012 studyTrusted Source evaluated 129 pregnant women with yeast infections after receiving either a home remedy or an over-the-counter (OTC) treatment.
Researchers gave 82 participants a yogurt and honey combination remedy and 47 participants an OTC cream. The study found that a mixture of honey and yogurt was more effective at treating vaginal yeast infections than OTC antifungal medication.
A 2015 study involving 70 nonpregnant women reached the same conclusion: Yogurt and honey were more effective than commercial antifungal cream.
Try this: Greek yogurt
- You can insert some yogurt into your vagina to soothe the itching.
- You can also coat a tampon in Greek yogurt and insert it.
- If you try either method, wear a pad, so the yogurt doesn’t get on your clothes.
- Use plain Greek yogurt with no added flavors or sugar.
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Cotton underwear
Cotton underwear is helpful if you have any sort of vaginal or vulvar discomfort. Cotton underwear is breathable, which means it can help reduce itchy skin conditions.Wearing 100% cotton underwear might prevent yeast infections, as yeast thrives in areas that are not well ventilated.
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Probiotic supplements
Bacteria are essential for vaginal health, and probiotics can increase the “good” bacteria in your vagina.You can find probiotic supplements, such as capsules and tonics, at your local drugstore, health store, or online. These promote the growth of healthy and helpful bacteria in your vagina and gut.
These can be taken as preventive measures too. Your doctor might recommend taking probiotics when they prescribe antibiotics.
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Coconut oil
A 2016 study demonstrated that coconut oil can kill Candida albicans, which causes yeast infections. However, this study was done in a lab, and there’s not enough evidence to confirm whether it works in humans.Try this: Coconut oil
- You can insert coconut oil directly into your vagina.
- Be sure to use high quality, pure coconut oil.
- Wear a pad if you try this remedy, as it could otherwise stain your clothing.
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Antifungal cream
If a yeast infection is causing you discomfort, you may want to consider using OTC antifungal creams to provide relief. They kill yeast, which soothes the itch. OTC antifungals are also available as vaginal suppositories that are inserted into the vagina.If you use an antifungal cream or suppository in your vagina, it’s best to wear a panty liner.
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Cortisone cream
If you’re itchy after shaving pubic hair, cortisone cream might be the best treatment. The cream can also be used to treat eczema, allergic skin conditions, and some rashes as it reduces and soothes itching.Cortisone cream should never be applied inside your vagina. However, it can be applied to the skin outside the vagina where pubic hair grows.
Probiotic foods
Similar to taking probiotic supplements, eating food that contains probiotics can promote the growth of healthy bacteria in your vagina and gut, which supports your overall vaginal and gut health.Probiotic foods include:
- yogurt
- kombucha
- kimchi
- sauerkraut
- miso
Hygiene
Practicing good vaginal hygiene can help prevent and soothe an itchy vagina.Sometimes less is more when it comes to washing your vagina and vulva. Your vagina cleans itself, so all you need to do is wash the outside of your vagina — your vulva — with some warm water.
Do not use scented soaps, gels, or cleansers. Avoiding products that are marketed as feminine hygiene or intimate cleansers is also recommended. For example, experts advise against vaginal douching unless a doctor prescribes it.
Douching and over-washing your vagina and vulva can actually cause itchiness. Soaps and scents can irritate the vagina and cause allergic reactions and infections.
When to see a doctor
While home remedies can often treat an itchy vagina, you might have to see a doctor if you have certain symptoms like:- pain or burning during sex or urination
- pain in the genital area or pelvic region
- genital redness or swelling
- blisters or strange spots on your vulva
- unusual vaginal discharge, especially discharge that’s green, yellow, or gray
- discharge that looks frothy or has a cottage cheese–like texture
- a foul odor
If you do not currently have an OB-GYN, the Healthline FindCare tool can help you connect to physicians in your area.
Things to avoid
A lot of unreliable information regarding treating vaginal itch is available on the internet. Some remedies are more unreliable than others.Here are three that most experts highly advise against using.
