Vaginal itching is one of the uncomfortable situations faced by women at least once in their lifetime. Itching or irritation around the vagina can be caused due to bacteria or yeast infections, menopause, STD’s or chemical irritants. A weak immune system and excessive stress can increase the chances of suffering from vaginal itching.
In addition to vaginal itching, some women may also experience redness, swelling and discharge. To deal with vaginal itching one has to maintain proper hygiene and follow a healthy diet. Meanwhile, you can follow simple home remedies to get relief from the symptoms.
How to Get Rid of Vaginal Itching and Burning at Home?
We have mentioned the most effective methods which provide soothing relief from vaginal itching. Try any of the methods as per your preference.
1. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar balances the pH levels of the vagina which creates an inhospitable environment for yeast growth. It also contains antibacterial, antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties.
- Add 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar to a glass of water.
- Bath normally with mild soap and water.
- Now, rinse your vagina with the ACV solution.
- Repeat the process 2 times in a day.
For added benefits: Add 1 tablespoons of ACV and 1 teaspoon of honey to a glass of water and drink it 2 times in a day.
2. Salt Water Bath
A salt water bath not only provides relief from vaginal itching but also provides a relaxing effect to your body. Salt deals with the bacteria growth that is causing infection. You can use either Epsom salt or sea salt for this process.
- Add 1/2 cup of salt to your bathtub filled with lukewarm water.
- Sit in a squatting position in the water for 15 minutes.
- Bath normally and pat dry completely.
- Repeat the process 2 – 3 times in a day.
For Instant Relief: Add 1 tablespoon of salt to a glass of water and rinse your vagina with this solution.
Caution: Avoid using salt methods, if you have cuts, bruises or open sores.
3. Yogurt
The good microflora present in yogurt colonize the vagina and control bad bacterial growth. The soothing effects of yogurt provide quick relief from vaginal itching and burning.
- Dip a tampon in yogurt.
- Insert it into the vagina.
- Leave it for 2 hours and remove it.
- Rinse with water and pat dry completely.
- Repeat this process 2 times in a day.
Note: Use only unsweetened and unflavored yogurt for this process.
4. Garlic
The allicin present in garlic possesses antibacterial and antibiotic properties which kill the yeast causing the itching and other discomforts. Eating 3 garlic cloves in a day helps to boost the immune system and help our body fight infections effectively.
- Combine few drops of garlic oil and 1 teaspoon of vitamin E oil.
- Apply the mixture on the vagina and leave it on for 10 minutes.
- Rinse with warm water and pat dry.
- Repeat this process 2 times in a day.
5. Indian Lilac
Indian lilac contains antiseptic properties which help to reduce the itching and other discomforts. It is one of the best remedies to treat vaginal itching caused by yeast infection.
- Add a handful of neem or Indian lilac leaves to 2 – 3 cups of water.
- Bring this mixture to a boil and remove from the flame.
- Allow it cool down and strain.
- Rinse your vaginal area with this solution.
- Repeat the process once in a day for few weeks.
6. Kefir
Kefir is a fermented dairy product which is rich in probiotic bacteria. This good bacteria colonizes the vagina and controls the bad bacterial growth. This helps to provide relief from vaginal itching and burning.
- Dip a tampon in kefir and insert it into the vagina.
- Leave it for 2 hours and remove it.
- Repeat this problem daily until you get relief.
For Added Benefits: Drink 1 – 2 cups of kefir in a day for few weeks.
7. Honey
Honey contains antibacterial and antifungal properties which help to get rid of any microbial infection causing vaginal itching.
- Slather a layer of honey on the vagina.
- Leave it on for 30 minutes.
- Rinse off the application with lukewarm water.
- Repeat the process 2 times in a day.
8. Boric Acid
Boric acid contains antiseptic and antifungal properties which provide relief from vaginal itching, burning and other discomforts.
- Add small amounts of boric acid into enough amounts of water.
- Apply the solution over the affected area.
- Leave the application for 1 – 2 minutes.
- Rinse it off with warm water.
