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Vaginal itching and burning that just won’t go away can be uncomfortable to talk about, and even more uncomfortable to deal with. And although seeing your doctor is always important when you have an issue down there, it’s understandable to be curious about home remedies for vaginal burning and itching to try while you’re waiting for your appointment.

The best way to treat your vaginal burning and itching comes down to what’s behind it in the first place. The issue could be something as harmless as irritation from a dull razor or a soap that’s too harsh on your skin—but it can also point to medical conditions like bacterial vaginosis (BV) or even a sexually transmitted infection (STI).

In general, before you opt for over-the-counter treatments, it’s best to make an appointment with your ob/gyn. Just don’t keep trying to self-treat at home, says Mae K. Borchardt, M.D., a gynecologist at Houston Methodist Hospital in Texas. “If that one treatment doesn’t work, don’t keep trying over-the-counter products or home remedies,” she says. “Go to a doctor, and once we know what you’re dealing with, there are lots of products you can get over-the-counter and use to treat it at home.”

With that being said, here’s what to know about at-home treatments for vaginal itching.

Meet the experts: Mae K. Borchardt, M.D., a gynecologist at Houston Methodist Hospital in Texas; Jennifer Wider, M.D., ob/gyn and women’s health expert; Paul Nyirjesy, M.D., a professor of obstetrics and gynecology at Drexel University College of Medicine; Lauren Streicher, M.D., a professor of clinical obstetrics and gynecology at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine and author of Sex Rx; Angela Chaudhari, M.D., a gynecologic surgeon and assistant professor in Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine; Christine Greves, M.D., a board-certified ob/gyn at the Winnie Palmer Hospital for Women and Babies

Common causes of vaginal itching and burning

Vaginal itching and burning is “very common,” says Jennifer Wider, M.D., ob/gyn and women’s health expert. “Most women will experience it at some point.” There are a lot of potential culprits, she adds, such as:

Exposure to irritants

Substances like chemicals and fragrances in your laundry detergent, fabric softener, or harshly scented body washes can cause itchiness down there, says Christine Greves, M.D., a board-certified ob/gyn at the Winnie Palmer Hospital for Women and Babies.

Skin conditions

Conditions like eczema and psoriasis can affect the skin around your vulva, says Dr. Wider.

A new partner

Semen can impact your vaginal pH, leading to an itchy feeling, Dr. Greves says. It’s not common, but it’s also possible to have a semen allergy, which is when you have a reaction to certain proteins in semen. (Some women may have allergic reactions to one person’s semen but not another, Dr. Greves says.) Symptoms can range from itching and burning to swelling in your face.

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs)

Chlamydia, gonorrhea, and trichomoniasis are among the STIs that can cause vaginal itching, per the National Library of Medicine.

Yeast infections

A yeast infection is caused by an overgrowth of a fungus called candida and can lead to itchiness, burning, a thick white discharge, and vaginal irritation.

Bacterial vaginosis (BV)

Bacterial vaginosis is a condition where the normal balance of bacteria in your vagina is changed by an overgrowth of other bacteria, per the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), and causes symptoms like vaginal discharge, a fishy odor, pain, itchiness, and burning. Dr. Wider adds that the discharge from BV “is grayish or yellow, rather than thick and white,” which is a main indicator of the condition.

Hormonal changes

Hormonal changes due to pregnancy, ovulation, or menopause can alter the vaginal microbiome and cause itching, per the National Library of Medicine.

Vulvar cancer

In rare cases, itching accompanied by a non-healing ulcer may be a sign of vulvar cancer.

The best home remedies for vaginal itching and burning

Home remedies for vaginal itching work best when you can pinpoint the cause of your discomfort. While you may not always know the reason why you’re so itchy, these doctor-approved home remedies could help.

For vulvar itching and burning caused by skin irritation

When you’re dealing with external itching and redness on the vulva—not internal itching that stretches into the vagina—it may be atopic dermatitis, or inflammation of the skin. “About 25% of the time when women come in and get tested, we won’t find an infectious cause of their symptoms,” says Dr. Borchardt. “That means the itching may be caused by lifestyle factors or other conditions.” Consider the following if this sounds like you:

Invest in new razors

Dull razors can aggravate the skin around your vagina, causing irritation, redness, and itching. Keep a specific razor handy for the genital area (yes, meaning you should use a different one for your armpits), and swap it out for a new one around every five uses.

