How to Treat an Itchy Vulva at Home

Do you have an itchy vulva and want to treat it at home? Here’s a guide to help you soothe the discomfort and find relief! With simple remedies and easy-to-follow instructions, you can be itch-free in no time.

Quick facts: Treating Itchy Vulva At Home

• ✅It is important to maintain proper hygiene of the vulva to reduce itchy symptoms, such as washing with water and mild soap regularly, and avoiding harsh detergents or perfumed products. (Healthline)
• ✅Applying an ice pack to the affected area can help reduce swelling, itching and irritation. (Mayo Clinic)
• ✅Taking a warm bath with baking soda can also help alleviate itching in the vulva. (Medical News Today)
• ✅Over-the-counter topical anti-itch creams containing hydrocortisone, camphor or pramoxine may help relieve itching. (WebMD)
• ✅Vitamin E oil has been found to be an effective natural treatment for reducing itching in the vulva. (Healthline)

Understand the Causes

An itchy vulva is an uncomfortable but common condition that can affect women of all ages. While it may seem like a straightforward symptom, understanding the various causes of an itchy vulva is important. Knowing what’s causing it can go a long way towards finding the right treatment.

Let’s take a closer look at the causes of an itchy vulva:

Allergies

Allergies can be a cause of an itchy vulva. Allergic reactions to a known substance, such as a soap or detergent, may cause the vulva to become red and itchy. If this is the cause, the itching may be relieved by discontinuing use of the product causing the allergic reaction. In many cases, antihistamines can help reduce the itching caused by allergies and skin reactions.

Other allergens that may trigger symptoms include fragrances in creams and lotions, fabric softener or certain fabrics such as latex and polyester. For women who suspect an allergy is causing their vulvar itching, wearing loose-fitting clothing made from natural fibers may help relieve some symptoms. Additionally, avoiding contact with any suspected irritants is highly recommended.

Infections

Infections can be the cause of an itchy vulva. Bacterial vaginosis, which is caused by a bacterial imbalance in the vagina, is the most common cause. Symptoms of bacterial vaginosis include a strong-smelling gray or white discharge as well as itching and burning in the vulva.

Trichomoniasis is another infection that may cause an itchy vulva. This infection is usually caused by a parasite called Trichomonas vaginalis and can cause a yellowish-green discharge along with itching and burning sensations.

Yeast infections are also fairly common, with symptoms often including swelling, burning and itching of the vulva area. Vulvovaginal candidiasis is caused by an overgrowth of yeast and can be treated with antifungal medications.

Keep the Area Clean

Keeping the area clean is an important step to take if you are suffering from an itchy vulva. Washing the area with warm water and mild soap can help get rid of any bacteria or other irritants that could be contributing to the itching.

Additionally, you should make sure to wear breathable underwear and clothes that fit properly to avoid any further irritation.

Wash the area daily

It is important to keep the vulva clean and healthy by washing it regularly. This will help reduce irritation, itching, and discharge. A gentle soap can be used to clean the area daily, such as an unscented liquid soap or a mild bar soap. Be sure to rinse off all of the soap with warm water before drying the area off with a clean cloth or paper towel.

Do not use any scented soaps, bath products, perfumes, or body sprays near the vagina since these ingredients can irritate already inflamed skin. Additionally, never use any harsh scrubbing devices on the vulva since this could cause further irritation and disruption to the delicate area.

Avoid douching

One of the most important steps in treating an itchy vulva at home is to avoid douching. Douching is a process of washing out the vaginal canal with water or a mixture of water and vinegar. Douching can upset the balance of healthy vaginal bacteria and lead to further discomfort and infections.

Health experts recommend avoiding douching altogether and instead focus on cleaning the vulva (the outer part of genitals) with warm water during routine bathing. Additionally, using mild, fragrance-free soaps will help keep the area clean without drying it out too much or introducing harsh chemicals that can make itchy sensations even worse.

Wear Loose-Fitting Clothing

One simple way to soothe your itchy vulva is to wear loose-fitting clothing in breathable fabrics. Clothes that are too tight or made of non-breathable materials can cause heat and sweat to become trapped on your skin, increasing the likelihood of irritation. Choosing the right fabrics and making sure your clothes are not too tight can go a long way in helping you manage the itchiness.

Avoid tight-fitting clothing

Tight-fitting clothing can make an itchy vulva worsen. This is because the fabric rubs against the skin and can cause more irritation, leading to an even itchier feeling. It’s best to stick to loose-fitting clothes during a vulvar itch episode, as they provide more breathing room and prevent chafing.

Choose mainly breathable fabrics such as cotton, linen, and silk, which are more likely to provide relief than say polyester or other synthetic materials. Avoid any fabric that feels scratchy or rough on sensitive skin, as this can increase discomfort in the area.

Additionally, wearing underwear made from natural fibers can be especially helpful for women experiencing an itchy vulva due to its hygroscopic properties that wick away sweat and moisture from the skin.

Wear breathable fabrics

When suffering from an itchy vulva, wearing breathable fabrics can greatly reduce discomfort. The best type of fabric to wear is something that is light and thin, such as cotton or linen. These fabrics allow air to circulate around your skin, which can help reduce sweating and therefore itching. Avoid synthetic fabrics such as polyester and spandex, as these trap in heat and moisture. This can aggravate itching.

