Vaginal and genital itching is especially common among married women and can be very annoying. You may also experience itching outside and inside the vagina or even inside it. In most cases, there is nothing to worry about, but if these itches are persistent, we recommend that you take it seriously and follow up Cause of vaginal itching be yourself In this article, we explain the causes of vaginal itching along with how to treat each cause, and then guide you on what else you can do to prevent and fix it with home remedies and health products. What you read in this article:
- What is the cause of itching?
- Vaginal itching due to fungal infection
- Vaginal dryness and itching due to changing hormones
- Irritation or sensitivity to chemicals
- Vaginal itching due to psoriasis or eczema
- Vaginal itching due to lichen sclerosus
- Improper removal of excess vaginal hair
- Genital lice
- When should we go to the doctor to treat vaginal itching?
- Treatment of vaginal itching at home
- Home treatment for vaginal itching due to fungal infection
- Home treatment for vaginal itching due to hormonal changes
- Home treatment for vaginal itching due to chemicals
- Home treatment for vaginal itching due to eczema
- Home treatment of vaginal itching due to bacterial vaginosis
- Treatment of vaginal itching during pregnancy
- Women’s hygiene products to relieve vaginal itching
What is the cause of vaginal itching?
In this section, we discuss 7 common causes of vaginal itching. Also, in each section, we explain what you should do to get rid of itching.
Vaginal itching due to fungal infection
Thrush is a common fungal infection that can cause your vagina to itch. This disease is caused by a fungus called Candida, which likes to live in warm and moist environments such as the vagina. In most cases, thrush develops if the balance of bacteria in your vagina changes; This can be caused by irritation of the skin of this area, antibiotics or hormones and other things.
In addition to itching and burning in the vagina, white vaginal discharge and sometimes burning during urination or sexual intercourse are other symptoms of thrush. If this is the first time you have these symptoms, see a doctor Fungal infection of the vagina confirm
The best treatment for vaginal itching caused by thrush is an antifungal medication prescribed by your doctor. This medicine can be a pill that you have to take orally, or a vaginal suppository, or an ointment that you have to apply inside your vagina with a special applicator. For the treatment of vaginal itching in girls, these ointments are used only topically without an applicator. Vaginal itching and any other symptoms should disappear within 7 to 14 days by taking antifungal drugs.
vaginal dryness; Another reason for its itching
Dryness is a common problem and can cause itching and even pain in the vaginal area. Also, if the vagina is dry, you may experience pain and discomfort during sex.
Vaginal dryness can occur at any age and for various reasons, including hormonal changes and the use of certain medications. But it is much more common in people who have stopped their periods due to menopause.
During and near menopause, your ovaries produce less estrogen. This causes the inner wall of your vagina to become thinner, drier and less flexible. The vagina also produces less secretions, which leads to dryness. So the cause of vaginal itching without discharge may be this case.
Menopause is a natural phase of aging, but some of its symptoms can be treated. Therefore, you should consult your doctor. If you suffer from vaginal dryness and itching due to menopause, your doctor may prescribe estrogen in the form of an ointment, vaginal suppository, or ring that you insert into your vagina.
You can also get a variety of vaginal moisturizers and lubricants that can be purchased without a prescription. In the final part of this article, we will introduce the best products to relieve vaginal itching.
Irritation or sensitivity to chemicals
Vaginal itching can be caused by something as simple as irritation or an allergic reaction to your laundry detergent or even your toilet paper. Chemicals that can irritate the skin of your vagina and genital area can be found in:
- Laundry detergent, bleach and fabric softener
- Bath foam, soap, shampoo
- Feminine hygiene sprays, perfumes and creams
- Sanitary napkins and tampons
- Toilet paper
- Contraceptive condoms and sponges
If you think the cause of your vaginal itching is a reaction to the above chemicals, there are steps you should take to relieve itching in this area. Under no circumstances should you wash your vagina with normal soap and water or take a vaginal shower; Because this makes the skin dry and the itching worse. Instead, wash the affected area with a feminine hygiene gel (more on that at the end of this article). Also, avoid putting deodorizing creams or sprays on your vagina and get your laundry detergent from non-biological (not biological) brands.
Vaginal itching due to psoriasis or eczema
Skin diseases such as psoriasis or eczema can cause your vagina to itch. As a result of psoriasis, red and scaly patches are formed, which can be painful and itchy. These spots can appear on all parts of the body, including the genital area.
Eczema is also referred to as a condition where the skin is irritated and inflamed and itches. Eczema can affect any part of your body, including the vaginal opening.