Wear loose, breathable clothing

Tight clothing can rub against skin and cause discomfort, especially in warmer temperatures.

Choose cotton underwear

Opt for 100% cotton underwear when you can, but especially while you sleep, to allow more breathing room around the vagina. (You can also consider wearing no underwear at night for even more breathability, Dr. Greves says.)

Reach for petroleum jelly or coconut oil

“For mild, non-specific itching, I have patients apply something that’s bland and soothing with no active ingredients in it,” says Paul Nyirjesy, M.D., a professor of obstetrics and gynecology at Drexel University College of Medicine. “That could be petroleum jelly, coconut oil, or even Crisco vegetable shortening. Just putting a little on your finger and rubbing it into the areas that are itchy can be very soothing.”

For vaginal itching and burning caused by sex

If you recently tried a new personal lubricant with your partner (or you aren’t using enough), it may cause vaginal itching and discomfort. “Many lubricants have alcohol in them, which can be very irritating to the vaginal area, and some people might have an allergy to something they are using, including latex, which is found in the main types of condoms,” says Dr. Bochardt. “Having intercourse without adequate lubrication can also cause a lot of friction, which can cause itching.”

Get picky about personal lubricant

Dr. Borchardt says coconut oil is actually a good natural lubricant to consider—unless you’re using condoms. Oil degrades the quality of latex, increasing your risk of potential STIs and pregnancy.

If you do use condoms, opt for a fragrance-free, silicone-based lubricant to enhance pleasure. “Most women do better with silicone lubricants,” says Lauren Streicher, M.D., a professor of clinical obstetrics and gynecology at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine and author of Sex Rx. “They tend to be more slippery, last longer, and are not irritating.”

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Opt for a new condom

Consider polyisoprene condoms if you have a latex allergy. This option from SKYN fits the bill: The latex-free condoms are pre-lubricated, soft, and ultra-comfortable.

For vaginal itching and burning caused by soaps

You’ve likely heard that douching is not welcomed by your vagina, and can throw off its natural, healthy bacterial balance. Even if you’re not douching, however, the wrong soap can get you scratching. “In general, products used in the vaginal area shouldn’t have any perfume in them, and should be as gentle and mild as possible,” says Dr. Borchardt.

Use something gentle

“I usually recommend a Dove bar with no perfume, which is very moisturizing. Only use it on the outside of the vagina [the vulva], not on the inside—the vagina is a self-cleaning oven, and you don’t have to clean it yourself.”

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...and steer clear of feminine sprays, wipes, or deodorants

It’s normal for the vagina to have some sort of scent, but see your doctor if you notice an unpleasant odor. Feminine products can also throw off the natural balance of bacteria in the vagina.

Case in point: In a study from the University of Guelph in Canada, researchers surveyed nearly 1,500 women about their feminine hygiene habits, and a majority of them reported using at least one product—such as feminine wipes, washes, sprays, and powders—in or around their vaginas. The result? Those women had a three times higher chance of experiencing some kind of vaginal health problem, like an infection.

Use a cold compress

Ice and cold temperatures can help tamp down on inflammation and ease an itchy feeling, Dr. Wider says. If you want to go the icepack route, just be sure to cover it with a clean washcloth (putting ice directly on your vagina may feel too intense). If you prefer a cold compress, try running cold water over a clean washcloth, wringing it out, and applying the damp cloth to your vaginal area.

For vaginal itching and burning caused by bacterial vaginosis

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Despite its scary name, bacterial vaginosis is actually a very common infection. Although it can affect women of any age, women of reproductive age are most likely to contract it, and frequent douching and unprotected sex increase your risk. If you think you might have BV, make a doctor’s appointment—you’ll likely need an antibiotic to treat it.

Consider a probiotic supplement

Probiotic supplements may prevent bacterial vaginosis from becoming a chronic issue, says Dr. Borchardt. As they do throughout the rest of the body, probiotics help build up the good bacteria in your vagina and prevent the bad bacteria from growing out of control. Pro-B Probiotic Feminine Supplement is clinically tested and specifically developed to balance both yeast and bacteria, but talk to your doc before you opt for popping a pill.

