Home Remedies for Vaginal Itching - A Simple Remedy

Introduction:

Sexual hygiene is one of the most important factors for a healthy lifestyle. Maintaining good sexual and personal hygiene can be useful in preventing various sexual disorders. Vaginal itching is a very common problem. But most of the time, it is related to several sexual and gynecological disorders. Proper evaluation of symptoms and applications of home remedies can be useful in preventing further complications.

What Is the Cause?

Itching in the vagina can be multifactorial. Several factors can cause it. Other symptoms like pain often accompany this during intercourse, redness of the vagina, and abnormal discharge from the vagina. The associated conditions are:

• Vaginitis or infection of the vagina.

• Sexually transmitted diseases.

• Hormonal disorders.

• Allergic reactions.

• Skin disorders.

What Is Vaginitis?

Vaginitis or infection of the vagina is the most prevalent cause of itching sensation in the vagina. The prevalence of vaginitis can be up to 30 percent. Normally several pathogens are present in the vagina. Lactobacillus, diphtheroid, Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, and Peptostreptococcus species are some of the normal pathogens in the vagina. This balance among the microorganisms is altered due to different reasons. Unhygienic conditions, secondary to sexually transmitted infections, are the predisposing factors. These factors are responsible for the Gardnerella vaginalis and decreased number of Lactobacillus. This type of infection is also called vaginosis.

Fungi may also cause infections. Candida albicans is the causative organism associated with this; this condition is also known as vaginal thrush.

Parasites like Trichomoniasis may also be associated with this condition.

What Are the Symptoms of Vaginal Infection?

The symptoms of vaginal infections are:

• Vaginal Discharge: Whitish-yellowish vaginal discharge is the most common finding. Sometimes it can be gray or brown. It is often associated with malodor.

• Itching around the vagina, with the presence of swelling and redness.

• Patients experience pain during intercourse.

• Vaginal Pruritus: Patients complain of a burning sensation.

• Pain during urination.

What Is the Role of Sexually Transmitted Infection?

These infections spread from one person to another during sexual intercourse. Infections like gonorrhea and chlamydia are most commonly involved sexually transmitted infections responsible for itching sensations. Viral infections like genital herpes and infections from human papillomavirus may also cause these conditions.

Symptoms:

• The skin around the vagina appears inflamed with excoriations of the skin around the vagina.

• In genital herpes infection, vascular lesions around the skin can be visible.

• Pain in the pelvic region and lower abdomen.

• Presence of an itching and tingling sensation around the vagina. A rash is often present.

• Tenderness in the adnexal regions (the region around the fallopian tube) and abdomen.

• Increased sensitivity in the cervix area.

• Pain during urination, blood in the urine.

• Vaginal bleeding is very common in sexually transmitted infections.

What Is the Role of Hormonal Dysfunctions?

Estrogen plays a crucial role in maintaining the vaginal ecosystem. The acid-base balance of the vagina and the nature of the microorganisms are influenced by estrogen levels. Different conditions like polycystic ovarian syndrome and endometriosis are the most commonly associated conditions.

Symptoms:

• Irregular period patterns.

• Abnormal bleeding. Sometimes excessive bleeding and sometimes too little bleeding can be seen.

• Pain in the lower abdomen.

• Abdominal cramps.

• Presence of excessive hairs in different portions of the body like the chest, arms, and face.

• Pain during urination.

• Pain during intercourse.

• Painful bowel movements and lower back pain.

What Are the Allergic Conditions?

Allergic conditions are one of the predominant factors for vaginal itching. External factors like foreign substances (latex condoms), garment qualities, ointments, and lotions are irritants to the vaginal skin. These substances are responsible for contact dermatitis-type reaction, which is a type IV hypersensitivity reaction. T- lymphocyte-mediated allergic response produces lesions in the skin around the vagina.

Symptoms:

• Redness and swelling of the skin.

• Pain around the vagina.

• Itching and burning sensation.

• Difficulty in urination.

• Formations of blisters or exfoliation of the skin.

What Are Skin Problems?

Several skin disorders are associated with itching and discomfort of the skin around the vagina. Disorders like atrophic dermatitis (dry, itchy, and inflamed skin caused by allergens), Seborrhoeic dermatitis (a skin disorder caused by yeast-like microorganisms), and lichen planus (an inflammatory skin disease) are common skin problems involved in this conditions.

Symptoms:

• The vagina and vulva are covered in white streaks and are red, pink, or pale white.

• Exfoliation of skin can be observed.

• Presence of scar tissue.

• Severe pain and burning sensations.

What Are the Home Remedies?

To prevent such conditions, preventive measures can be taken easily:

Maintenance of Health and Hygiene:

Gynecological health is directly related to overall health. Maintenance of a healthy lifestyle is important in such cases. Smoking, alcohol consumption, and drug addiction increase the incidence of vaginitis. Regular cleaning of the vagina with water is important. Cleaning should also be done after sexual intercourse or peeing. Cleaning can be done with the help of lukewarm water. Soap is not necessary as this may dry up the skin. Additional preventive measures are:

• Urination after intercourse.

• Changing underwear frequently.

• Use cotton underwear.

• Use condoms while having intercourse, use properly clean pleasure devices, or use condoms to cover them while using.

• Use condoms while having anal sex, and condoms must be changed while having vaginal sex after having anal sex. It can prevent the spread of infections from the anas to the vagina.

Use of Baking Soda Bath:

Baking soda can be very helpful in preventing yeast growth. This can also be used to maintain vaginal pH. Around half a teaspoon of baking soda can be dissolved in one liter of water and applied around the vagina.

Use of Coconut Oil:

Pure coconut oil has antiseptic and moisturizing properties that can help prevent infections and skin rashes. This can be applied directly to the vagina.

Application of Apple Cider Vinegar:

Apple cider vinegar has a soothing effect that reduces the infection and discomfort caused by allergens. A cup of apple cider vinegar can be mixed with the bathwater and applied to the vagina.

Application of Greek Yogurt:

Greek yogurt is a commonly available substance that can be useful in maintaining vaginal health conditions. This can be directly inserted into the vagina for a soothing effect. Tampons can be coated with Greek yogurt and inserted into the vagina.

What Are the Things to Avoid in Case of Vaginal Itching?

Some chemicals such as bodywashes, soaps, laundry detergents, and feminine sprays, can irritate the vaginal tissue and can result in itching. Products that need to be avoided are

• Bubble baths.

• Douches.

• Feminine spray.

• Glitter bath bomb.

• Scented menstrual pads.

• Nylons or tights.

• Laundry detergents that irritate.

• Talcum powder.

• Tight pants.

When to Consult a Doctor?

The person should consult a doctor when

• The vaginal irritation or itchiness disturbs the normal life as well as how well the person sleeps.

• If the irritation does not show any improvement after using home remedies for a week.

• Presence of blistering or ulcers in the vaginal area.

• Presence of redness, swelling, or pain.

• Alteration in the vaginal discharge.

• Discomfort while urinating.

Conclusion:

Gynecological health is a burning issue in today’s world. Negligence in gynecological health may cause serious problems like infertility. Women should always look for symptoms or abnormal conditions. Knowledge about gynecology is essential for preventing such conditions. Moreover, home remedies can be good preventive measures in such conditions.