- Repeat the process once in a day for 2 weeks.
9. Basil Leaves
Basil contains antibacterial properties and antifungal properties. It is considered one of the best remedies to treat vaginal itching and burning.
- Add a handful of basil leaves into 2 cups of water.
- Bring the mixture to boil and remove from the flame.
- Let it cool down and strain it.
- Rinse your vagina with this solution.
- Repeat the process 2 times in a day,
10. Rosemary Leaves
Rosemary leaves are known to prevent the cultivation of bacteria around the skin. Rosemary leaves can be used to make anti-bacterial solution which also provides relief from vaginal itching.
- Bring 2 – 3 cups of water to boil.
- Add some rosemary leaves into it.
- Cover and let it steep for 15 minutes.
- Use this solution to rinse the vagina.
- Leave it to dry completely.
- Repeat the process 2 times in a day.
11. Cold Compress
Though it looks very simple, cold compress is one of the effective ways to get relief from vaginal itching instantly. It numbs the area and reduces the inflammation.
- Wrap few ice cubes in a washcloth.
- Put the ice pack or any other cold compress on the vagina.
- After few minutes, take a 30-second break and re-apply it for few minutes.
- Repeat the process for 15 minutes.
- Repeat the process whenever required.
12. Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil contains antibacterial properties which not only provides relief from vaginal itching but also treats the yeast infection.
- Add 4 – 5 drops of tea tree oil to 1 – 2 tablespoons of freshly extracted aloe vera gel.
- Apply this mixture on the vagina and surrounding areas.
- Leave it to dry for 10 minutes.
- Rinse with warm water and pat dry.
- Repeat the process daily until you get relief.
13. Chamomile
The soothing properties of chamomile provide relief from vaginal itching, inflammation, redness, and burning. For more effective results, we will add tea tree oil to chamomile.
- Brew 1 – 2 cups of chamomile tea and let it cool down.
- Add 4 – 5 drops of tea tree oil into chamomile tea.
- Mix well and rinse your vagina with this solution.
- Leave it to dry completely.
- Repeat this process 1 – 2 times in a day.
14. Coconut Oil
The lauric, capric and caprylic acids present in coconut oil contains antiviral and antibacterial properties. The caprylic acids break down the cell membrane of the yeast. It’s hydrating and soothing properties provide relief from the itching and burning. Coconut oil can be used in two different ways.
- Slater a layer of coconut oil on the vagina and leave it to dry completely.
- Add 3 – 4 drops of coconut oil into 6 cups of water. Use this solution to rinse your vagina. Leave it to dry completely.
- Repeat any one of the processes regularly until you find relief.
Dietary Tips for Treating Vaginal Itching:
- Avoid eating refined carbohydrates and sugar as yeast thrives on them.
- Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and flush out plenty of toxins.
- Include fermented foods like yogurt, kefir, miso or buttermilk to your daily diet to maintain good microflora.
- Include fresh fruits and vegetables in your daily diet.
- Cut the consumption of alcohol and tobacco.
- Avoid artificially sweetened foods and carbonated drinks.
- Cranberry creates an acidic environment which makes it difficult for the yeast growth. It also treats urinary tract infections and bladder infections. Drink 2 glasses of unsweetened cranberry juice daily until you get relief from itching.
Tips and Precautions:
- Wear a clean and washed underwear after bathing.
- Don’t use harsh soaps and other chemical based vaginal washes as they can aggravate itching.
- Avoid washing the vagina excessively as it can result in skin drying and itching.
- It is better to avoid douching the vagina.
- Avoid participating in sex if you have vaginal itching and burning.
- Though it is difficult to control, it is better to avoid scratching.
- Avoid wearing too tight clothes as it can create a warm environment which helps the yeast to thrive.
- Avoid wearing fabrics that make the vagina itchy and hot.
- Avoid doing bubble baths until you get relief from vaginal itching.
- After exercising or swimming, take a shower as soon as possible.
Was this article helpful for you? Do you know any other method that works better than this? Share your experience, suggestions and queries in the comment section below.
source: homeremediesforlife.com