Itching in the vagina? Reasons for vaginal itching and how you can relieve it

Some reasons for vaginal itching include:

Synthetic clothing

Clothing made from synthetic (man-made) fibers such as polyester, rayon, and nylon do not allow the skin to “breathe.” Breathing in this context means that the air moves around the vaginal areas. These synthetic materials, especially when made into tight-fitting panties, can cause moisture to accumulate on the surface of the skin they cover. This moist skin that rubs against itself or against clothing can cause itching and redness. Wearing panties made from natural fibers like cotton can help keep vaginal areas drier.

Chafing caused during sex

Many women feel itchy in and around the vagina after intercourse, mainly due to the chafing caused during intercourse. Chafing often occurs during sexual intercourse when pubic hair rubs against sensitive genital skin. Hair removal can help prevent this from happening.

Fungal infections of the vagina

Yeast infections, also known as yeast, yeast, or thrush are a common cause of severe vaginal itching, redness, and pain. Signs of Candida include a white or yellowish “cottage cheese” -like discharge and a “cheese-like” odor. There are many products on the market, both natural and over-the-counter (OTC) pharmaceuticals that can help reduce or eliminate this overgrowth of the natural fungal microbe. Candida albicans. If you are in doubt as to whether or not you have a yeast infection in your vagina, see your doctor for a diagnosis.

Bacterial and other infections of the vagina

Bacterial infections such as bacterial vaginosis and protozoan infections caused by a small parasite called Trichonomas vaginalis It can cause itching and discharge with an unpleasant smell (fishy or like rotting meat) and pain. If you suspect you may have a bacterial or protozoal infection or don’t know what the problem might be, see your doctor; antibiotic treatment may be necessary.

Sexually transmitted infections

STIs (sexually transmitted infections) can be itchy. Some examples of STIs include chlamydia, gonorrhea, and genital herpes. If you suspect you may have an STI, see a doctor so that it can be properly diagnosed and treated.

How to relieve vaginal itching

There are several different types of products on the market for vaginal itch relief, including:

Local anesthetic type creams

Local anesthetic creams dull the nerve endings around the vagina. These products have a chemical anesthetic such as benzocaine as the active ingredient. They are recommended for external vaginal use. When the effect of the local anesthetic wears off, the itching often returns because the creams do not contain any ingredients that help resolve the cause of the vaginal itching.

Antifungal pills, creams, and pessaries

Antifungal products work well if you know you have a yeast infection. Oral pills usually contain the antifungal chemical Fluconazole. However, fluconazole taken by mouth can affect the entire body and not just the vagina. Indiscriminate “whole body” antifungal action can cause other microbes, such as bacteria, to proliferate in other parts of the body, as bacteria are generally kept in a state of natural balance through healthy competition from other microbes.

Antifungal creams and pessaries contain other “-azole” medications such as clotrimazole, miconazole, thiocinazole, and butoconazole. These antifungal pharmaceutical treatments can be effective for vaginal itching if the itching is caused by Candida germs. These medications are ineffective for vaginal itching that is not the result of fungal infections. There can also be problems with antifungal drug treatments when the Candida fungus microbes develop resistance to them. Antifungal medications are becoming ineffective for many women who frequently suffer from Candida infections.

Natural options to relieve vaginal itching

Showering with tea tree oil

Tea tree essential oil has been used extensively in herbal medicine for the treatment of vaginal itching. Tea tree oil is naturally antifungal and antibacterial, helping to address the causes of vaginal itching and to relieve the itching itself. If you plan to use tea tree oil as a douche, you must be careful to dilute the oil with water to avoid burning the delicate skin around and inside the vagina. Always test a small area of ​​skin on the outside of the vagina first before spraying the mixture into the vaginal opening.

Yogurt

Always use the unsweetened type of plain yogurt. Yogurt contains beneficial “lactobacillus” bacteria, “good bacteria” that can effectively compete with any “bad” microbes that may be causing your discomfort. Yogurt can be applied directly to the vagina with clean fingers. Eating yogurt, while beneficial, will not be directly effective!

Vinegar

Douching with diluted, unfiltered apple cider vinegar can help restore correct acidity to the vagina. However, be careful to notice if the itching increases or decreases. An overly acidic vagina is an environment in which the Candida fungus thrives.

Epsom salts

Soaking in a sitz bath that contains Epsom salts can help reduce the acidity of the vagina. Be careful again to notice if the itchiness increases or decreases – bacteria love vaginas that aren’t acidic enough!