For vaginal itching and burning caused by a yeast infection

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If it’s the first time you’ve experienced yeast infection symptoms, it’s important to see a doctor to rule out other issues. Along with itching, a vaginal yeast infection may cause a burning sensation (particularly during intercourse or urination), a vaginal rash, thick and odor-free vaginal discharge that resembles cottage cheese, or even watery vaginal discharge.

Go for an antifungal cream

Once you know for certain it’s a yeast infection, over-the-counter medications, such as Monistat, can be helpful. “There are one-day, three-day, and seven-day products, but I recommend the seven-day products,” says Dr. Nyirjesy. “They have lower rates of burning, itching, and irritation than the shorter-term products.”

Try a baking soda bath

An antifungal cream is really the way to go with a yeast infection, but baking soda baths may help relieve the itch. Research has also found that baking soda kills Candida cells (which also cause yeast infections), although this hasn’t been studied as extensively as antifungal medications like miconazole and terconazole. Try adding ¼ cup of baking soda to a warm bath and soaking in it.

For vaginal itching and burning caused by menopause

The lower estrogen levels you experience as you approach menopause can actually change the pH balance of your vagina, causing the vaginal walls to thin and dry—a condition called vaginal atrophy or vaginal dryness.

“Estrogen decreases throughout your lifetime, but it can cause symptoms including itching, irritation, and painful intercourse,” says Dr. Borchardt. “Prescription treatment can be very helpful, but is not an option for women with certain health problems.”

Try a vaginal moisturizer

It’s best to talk to your doctor about the best options for you, but an over-the-counter medication vaginal moisturizer, such as Replens, can ease dryness by helping the vaginal tissues to become thicker and more elastic, resulting in increased lubrication.

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Dr. Streicher recommends using these products two to five times a week by inserting them in the vagina and applying around the vaginal opening.

What to avoid when you have vaginal itching and burning

While you’re doing your best to feel better down there, doctors say it’s also a good idea to avoid certain things to support your healing. The biggest ones include:

Anything scented

“Avoid soaps and detergents that smell good,” Dr. Greves says.

Tight clothing

Loose, breathable clothing is better, since tight clothes can rub against your skin and cause even more irritation, Dr. Greves says.

Douches

These aren’t recommended, even when you’re not struggling with vaginal itching and burning, Dr. Greves points out. Trying to use a vaginal wash during this time will only raise the risk of more irritation.

When to see a doctor for vaginal itching and burning

If you’re having a problem with your vagina, it’s more than OK to go straight to seeing your doctor—in fact, it’s recommended in most situations, just to be safe. But, if you don’t feel comfortable going that route every single time, Dr. Greves says there are a few signs that you should go to your doctor sooner rather than later:

  • The itch isn’t getting better after a day or two.
  • You’ve tried home remedies and they haven’t helped.
  • Over-the-counter medications haven’t made things better.
  • You can’t pinpoint the source of your itch.
  • The itch is getting worse.
  • You’re in actual pain.

How to know if home remedies for vaginal itching and burning aren’t working

“Though vaginal itching is a common issue, it is important to remember that itching that is recurrent, persistent, or not responding to treatments recommended by your doctor can be signs of more serious medical problems,” says Angela Chaudhari, M.D., a gynecologic surgeon and assistant professor in Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine.

For example, recurrent yeast infections and itching may be a sign of underlying prediabetes, especially when not responding to usual treatments. Persistent vulvar itching not responding to typical medications may be a sign of dermatological conditions, such as lichen sclerosis or even precancerous changes of the vulva.

Again, if your itching is not improving with typical treatments even after seeing your physician, don’t ignore it. “If the burning persists for more than two to three days and it’s accompanied by other symptoms like discharge, it’s time to see a doctor,” Dr. Wider says. “It's better to rule out an infection that can be easily treated.” If you’ve seen your doctor and you’re still struggling, check back in to ensure nothing more serious is causing your discomfort.

Dietary supplements are products intended to supplement the diet. They are not medicines and are not intended to treat, diagnose, mitigate, prevent, or cure diseases. Be cautious about taking dietary supplements if you are pregnant or nursing. Also, be careful about giving supplements to a child, unless recommended by their healthcare provider.

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Korin Miller
Korin Miller is a freelance writer specializing in general wellness, sexual health and relationships, and lifestyle trends, with work appearing in Men’s Health, Women’s Health, Self, Glamour, and more. She has a master’s degree from American University, lives by the beach, and hopes to own a teacup pig and taco truck one day.