To find out how to stop vaginal itching, Health Shots connected with Dr. Seema Sharma, Head of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Daffodils by Artemis, Jaipur.
Ways to stop vaginal itching
Home remedies for vaginal itching only work best when the cause of vaginal itching and discomfort has been properly diagnosed. If there is no serious infection or possibility of malignancy, you can try some of these options. Here’s what you can do!
1. Avoid strong soaps and perfumes
Soap or daily showering is not suitable for your vagina. They can disrupt the natural and healthy bacterial balance. Even using the wrong soap can cause itching. In general, products used in the vaginal area should not contain perfume and should be as gentle and mild as possible, Dr. Sharma says.
2. Probiotic Supplement
Such supplements can help prevent bacterial vaginosis from becoming a chronic problem. Probiotics help build the good bacteria in the vagina and prevent the bad bacteria from growing out of control.
3. Colloidal oatmeal
It’s a great way to soothe dry skin. If your vagina is itchy because of irritated or flaky skin, enjoy an oatmeal bath! Just add a cup or two of oatmeal to a warm bath and let it sit for about 20 minutes.
4. Baking soda bath
Baking soda is known to kill the candida bacteria that causes yeast infections and relieve vaginal itching. Add 1/4 cup of baking soda to a warm bath and soak for 10 to 15 minutes.
5. Apple cider vinegar bath
The antimicrobial properties of apple cider vinegar can help treat yeast infections. It is believed to kill Candida strains. That’s why some people believe in an apple cider vinegar bath for 10 to 40 minutes. But apple cider vinegar can cause skin irritation, so talk to a gynecologist before trying this home remedy, warns Dr. Sharma.
6. Sitting bath
Sitz bath is a warm water bath that helps to relieve discomfort in the perineal area. Soaking this area in warm water relaxes you and in turn helps improve blood flow through the tissues. This promotes healing and reduces pain, itching and irritation.
7. Vaginal moisturizers, antifungal or steroid cream
Over-the-counter or prescription medications can treat infections as well as skin conditions. For yeast infection, a cream containing butoconazole, clotrimazole, miconazole, and/or terconazole as the active ingredient can be used, says Dr. Sharma. If the skin around the vagina is flaky or red and bumpy, see a gynecologist or dermatologist. Vaginal moisturizers are especially beneficial for postmenopausal ladies and in dry skin conditions, says the expert.
Before treating anything, be sure of the type of infection or condition you have, as applying the wrong cream can make the itching worse.
Avoid this during vaginal itching
There are several things that should be avoided to prevent vaginal itching.
• Apply talcum powder to private areas
• Using perfumed products such as tampons, vaginal sprays or bubble baths,
• Wash clothes with perfumed detergent
• Shower daily
Things you can do to prevent vaginal itching
Vaginal and vulval itching can be prevented by doing the following:
• Use of fragrance-free soap
• Wearing cotton underwear
• Choosing loose-fitting clothing
• Remove damp clothing as soon as possible after exercising
• Using barrier methods such as condoms during sex to prevent sexually transmitted diseases
• Use of water-soluble lubricant