Douches and feminine hygiene sprays
Lots of feminine hygiene sprays contain perfumes and ingredients that can worsen itch and inflame the delicate skin around the vagina and genital area.Most doctors also recommend that you do not douche. Douching can change the necessary balance of vaginal flora (bacteria that live in the vagina) and natural acidity in a healthy vagina.
Scented clothing detergents
Perfumes and synthetic ingredients commonly cause genital itching. Looking at the ingredients in your laundry soap or any bath soap is important. If it has ingredients you do not recognize, it may be a good idea to avoid using it.A good information resource is the Environmental Working Group (EWG), which lists allergens and other chemicals in specific soap brands (among many other consumer products).
Talcum powder
At one time, many believed talcum powder was a wonder product for maintaining moisture in hard-to-reach places.It was used when diapering babies and to relieve vaginal itch. However, some studiesTrusted Source have claimed that talc is linked to ovarian cancer, but research results are mixedTrusted Source regarding this product.
Until more research has determined whether talc is safe, it may be best to not use it for vaginal itching.
Interested in other women’s health products?
We’ve got you covered. Our reviews and comparisons cover the top products for sexual wellness, total-body health, and more so you can find what’s right for you.Was this helpful?
How to prevent vaginal itching
STIs, bacterial infections, and yeast infections can all lead to vaginal itchiness. To help prevent these infections, you can consider the following tips:You can help lower your risk of developing STIs by:
- getting tested along with any new partners before engaging in sex
- using barrier methods (like condoms or dental dams) every time you have sex
- using condom-safe lubricant and avoiding oil-based lubes with latex condoms
- ensuring that you’re using condoms properly
- cleaning sex toys before and after sex, especially if you’re sharing them with a partner
- eating probiotic-rich foods
- taking a probiotic supplement
- wearing cotton underwear
- washing underwear in hot water
- replacing menstrual products frequently
- avoiding douches, scented tampons or pads, and fragranced vaginal washes and sprays
- changing out of wet clothes or bathing suits immediately
- avoiding spending extended time in hot tubs or hot baths
Probiotic-rich foods include:
- yogurt
- kombucha
- kimchi
- sauerkraut
- miso
- pure cranberry juice, which may promote urinary health
- sweet potatoes, which contain nutrients that may decrease your risk of bacterial vaginosis
- leafy greens, which contain nitrates that can help improve circulation and decrease vaginal dryness
Frequently asked questions about vaginal itching
Can you put itching cream on your vagina?
You should not put itch-relief cream, known as hydrocortisone cream, inside your vagina. It can increase inflammation or cause atrophy (dryness and irritation) since the skin on this part of the body is sensitive.However, you can use these creams outside the genital area for relief.
Can you put Vaseline on your vagina to stop itching?
No. Vaseline, or petroleum jelly, is an oil-based ointment. There has been some research that links Vaseline with an increased risk of vaginal health issues like bacterial vaginosis.How can you stop itching down there at night?
Vaginal itching may seem worse at night because there are fewer distractions, and we tend to be relaxing before bed. Taking a bath and changing into cotton clothing may be helpful. If you’re taking an OTC medication, know that these treatments can make symptoms worse.Scratching the area or excessive bathing might also worsen itching, according to a 2012 research articleTrusted Source.
Takeaway
There are many effective home remedies for an itchy vagina, from Greek yogurt to coconut oil.Some of these remedies may work better than others. Be advised that experts recommend avoiding methods like douching and using talcum powder.
If you have any unusual or unexplained symptoms, or if you’re simply wondering how to stop vaginal itching, talk with a doctor.
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Last medically reviewed on October 4, 2023
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Current Version
Oct 4, 2023
Written By
Sian Ferguson, Tracee M. Herbaugh
Edited By
John Bassham
Medically Reviewed By
Valinda Riggins Nwadike, MD, MPH
Copy Edited By
Delores Smith-Johnson
Mar 28, 2023
Written By
Sian Ferguson, Tracee M. Herbaugh
Edited By
Parisa Syed
Medically Reviewed By
Carla Prophete, MPAS, PA-C
Copy Edited By
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