Sexual Health Reproductive Health Issues Vaginal Health 10 Home Remedies for Vaginal Itching How to Stop Itching Down There By Angelica Bottaro Angelica Bottaro Facebook LinkedIn Angelica Bottaro is a writer with expertise in many facets of health including chronic disease, Lyme disease, nutrition as medicine, and supplementation. Learn about our editorial process Updated on October 10, 2022 Medically reviewed by Lauren Schlanger, MD Medically reviewed by Lauren Schlanger, MD LinkedIn Lauren Schlanger, MD, is a board-certified primary care physician. She is an assistant professor at the Alpert Medical School of Brown University. Learn about our Medical Expert Board Print Table of Contents View All Table of Contents Yeast Infection Hormones Chemical Irritation Skin Conditions Bacterial Vaginosis Vulvar Cancer When to Get Help Home remedies for vaginal itching depend on what's causing your discomfort. Common options include: Baking soda bathsColloidal oatmeal bathsProbiotics (via yogurt or supplements)Boric acid (topical powder or suppository)A cool compressWearing cotton underwearAloe vera creamCoconut 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. How to Prevent Vaginal Itchiness 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. Because symptoms of a yeast infection, like itching, burning, and abnormal discharge, are similar to those of other conditions, including some sexually transmitted infections (STIs), it's important to get a medical diagnosis before treating it. How Vaginal Yeast Infection Is Treated 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. Sometimes, a big estrogen drop can cause vaginal atrophy, which can lead to vaginal dryness, burning, and itching. Estrogen: What It Is, What It Does 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. How Common Is Eczema? Eczema is quite common. An estimated 20% of Americans will have it at some point. It's most common in people with environmental or food allergies or a family history of asthma. 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. BV symptoms include vaginal itching, white or gray discharge, a fish-like odor, and burning during urination. How Bacterial Vaginosis Is Treated 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. The itching from vulvar cancer is typically alongside symptoms such as: Burning Bleeding that won't stop The skin becoming redder or whiter When to Call Your Healthcare Provider Verywell / Jessica Olah 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. 13 Sources Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Khameneie KM, Arianpour N, Roozegar R, Aklamli M, Amiri MM. Fluconazole and boric acid for treatment of vaginal candidiasis--new words about old issue. East Afr Med J. 2013 Apr;90(4):117-123. Letscher-Bru V, Obszynski CM, Samsoen M, Sabou M, Waller J, Candolfi E. Antifungal activity of sodium bicarbonate against fungal agents causing superficial infections. 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Iran Red Crescent Med J. 2014 Jul;16(7):e19118. doi:10.5812/ircmj.19118 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Bacterial vaginosis - CDC fact sheet. By Angelica Bottaro Angelica Bottaro is a professional freelance writer with over 5 years of experience. She has been educated in both psychology and journalism, and her dual education has given her the research and writing skills needed to deliver sound and engaging content in the health space. See Our Editorial Process Meet Our Medical Expert Board Share Feedback Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! What is your feedback? Other Helpful Report an Error Submit