HOME REMEDIES FOR VAGINAL ITCHING & BURNING

HOME REMEDIES FOR VAGINAL ITCHING & BURNING

If you are a woman, no matter what your age is, you might have, at some point of time, experienced vaginal itching and burning. And no one other than you knows how uncomfortable it is. So, let’s discuss today about why this vaginal itching and burning occur and how to get rid of it!

Causes of Vaginal Itching and Burning

Most of the times vaginal itching, burning and irritation is not a major concern. However, sometimes, it might be due to some infection and then it becomes a concern if proper treatment is not done on time. So, you must know the symptoms associated with each of the causes of vaginal discomfort so that you may know when and how to deal with the issue.

·         Bacterial Infection

·         Yeast infection

·         Sexually transmitted disease or STDs

·         Menopause

·         Pregnancy and breastfeeding

·         Chemicals

·         Skin problems

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Home Remedies for Vaginal Itching and Burning watch video

Home Remedies for Vaginal Itching and Burning

Sometimes it becomes imperative to go to the doctor to treat your vaginal itching and irritation, especially when it is due to severe causes like bacterial or yeast infection, STDs etc. The doctor will treat you with essential antibiotics and anti-fungal medicines. Sometimes, they also prescribe such treatments as estrogen cream, tablets, vaginal ring inserts, steroid creams or lotions etc. If your vaginal itching and burning is not due to certain serious causes mentioned above, you can depend upon home remedies as well. 

Here are my list of vaginal itching remedies that are easily available in every home

 Cold Water or Cold Compress

Water is the first and the most effective home treatment to start with. Sometimes heat is the cause of your vaginal itching like when chemicals come in contact with this sensitive skin area of your body. As simple a thing as cold water can help you get rid of vaginal itching and burning. Cold compress can also be used for numbing effect.

• Rinse the vaginal area with cold water. Never use soaps or other cleansing products when you experience discomfort here. Just wash it off with cold water and dry it properly.
• If you wish, you can shower the vaginal area but with utmost caution. Never do it directly in the vagina. Shower the area in a downward position.
• For cold compress, take some ice cubes and wrap them up in a clean cloth. Place this ice pack on your vagina for a couple of minutes. Remove it and use it again after a minute or so. Keep doing this till your itching goes away.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is a good remedy for treating vaginal itching due to its antibacterial and antifungal properties. It also helps restore the natural pH balance of your vagina

• Add 2 tablespoons of raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar to a glass of warm water. Use this solution to wash your vagina twice daily for a few days.
•  Also, add 1 tablespoon of raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar and 1 teaspoon of raw honey to a glass of warm water and drink it twice daily.

Salt Water Bath

Enjoying a salt-water bath can also relieve vaginal itching. Salt will control the growth of the microbes causing the infection and in turn reduce itching and other discomforts.

• Add 1 tablespoon of salt to a glass of water and use it to wash your vagina whenever you feel the itch. This will give you instant relief.
• Alternatively, fill your bathtub with warm water and add ½ cup of salt to it. Sit in the water in a squatting position for 10 to 15 minutes. Repeat 2 or 3 times daily for a few days for best results.

Note: Do not use salt remedies if you have any skin tears or open sores.

Garlic

Garlic contains antibacterial as well as antibiotic properties that can help kill bacteria and yeast. It also improves the immune system and helps the body fight infections

• Dilute a few drops of garlic oil with 1 teaspoon of vitamin E oil and apply it on the affected area. Wait 10 minutes, then rinse with warm water. Use this remedy twice daily for a few weeks.
• Chew 3 cloves of raw garlic daily. Alternatively, you can take garlic supplements after consulting a doctor.

 

 Coconut Oil for Vaginal Itching

Coconut oil hydrates the dry skin that might be causing itchiness in your vaginal area. But what is interesting is that this oil can effectively treat yeast infection by exploding the nucleus of Candida yeast cell! The lauric, capric, and caprylic acids present in coconut oil makes it antiviral, antimicrobial, and anti fungal agent. Its caprylic acid breaks down the cell membrane of yeast. When taken internally, lauric acid boosts your immune system.

• Apply coconut oil to the vaginal area several times a day.
• Add 3-4 tbsp of coconut oil to 6-8 cups of water. Rinse your vagina with this mixture.
• Add few drops of garlic oil and vitamin E oil to some coconut oil and apply this to your vaginal area.
• Consume 2-3 tbsp of coconut oil daily.

Neem for Vaginal Itching

Neem has been traditionally used by Ayurveda for treating skin conditions like eczema and also infections including vaginal infections. Neem, also called Indian Lilac or Margosa, has strong anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties. Use it to treat your vaginal itching and irritation.

• Take a handful of neem leaves and boil them in 3-4 cups of water for 5-10 minutes. Let it cool down before rinsing the vaginal area. Do this 1-2 times daily.
• You can also use neem oil. Add few drops of this oil in water and rinse your vagina with this.
• Add few drops of neem oil with coconut oil and apply this to your vagina and surrounding areas. Wipe it off after about 15-20 minutes.

Cranberry Juice

Drinking unsweetened cranberry juice also helps treat vaginal irritation and itching. Cranberries create an acidic environment that helps inhibit the growth of yeast and bacteria.
In addition, it helps prevent urinary tract infections and other kinds of bladder infections.

• Drink about 2 glasses of unsweetened cranberry juice daily until the itching has stopped.
• If cranberry juice is not available, you can take cranberry tablets twice daily. Consult your doctor for the correct dosage

Yogurt

Plain, unsweetened yogurt with active cultures is another good remedy to stop itching and burning in and around your vagina. The active cultures can control the spread of infection in the body. It also helps kill yeast and bad bacteria in the vagina and promote the growth of good bacteria.

    ·  Dip a tampon in yogurt and insert it in the vagina for two hours. Do this twice daily         

         until you get relief.

• Also, eat a few cups of plain yogurt unsweetened yogurt every day.

Additional Tips

• Keep the vaginal area dry as much as possible. Moisture around your vagina will worsen the condition.
• Maintain good hygiene to prevent vaginal itching. After using the toilet, always wipe from front to back.
• Wear only cotton underwear and change it twice daily.
• If possible, sleep without underwear until the itching has subsided.
• Avoid bubble baths, scented sanitary pads and any other chemical irritants.
• Do not douche or use harsh soaps to wash your vagina. Also, resist the temptation to scratch the itching area.
• Avoid intercourse until the itching has stopped.
• After exercising or swimming, take a shower immediately.
• Eat foods high in vitamin C to strengthen the immune system. This will reduce infections in the body.
• Avoid sugar when suffering from chronic vaginal itching caused by yeast infection.