Additionally, loose-fitting clothing should be worn in order to provide optimal comfort and reduce irritation to the area.

Avoid Irritants

It’s important to identify and avoid irritants that may be causing or worsening your itching. These can include soaps, scented products, and tight-fitting clothing. It’s also important to avoid scratching as this can cause further abrasions and lead to a bacterial or fungal infection.

The next step is to identify ways to soothe the itching.

Avoid scented soaps and bubble baths

Using scented soaps, bubble baths, and fragranced products near your vulva can increase irritation and cause itching. These products may contain perfumes and other chemicals that could affect the delicate skin of your vulva and cause further irritation. Therefore, it is best to avoid these products when dealing with an itchiness in that area.

You can use gentle, unscented soaps – such as an oatmeal-based cleanser – to cleanse the area and remove sweat, bacteria, and dead skin cells. If you want to bathe in the tub, you can choose to add half a cup of baking soda or colloidal oatmeal to the bathwater at a lukewarm temperature for relief from itching. Additionally, after bathing make sure you thoroughly dry your vulva using a soft towel before putting on clean underwear for extra protection against irritants.

Avoid scented laundry detergents

It is believed that scented laundry detergents can be a major cause of irritation to the vulva. Scented detergents are designed to leave behind a residue on fabrics, and this residue can drastically irritate delicate skin. To avoid irritating your vulva, it is best to use unscented laundry detergents and fabric softeners, as well as choosing organic ingredients when available.

In addition, washing clothing in cold water and avoiding the use of scented fabric softeners may help reduce irritation.

If you are prone to vaginal yeast infections or urinary tract infections, it would be wise to steer clear of detergents with fragrances and dyes. While these may not cause immediate discomfort, they can irritate the delicate skin of the vulva over time and create an ideal environment for bacteria growth – leading to further complications.

Home Remedies

Treating an itchy vulva can be a difficult and uncomfortable experience for many women. Fortunately, there are several home remedies that can be used to alleviate the itching. These include:

• Switching to a more gentle soap.
• Wearing cotton underwear.
• Avoiding tight clothing.

Let’s look at some of these home remedies and how to use them.

Apply cold compresses

Applying cold compresses to the vulvar area can help reduce itchiness, inflammation, and discomfort. To make a cold compress, you can use a damp cloth which has been chilled in the refrigerator or an ice pack wrapped in a towel. Apply it to the affected area of your vulva for up to 10 minutes several times per day as necessary.

You may also find it helpful to take a cool bath or shower before applying a cold compress. Avoid using very hot water when bathing, as this could further dry out your skin and make symptoms worse.

Use over-the-counter creams

Vulvar itching is a common condition that can be relieved at home with the use of various over-the-counter creams. These treatments include hydrocortisone cream and clobetasol cream, which are both topical steroid creams.

• Hydrocortisone is a mild anti-inflammatory and anti-itch medication that can be applied directly to the affected area multiple times per day to reduce discomfort.
• Clobetasol is a stronger version of hydrocortisone, and should only be used if your doctor has prescribed it or if you have severe vulvar itching.
• Additionally, some people find relief from vulvar itching with topical antifungal creams such as miconazole or clotrimazole.

If over-the-counter medications do not provide relief, then you should speak to your doctor about other potential treatments.

Try natural remedies like yogurt or aloe vera

Natural remedies are a great option for treating an itchy vulva. Yogurt is a natural remedy commonly used to soothe the skin and reduce inflammation. For minor itching, apply plain yogurt directly onto the affected skin until it has absorbed and repeat every few hours.

Aloe vera is also known to reduce redness, itching and swelling due to its natural anti-inflammatory properties. Simply apply aloe vera gel to the affected area two or three times a day.

Baking soda is another natural solution for itchy skin due to its antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. Create a paste of baking soda and water, then apply directly onto the affected area for 20 minutes before rinsing with warm water.

To reduce burning sensations, some suggest taking cool baths with oatmeal added to the bath water or applying a cold compress soaked in chamomile tea directly on the affected areas.

These home remedies should provide relief within a few days and if no improvement is seen or symptoms become worse, see a healthcare provider immediately.

FAQs about: Treating Itchy Vulva At Home

Q: What are some home remedies for an itchy vulva?

A: Some home remedies for an itchy vulva include wearing loose-fitting, breathable clothing, avoiding irritants like perfumes, douching, and synthetic fabrics, using warm water and mild soap to clean the area, applying cold compresses to soothe itching, avoiding scratching, and using over-the-counter creams or ointments.

Q: When should I see a doctor for an itchy vulva?

A: If home remedies don’t work and the itching persists, you should see your doctor. Additionally, if you notice any other symptoms such as pain, burning, discharge, or a rash, you should seek medical attention as soon as possible.

Q: Are there any lifestyle changes I can make to prevent an itchy vulva?

A: Yes, there are several lifestyle changes you can make to reduce the risk of an itchy vulva, such as avoiding irritants like perfumes and certain fabrics, wearing loose-fitting clothing, and practicing good hygiene by cleaning the area with warm water and mild soap.