How to Reduce Vaginal Itching: Hygiene, OTC Medications & More
Learn effective ways to reduce vaginal itching, including hygiene practices, home remedies, medical treatments, and lifestyle changes. Discover when to consult a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and relief from discomfort.
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Last updated on 3rd Jul, 2025
There can be several possible causes leading to vaginal itching. It can be due to infections, allergies, hygiene habits, or hormonal changes, resulting in mild irritation to infections and severe diseases.
With proper hygiene practices, home remedies and Over-the-Counter (OTC) medication, such issues can be easily prevented. This article delves into the reasons, signs, treatments, and prevention of vaginal itching.
Different Factors Leading to Vaginal Itching
Mentioned below are the common factors that can cause vaginal itching in women:
Irritation or Allergic Reactions
An itching sensation in the vagina can be caused due to allergic reactions or irritation from substances such as scented soaps, creams, lotions, menstrual pads, or latex condoms. Avoiding the usage of such irritants normally lessens vaginal discomfort.
Yeast Infections
A vaginal overgrowth of Candida yeast may result in yeast infections or vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC). It may be accompanied by burning, itching, and white discharge within the vagina.
Bacterial Vaginosis (BV)
This condition generally occurs when there is an imbalance of bacteria within the vagina. It results in symptoms such as itching, irritation, and a thin grey discharge with an unpleasant fishy smell.
Skin Disorders
Several skin disorders, such as psoriasis, seborrheic dermatitis, and allergic contact dermatitis, can lead to vaginal itching. More serious disorders like lichen sclerosus or lichen planus can also be responsible for chronic vaginal itching.
Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STIs)
Genital herpes, trichomoniasis, and genital warts are some sexually transmitted infections that may cause vaginal itching or pain.
Symptoms of Vaginal Itching
Apart from the itching sensation, some other symptoms of vaginal itching include:
Irritation
Burning sensation during intercourse
White vaginal discharge
Painful urination
Swelling or inflammation in the genital area
Light vaginal bleeding or spotting
Ulcers or blisters on the vulva
Women must contact a healthcare professional if their vaginal itching, along with the above-mentioned symptoms, persists for more than a week or if it is accompanied by other symptoms.
Consult Top Urologist
Basic Hygiene Measures to Reduce Vaginal Itching
Proper hygiene is vital for minimising vaginal itching and maintaining overall vaginal health. Below are some general hygiene practices that can be followed to avoid discomfort:
Keep the Potential of Hydrogen (pH) of the Vagina in Balance: Maintaining an acidic pH in the vagina, between 4.5 and 5.5, is essential.
Avoid Douching: Habitual douching can interfere with the natural flora of the vagina and lead to irritation. Douching should be avoided except as instructed for a particular infection.
Use Soap-Free Cleansers: Although the vagina is naturally cleansing, if cleansing agents are used, they must be soap-free to avoid interfering with the pH balance. Otherwise, it can lead to dryness or irritation.
Moisturise the Vaginal Area: To avoid dryness and irritation, it is helpful to moisturise the vaginal area regularly with fragrance-free products like coconut oil.
Avoid Synthetic Panties: They tend to trap heat and moisture, which can cause itching. Cotton panties are breathable and should be used instead, particularly during summer.
Maintain Proper Menstrual Hygiene: Replacing sanitary napkins every 4-6 hours and tampons or menstrual cups every 5-6 hours is necessary to avoid vaginal irritation during menses.
Practice Hand Hygiene: Hands and nails must be cleaned and washed well before touching the vaginal area to prevent infection.
Avoid Shaving Using a Razor: Shaving with a razor on the vaginal skin can lead to irritation and infections. Trimming hair to the shortest length is preferable using clippers.
Recommended Products to Reduce Vaginal Itching
Here are the three common products that help reduce vaginal itching and its underlying conditions:
Miconazole (Micatin and Monistat)
Clotrimazole (Lotrimin and Mycelex)
Tioconazole (Vagistat-1)
Home Remedies to Get Relief from Vaginal Itching
Here are some notable home remedies that a woman can use in order to alleviate vaginal itching:
Bath oil
Baking soda
Oatmeal bath
Vitamin E (suppositories and creams)
Yoghurt
Raw honey
Aloe vera gel
Coconut oil
Boric acid
Apple cider vinegar
Garlic
Over-the-Counter Medical Treatments for Vaginal Itching
Here are some of the noteworthy OTC treatment methods that can relieve vaginal itching:
Antifungal Creams: Antifungal creams such as Clotrimazole (Lotrimin), Miconazole (Monistat), and Tioconazole (Vagistat-1) are used often to treat vaginal itchiness caused by fungal toxins such as yeast infection.
Antihistamines: Over-the-counter medications such as Antihistamine Allegra, Claritin, and Benadryl provide relief from vaginal itching by blocking the histamines that cause the irritation sensation.
