Itching down there can be uncomfortable, but what if we told you there was a way to ease the itch almost immediately? If you’re experiencing vaginal itch, you’re not alone! Vaginal irritation happens for many reasons, and you may be able to stop the itching with a home remedy. We’ve got you covered whether you’re dealing with a yeast infection, skin irritation, STD, or bacterial infection. Keep reading to learn how you can stop vaginal itching from the comfort of your home and when it’s time to see a doctor.

Things You Should Know

  • Use a cold compress to soothe vaginal itching caused by yeast infections.
  • Soothe vaginal itch immediately by taking a baking soda, apple cider vinegar, or oatmeal bath.
  • Add more fermented foods like yogurt, pickles, and sauerkraut to your diet to improve your vagina’s bacteria and pH balance.
  • Prevent vaginal itch by wearing cotton underwear, regularly changing clothes, and practicing safe sex.
1

Use a cold compress.

3

Soak in a baking soda bath.

  1. Baking soda baths can help with eczema and yeast infection symptoms. Studies have shown that baking soda kills the bacteria Candida that causes yeast infections and that notorious vaginal itch.[3] Try adding ¼ c (32 g) of baking soda to a warm bath and soaking for 10 to 15 minutes.[4]
    • Some doctors may suggest this home remedy, while others advise only bathing in plain warm water since baking soda may cause further vaginal irritation.[5] Talk to your doctor if you're not sure whether a baking soda bath is right for you.
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4

Try an apple cider vinegar bath.

  1. The antimicrobial properties of apple cider vinegar may treat yeast infections. In recent scientific studies, apple cider vinegar has been proven to kill strains of Candida, the bacteria that causes yeast infections, in a lab setting.[6] Because of this, some people believe soaking in a bath with ½ c (64 g) of apple cider vinegar for 10 to 40 minutes can make a yeast infection go away faster.
    • Some doctors recommend against this home remedy since apple cider vinegar can be irritating. Talk to your doctor before trying this home remedy for vaginal itching if you're concerned.
5

Use Greek yogurt or coconut oil.

  1. Greek yogurt and coconut oil may ease yeast infection symptoms. These food products both have antibacterial and antifungal properties. Some people say rubbing some plain Greek yogurt or organic pure coconut oil into your vagina can soothe your itch, but some doctors advise against this as it could upset your vagina’s pH balance and make the infection worse.[7]
    • Greek yogurt helps promote good bacteria while eliminating the bad fungal bacteria that cause vaginal itch.[8]
    • Coconut oil has been proven to kill Candida albicans (a yeast infection bacteria), but the method hasn’t been clinically tested on humans.[9]
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6

Apply an antifungal or steroid cream.

  1. Over-the-counter or prescribed medications can treat infections and skin conditions. If you have a yeast infection, use a cream with butoconazole, clotrimazole, miconazole, and/or terconazole as an active ingredient.[10] If the skin around your vagina is flaky or red and bumpy, talk to a gynecologist or dermatologist, as they can prescribe you a steroid cream that fits your needs.
    • Before treating anything, make sure you know what type of infection or condition you have, as applying the wrong cream could worsen the itch.
    • If you have a yeast infection, you might also experience white, thick discharge and a burning feeling when you pee.[11]
    • Lichen sclerosis, eczema, and psoriasis are common skin conditions that cause vaginal itching, dry skin, and blotchy redness.[12]
7

Eat probiotic-rich foods.

  1. Improve your vaginal health by eating more yogurt and sauerkraut. Some of the most common vaginal infections, like BV and yeast infections, can be prevented by adding a few more probiotics to your diet.[13] Opt for a yogurt parfait for breakfast, add a pickle to your sandwich, or scoop some sauerkraut or kimchi onto your grain bowl. The more fermented foods you eat, the better your overall health will be.[14]
    • Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a common infection that happens when normal vaginal bacteria overgrows and disrupts the vagina’s pH balance.[15]
    • If changing your diet isn’t an option, no worry! Add a probiotic supplement to your daily vitamins or medicines to get that extra probiotic boost.
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12

Only douche if your doctor tells you to.

  1. Never flush out your vagina unless you’re medically told to do so. Douching is the process of washing the inside of your vagina by squirting water or other mixtures into your vagina. Most doctors don’t recommend this cleaning method because it can harm the natural bacteria and pH balance of your vagina, which can cause infections.[21]
    • When you douche, you’re at higher risk of bacterial vaginosis (BV), pelvic inflammatory disease, STIs, and vaginal irritation.
    • Instead of douching, let your vagina clean itself. Wash your vagina with warm water and mild unscented soap in the shower or bath, and let it do the rest—the body’s amazing!
13

Use a condom when having sex.

  1. Condoms can help prevent STDs and STIs. The best way to avoid coming in contact with sexually transmitted diseases or infections is to practice safe sex. Express your need and want to use a barrier method while having sex with your partner. One simple thing can help you both stay safe, so you can keep having fun.[22]
    • Male condoms slide over the penis to help prevent sperm from going into the vagina.[23]
    • Female condoms are small pouches placed inside the vagina to line it.
    • Condoms are the only barrier method that can help prevent STIs and STDs.
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14

Talk to your doctor.

  1. If your symptoms persist, make an appointment with your doctor. Sometimes home remedies aren’t enough to stop your itch, especially if there’s an underlying problem like an infection or STD. Reach out to your healthcare provider if you experience one or more of these symptoms on top of your itch:[24]
    • Change in color, odor, and consistency of discharge.
    • Redness and swelling in or around your vagina.
    • Have blisters or sores on your vagina or vulva.
    • Burning or difficulty urinating.
    • Changes in mood or menstrual cycle.
    • Believe you’ve been exposed to an STI or STD.

Warnings

  • Avoid scratching your vagina as much as possible. We know it’s tough, but itching the area could make it feel worse.[26]
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About This Article

Lacy Windham, MD
Medically reviewed by:
Board Certified Obstetrician & Gynecologist
This article was medically reviewed by Lacy Windham, MD and by wikiHow staff writer, Aly Rusciano. Lacy Windham, MD, is a Board-Certified Obstetrician & Gynecologist in Cleveland, Tennessee. Dr. Windham attended medical school at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center in Memphis. Her residency was completed at Eastern Virginia Medical School in Norfolk, Virginia. She was the recipient of multiple awards during her residency training, including Most Outstanding Resident in Maternal Fetal Medicine, Most Outstanding Resident in Oncology, Most Outstanding Resident Overall, and Special Award in Minimally Invasive Surgery. This article has been viewed 567,128 times.
23 votes - 78%
Co-authors: 17
Updated: March 11, 2023
Views: 567,128
Categories: Vaginal Health

Medical Disclaimer

The content of this article is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, examination, diagnosis, or treatment. You should always contact your doctor or other qualified healthcare professional before starting, changing, or stopping any kind of health treatment.

Article SummaryX

To stop vaginal itching, apply a cool compress, like a wet washcloth, to your vaginal area for 5 to 10 minutes. You can also use a gentle moisturizer for temporary relief. No matter what the cause of your itching is, try to stop scratching as this will only lead to more itching or a possible infection. If you’re unsure why you’re having vaginal itchiness, try to eliminate irritants or possible allergens by using an unscented laundry detergent, skipping fabric softener, and switching to a gentle cleanser. For more tips from our Medical co-author, like how to treat vaginal itchiness due to a yeast infection, keep reading!

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