If you think the cause of your vaginal itching is psoriasis or eczema, it is better to see a doctor. Remember that the skin of your genital area is very sensitive; So even if you’re treating psoriasis or eczema on other parts of your body, you’ll need something different for your vagina. In this situation, the doctor may prescribe moisturizers (emulsions) and steroid creams.
But sclerosis
But sclerosus is another skin disease that can cause your vagina to itch. In this disease, itchy white spots appear on the skin of the genital area or other parts of the body, which are mostly seen around the vagina and anus. The cause of lichen sclerosus is not known, but in general, women over 50 are more likely to suffer from it.
If you notice an itchy white spot on the skin, you should see a doctor. Usually, a prescribed steroid cream helps reduce and eliminate vaginal itching. You may need to use this cream regularly for several months or take a break between periods to control your symptoms.
Improper removal of excess vaginal hair
Regular trimming of pubic hair with a razor can irritate the skin of your vagina, and this seemingly simple thing is the cause of itching and burning around the vagina. Contrary to popular belief that shaving or trimming pubic hair is hygienic, pubic hair actually helps protect your vagina from infection. However, if you are used to cutting hair in this area, we recommend it The best way to shave the face and body with Gillette Learn from our other article.
Genital lice
Genital lice are tiny insects and parasites that attach to the skin of the vagina and live on the hairs of this area. Sometimes they are called crabs. These crab lice are more active at night; Therefore, the cause of your vaginal itching at night may be the presence of these annoying intruders. In fact, itching is a reaction to the saliva of lice.
Genital lice are very small and difficult to detect; But your doctor can check if you have them. You can treat pubic lice at home with medicated insecticidal creams or lotions. Your doctor or pharmacist will explain to you how to use these products.
When should we go to the doctor to treat vaginal itching?
Many people experience vaginal itching from time to time. However, in addition to the recommendations we mentioned in the previous section about specific conditions, you should see a doctor; If:
- Genital itching is accompanied by pain;
- Itching is prolonged and does not go away;
- Vaginal itching keeps coming back and is severe;
- You bleed between periods or after sex;
- you have pain when urinating;
- you have pain in the area between your stomach and thigh (hip pain);
- Have you noticed changes in your vaginal discharge – in its color, smell, and texture;
- Your discharge is more than usual.
In addition to what we said in the previous section, the cause of vaginal itching can be a sexually transmitted infection such as trichomoniasis or chlamydia. In this case, you may have other symptoms, including yellow, green, or foul-smelling discharge, and pain when urinating or during sex. Anyway, remember that even if you don’t see these symptoms, you should follow up with a specialist doctor about the cause of prolonged vaginal itching.
Treatment of vaginal itching at home
Considering what is the cause of vaginal itching, there are different and effective home remedies to solve this annoying problem, which we will discuss in this section. So remember that it is very important to accurately diagnose the cause of vaginal itching before trying any of these home remedies.
Home treatment for vaginal itching due to fungal infection
Home remedies that can relieve itching caused by Fungal infection of the vagina to help; as follows:
Eating probiotic yogurt
Probiotics in some yogurts can correct the imbalance in bacteria. In the normal state, bacteria and yeast in the vagina are in balance; But if there is a lack of bacteria, the yeast overgrows. Research has shown that by eating probiotic yogurt, the amount of yeast in the gut microbiome decreases. However, there is no evidence from scientific trials that yogurt is an effective treatment for vaginal yeast infections.
However, if you want to try this home remedy, choose a yogurt that is low in sugar, such as Greek yogurt; Because yeasts and fungi feed on sugar. So too much sugar in the body helps fungus grow. You can also use probiotic supplements instead of eating yogurt; If the cause of your vaginal itching is this type of infection.
Use of boric acid
A small scientific study has shown that boric acid is as effective as the prescription antifungal drug fluconazole in treating vaginal itching due to fungal infections. Of course, there is no information about the side effects of long-term use; Therefore, do not use boric acid without consulting a doctor. Remember that this substance should only be used topically or in the form of vaginal suppositories; Because it can cause poisoning if taken orally or absorbed in a large amount in the body.
Bathing in baking soda
Baking soda bath can also help cure vaginal yeast infections. In a laboratory study, baking soda has been shown to kill Candida yeast; But so far there is no information about its effectiveness in humans. However, we recommend that you try this home remedy as well. To do this, add a quarter to two cups of baking soda to a hot tub or pan and sit in it.
Home treatment for vaginal itching due to hormonal changes
Although it is difficult to relieve symptoms caused by hormonal changes in the body, there are ways for people who experience vaginal itching due to hormonal changes. Including:
Use a cold compress
If the cause of your vaginal itching is dryness and hormonal changes, you can use a cold compress on the vaginal area to reduce irritation and itching.