Diaper Cream: Using diaper creams, such as Aquaphor, may hydrate and protect the skin against irritation due to eczema or vaginal dryness. Though they provide relief from itching, they do not cure infections and are meant for non-infectious cases.
Hydrocortisone Cream: They decrease redness, swelling, and itching due to skin conditions like eczema or contact dermatitis.
Medicated Wipes: One can use medicated wipes for the intimate area, like Vagisil, to get quick relief from itching due to yeast infections. Medicated wipes with aloe vera and vitamin E might calm vaginal irritation but do not treat infections.
Vaginal Moisturisers: To reduce dryness and vaginal irritation caused by menopause, certain drugs or the use of tampons, vaginal moisturisers such as Replens can be effective.
Lifestyle Changes for Prevention of Vaginal Itching
Here are some of the best lifestyle-changing tips that can help manage vaginal itching:
Changing Dietary Habits: Drinking sufficient water and intake of probiotics, such as curd and buttermilk, vitamins, and antioxidants increases immunity and boosts vaginal health, helping prevent itching.
Stress Reduction Techniques: Activities such as meditation, deep breathing, yoga, or exercise can prevent vaginal itching by helping one manage stress.
Safe Sexual Practises: Having safe sex, such as the use of condoms, can lower the risk of vaginal itching infections.
Significance of Vaginal Itching for Different Ages
This condition can happen at any age and can be associated with various factors based on the life stage. Find a detailed overview below:
Vaginal Itching in Adolescents
Itching of the vagina in young women is most commonly caused by irritation from factors like tight clothing, harsh soaps, bubble baths, or failure to clean the intimate area. This is commonly referred to as "vulvovaginitis," which simply refers to irritated and itching skin around the vulva.
Vaginal Itching in Postmenopausal Women
This condition is mostly caused due to "vaginal atrophy" when the vaginal lining becomes thinner and dried with decreased oestrogen during menopause. It may result in itching, burning, and pain during sex and is commonly referred to as the genitourinary syndrome of menopause.
When Does Vaginal Itching Might Indicate a More Serious Issue?
Here are some conditions when vaginal itching may be a serious issue requiring medical intervention:
Vaginal itching is disturbing in sleep
It is not getting better after one week of taking medication at home
Anyone having sores or blisters near the genital area, particularly on the vagina
A woman has redness, swelling, pain, or tenderness in the genital area
Suffering severe vaginal discharge
Women having problems during sexual penetration or urination due to vaginal itching
Conclusion
Vaginal itching is a common problem in women that may occur due to a number of different causes, such as infections, irritants, or hormonal shifts. Its symptoms can be healed and prevented with effective hygiene, home solutions, and medical interventions.
In the event of recurring or worsening symptoms, one should seek the advice of a healthcare professional to detect underlying conditions and obtain proper treatment.
Consult Top Urologist
Consult Top Urologist
Dr. Abhinav Gupta
Neurologist
18 Years • MBBS, MD (GENERAL MEDICINE), DM (NEUROLOGY)
Ghaziabad
Bhava Neurocenter, Ghaziabad
Dr Rajashekar Mummadi
Neurologist
3 Years • MBBS, DNB General Medicine, DRNB Neurology
Hyderabad
Dr Ram's Neuro Clinic, Hyderabad
Dr. Annakula Ramu
Neurologist
7 Years • MBBS, MD General Medicine, DM Neurology
Jagtial
Sairam Neuro and Children Hospital, Jagtial
Dr. Uddalak Chakraborty
Neurologist
8 Years • MBBS, MD(GENL.MED.),DM(NEUROLOGY)
Kolkata
MCR SUPER SPECIALITY POLY CLINIC & PATHOLOGY, Kolkata
Dr Chandu Samba Siva Rao
Neurologist
7 Years • MBBS, MD GENERAL MEDICINE, DM NEUROLOGY
Vijayawada
Chandu Neuro Center, Vijayawada
Consult Top Urologist
Dr. Abhinav Gupta
Neurologist
18 Years • MBBS, MD (GENERAL MEDICINE), DM (NEUROLOGY)
Ghaziabad
Bhava Neurocenter, Ghaziabad
Dr Rajashekar Mummadi
Neurologist
3 Years • MBBS, DNB General Medicine, DRNB Neurology
Hyderabad
Dr Ram's Neuro Clinic, Hyderabad
Dr. Annakula Ramu
Neurologist
7 Years • MBBS, MD General Medicine, DM Neurology
Jagtial
Sairam Neuro and Children Hospital, Jagtial
Dr. Uddalak Chakraborty
Neurologist
8 Years • MBBS, MD(GENL.MED.),DM(NEUROLOGY)
Kolkata
MCR SUPER SPECIALITY POLY CLINIC & PATHOLOGY, Kolkata
Dr Chandu Samba Siva Rao
Neurologist
7 Years • MBBS, MD GENERAL MEDICINE, DM NEUROLOGY
Vijayawada
Chandu Neuro Center, Vijayawada
