10 Home Remedies for Vaginal Itching

Home remedies for vaginal itching depend on what's causing your discomfort. Common options include:

• Baking soda baths
• Colloidal oatmeal baths
• Probiotics (via yogurt or supplements)
• Boric acid (topical powder or suppository)
• A cool compress
• Wearing cotton underwear
• Aloe vera cream
• Coconut oil (topically)
• Raw honey (topically)
• Garlic tablets

Home remedies can be very useful, since they tend to be easily accessible. But you should see a healthcare provider about vaginal itching before trying any if you have certain additional symptoms, such as swelling, pain, or trouble peeing.

Vaginal itching that persists after trying a home remedy for a week should also be evaluated.

This article looks at common causes of vaginal itching and the home remedies that may help them. It also covers when you need to see your healthcare provider.

Home Remedies for Vaginal Itching Due to a Yeast Infection 

To treat a yeast infection, an overgrowth of yeast that naturally live in your vagina, you might choose over-the-counter (OTC) antifungal products and/or home remedies.

Some home remedies for vaginal itching due to a yeast infection include:

• Probiotics: Vaginal bacteria and yeast keep each other in check. If the bacteria population drops, the yeast can grow out of control. Probiotics, found in supplements and yogurt, may increase bacteria and get things back in balance. But, this may not necessarily get rid of the infection.
• Boric acid: This powder, which may be used topically or as a vaginal suppository, may treat yeast infections. One small study suggests it's as effective as fluconazole, the antifungal medicine in brands like Monistat, but more research is needed.
• Baking soda baths: For a baking soda bath, add between a quarter cup and two cups to warm water, then lie back and relax. One lab study suggests baking soda can kill yeast, but it's unknown whether it can do this in your body.

How to Stop Hormonal Vaginal Itching Down There

Hormonal changes, including low estrogen levels, can cause itching in your private parts. This can occur during pregnancy, your period, menopause, and perimenopause, or the transition period before menopause.

But, you have options for easing the itch from hormonal shifts.

• Cool compress: Wet a washcloth with cool water and place it over your vulva (the outer genitalia).
• Colloidal oatmeal bath: Colloidal oatmeal powder may lower skin inflammation. That can help relieve itching and irritation. Just dissolve oatmeal into a warm bath and soak for up to 20 minutes.

Home Remedies for Itching in Private Parts From Chemical Irritation 

Some chemicals, like laundry detergents, soaps, body washes, and feminine sprays, irritate vaginal tissues and cause itching.

To stop itching down there:

• Avoid: Do not use a product that previously caused vaginal itching.
• Wear cotton underwear: Cotton is breathable and may reduce vaginal irritation.
• Take a colloidal oatmeal bath: The anti-inflammatory properties may help stop vaginal itching quickly.
  

How to Stop Itching Down There From Skin Conditions 

Skin conditions, like eczema and psoriasis, can cause a red, itchy, and scaly rash. Shaving can also cause itching down there, especially if you have razor burn, or small, red, and irritated bumps.

If your skin is irritated or you have a rash, you can stop itching fast with:

• Aloe vera cream: Aloe vera is proven to soothe itching from a variety of ailments. Use it on the vulva and inside the vagina.
• Coconut oil: Coconut oil may be effective for skin conditions like eczema. Research suggests topical coconut oil is more effective than mineral oil.
  

What Stops Itching Fast If You Have Bacterial Vaginosis?  

While you may need prescription medication for bacterial vaginosis (BV), a vaginal infection caused by an imbalance in vaginal bacteria, some home remedies may help stop itching down there.

• Yogurt and probiotics: Some trials suggest priobiotics are effective. However, systematic reviews haven't found much evidence for them.
• Raw honey ointment: Antibacterial properties of honey have been shown to help soothe vaginal itching and even treat BV.
• Baking soda or colloidal oatmeal baths: A warm bath with baking soda or colloidal oatmeal has been shown to help relieve itching. Don't use baking soda if you have cuts or open sores.
• Topical Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt can re-introduce good bacteria to the vagina. Use it alone, with honey, or with vaginal cream.
• Garlic tablets: Garlic's antibacterial properties make it useful in BV. Taking it in tablet form ensures you're getting enough.

Remedies for Vaginal Itching Due to Vulvar Cancer   

While rare, vaginal itching is sometimes from vulvar cancer. It may also be from a more common condition called lichen sclerosus, a precursor to vulvar cancer.

While these conditions should be treated by a healthcare provider, there are some home remedies that can help with itching in your private parts.

• Topical coconut oil: Apply coconut oil topically to help relieve itching.
• A cold compress: Place a wet a washcloth with cool water over your vulva.
• An oatmeal bath: Taking an oatmeal bath can help relieve itching and may soothe irritation.

Be sure to get your healthcare provider's approval before using any home remedies.

When to Call Your Healthcare Provider

See a healthcare provider if:

• Vaginal itching is disrupting your life, including how well you sleep
• Vaginal itching is not improving after a week of using home remedies
• You have blistering or ulcers around your genitals, especially on the vulva
• You have redness, swelling, pain, or tenderness in the genital area
• You notice a change in vaginal discharge or odor
• You have pain or discomfort during urination or sexual penetration
• You are having difficulty urinating

While home remedies can help relieve symptoms, most won't treat the underlying cause. It's always best to reach out to your healthcare provider if you are concerned about your symptoms.

Summary

Many conditions can cause vaginal itching. Some need to be treated with prescription medication, so it's important to see your healthcare provider for a proper diagnosis.

Home remedies can make you more comfortable during treatment or while the condition resolves on its own.

See a healthcare provider for symptoms such as an ongoing itch, bleeding, blistering, swelling, pain, or changes in the skin or discharge.