Colloidal oatmeal bath
Colloidal oatmeal should be made into a powder and put in a bathtub or a pan of water. Oatmeal contains compounds that inhibit skin inflammation and are effective in treating itching of the female genital tract. To do this, dissolve oatmeal in warm water and let it sit for 20 minutes.
Home treatment for vaginal itching due to chemicals
Some useful home remedies for itching caused by chemical irritants include:
Wearing cotton clothes
If you change the type of underwear you wear, the itching will usually go away. Since air passes through cotton fabrics, wearing underwear with this material can reduce vaginal irritation.
Colloidal oatmeal bath
Similar to the previous case, to reduce vaginal itching due to chemical sensitivity, oatmeal bath can be helpful.
Home treatment for vaginal itching due to eczema
If eczema and excessive dryness are the cause of your itchy vagina, try these ways:
Use of aloe vera cream
Aloe vera is a soothing agent for all kinds of skin diseases. For vaginal itching, you can massage the outer and inner parts of the vagina with aloe vera cream to help relieve itching. To learn more about Aloe vera properties for the skin Don’t miss our other article.
Use coconut oil
Coconut oil has been proven to be effective for itching caused by eczema. Clinical research on children with eczema has shown that topical application of virgin coconut oil is more effective than mineral oils. Therefore, you can use this oil for the home treatment of vaginal itching in children.
Home treatment of vaginal itching due to bacterial vaginosis
To treat bacterial vaginosis, you must see a doctor and take medicine. But during the treatment period, there are some home remedies that can relieve your symptoms:
Using raw honey ointment
It has been proven that the use of raw honey ointment, due to its antibacterial properties, helps relieve vaginal itching due to bacterial vaginosis and even cures this disease itself.
Using Greek yogurt
Greek yogurt is also effective for treating bacterial vaginosis; Because it can return beneficial bacteria to the body. To relieve the symptoms, this yogurt can be used alone or together with honey or any other vaginal cream inside the vagina.
Eating garlic tablets
The antibacterial properties of garlic are not hidden from anyone. Therefore, garlic tablets can be used to help with itching and other symptoms of bacterial vaginosis.
Treatment of vaginal itching during pregnancy
The most common cause of vaginal itching during pregnancy is the natural changes in the vaginal pH level, which can cause local irritation. Sometimes pregnant women suffer from vaginal yeast infections. Apart from these two reasons, in rare cases the cause of vaginal itching is sexually transmitted infection (STI). So, before trying the following home remedies, make sure that you are not infected with this infection.
To treat itching during pregnancy:
- Take a baking soda bath.
- Make a paste of baking soda and water and apply the paste on the itchy area.
- Use coconut oil topically on the affected area.
- Use a cold compress to help relieve vaginal itching.
Women’s hygiene products to relieve vaginal itching
When you find the cause of your vaginal itching, it’s time to make changes in your lifestyle and use of health products in addition to trying home and medical treatments. using Women’s hygiene products It prevents itching in the genital area and even cures it in some cases.
Vaginal moisturizing cream
If the cause of your vaginal itching is dryness and inflammation, these products will be very useful for you. Vaginal moisturizing creams heal inflammation and severe itching of the skin and hydrate the skin of this area.
Women’s hygiene gel
Avoid using body wash products with an inappropriate acidity percentage for the genital area; Because these products disturb the pH balance of the skin. On the other hand, genital odor can be very annoying, especially in hot seasons.
Therefore, by buying sanitary gel for women, you kill two birds with one stone; It disinfects and deodorizes the vagina without disturbing the balance of bacteria in this area. Most of these gels also contain moisturizers and hydrate the dry skin of the vagina.
Hypoallergenic sanitary napkin
At least during the period when you have itching in the vaginal area, we recommend that you use hypoallergenic sanitary napkins. These types of products are anti-inflammatory and are recommended for all women, especially women who have skin problems such as itching and redness.
final word
In this article, we explained 7 common causes of vaginal itching and guided you how to solve each case with medical and home remedies. At the end, we reviewed the most important women’s hygiene products that should be used in case of itching in the genital area. If you have any questions about this, we will be happy to answer your questions in the comment section, dear and constant companions of Miss and Mr. beauty magazine.
Frequently asked questions about the cause of vaginal itching
What is the cause of vaginal itching at night?
The cause of itching at night can be genital lice, which we explained in this article about its treatment.
Usually, vaginal itching after menstruation is a natural thing that occurs due to pH imbalance or dryness and hormonal changes. But if your vaginal itching is prolonged, it may have another cause that we mentioned in this article.
To get rid of vaginal itching, you can use ointments that do not require a doctor’s prescription or home remedies. In this article, we explained step by step how to identify the cause of vaginal itching and treat it accordingly.
References
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