How to Get Rid of Vaginal Itch: Home Remedies & Preventative Care

Co-authored by Aly Rusciano Medically reviewed by Lacy Windham, MD

Last Updated: October 18, 2024 Fact Checked

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.

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Ease your itch temporarily by pressing a cool washcloth to your vagina. Take a clean washcloth and put it under cold water. Wring the washcloth out until it’s damp, and hold it to your vaginal area for 5 to 10 minutes. This works well for mild irritation and discomfort from yeast infections.^{[1]
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- Make sure to wash your washcloth after each use, especially if you have an infection.
- An ice pack wrapped in a towel or washcloth can also be used, but it may be too cold to hold onto the irritated area for too long.

2

Take an oatmeal bath.

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Colloidal oatmeal has been proven to soothe dry skin.^{[2]
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PubMed Central
Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health

Go to source} If your vagina is itchy because of flaky or irritated skin, consider soaking in an oatmeal bath. Simply add a cup or two (128 to 256 g) of oatmeal to a warm bath and soak for about 20 minutes.

3

Soak in a baking soda bath.

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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]
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Research source} Try adding ¼ c (32 g) of baking soda to a warm bath and soaking for 10 to 15 minutes.^{[4]
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National Eczema Association
Nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of those with eczema through research and education

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- 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]
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  Research source} Talk to your doctor if you're not sure whether a baking soda bath is right for you.

4

Try an apple cider vinegar bath.

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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]
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PubMed Central
Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health

Go to source} 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.

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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]
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Cleveland Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals

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- Greek yogurt helps promote good bacteria while eliminating the bad fungal bacteria that cause vaginal itch.^{[8]
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- 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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  Science Direct
  Online archive of peer-reviewed research on scientific, technical and medical topics
  
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Utilize natural remedies for irritation relief. "Dealing with that relentless vaginal itch was misery until I found this article! Trying things like cold compresses, oatmeal soaks, and coconut oil finally eased my discomfort during the long wait for my doctor's appointment. I'm so glad to have handy home tricks to calm the itch instead of constantly scratching." - Osiris F.

Receive validation that discomfort merits medical review. "I used to think vaginal irritation was just par for the course. But after reading here, I realized my chronic itch could signal an underlying issue needing treatment. My doctor confirmed a yeast infection and prescribed medication to clear it up. Now, I know to trust my symptoms rather than dismiss them." - Milly S.

Pinpoint probable irritant sources prompting irritation. "Prone to allergies as I am, I loved the tip to nix scented products that could spark vaginitis. Switching hygiene brands to fragrance-free versions has prevented further uncomfortable episodes down there! Now, I can ID and avoid triggers when that wretched itch strikes." - Karen B.

Arm yourself with the knowledge to combat recurrence. "At first, I focused only on ending that awful yeast infection itch. But this article went further, outlining lifestyle tweaks to balance vaginal health long-term. Adding yogurt, wearing cotton underwear, and cleaning properly have thwarted repeat infections!" - Amy-rose S.

Have a story our readers should hear? Share it with 1 billion+ annual wikiHow users. Tell us your story here.

6

Apply an antifungal or steroid cream.

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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]
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Johns Hopkins Medicine
Official resource database of the world-leading Johns Hopkins Hospital

Go to source} 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]
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  MedlinePlus
  Collection of medical information sourced from the US National Library of Medicine
  
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- Lichen sclerosis, eczema, and psoriasis are common skin conditions that cause vaginal itching, dry skin, and blotchy redness.^{[12]
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  Harvard Medical School
  Harvard Medical School's Educational Site for the Public
  
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7

Eat probiotic-rich foods.

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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]
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Research source} 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]
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Dairy Council of California
Resource center focused on providing nutrition education to help consumers make healthy choices about eating and lifestyle habits.

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- Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a common infection that happens when normal vaginal bacteria overgrows and disrupts the vagina’s pH balance.^{[15]
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- 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.

8

Avoid scented hygiene products.

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Opt for fragrance-free lotions, soaps, and detergents. Vaginitis or mild allergic reactions could cause vaginal itching.^{[16]
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National Health Service (UK)
Public healthcare system of the UK

Go to source} Swap your body wash with something unscented and/or try out a hypoallergenic fragrance-free laundry detergent. Use these new products for a week or so and see if your itch goes away.
- Consider washing your vagina with a feminine wash like the SweetSpot pH Balanced Feminine Wash, Honey Pot Sensitive Feminine Wash, Love Wellness pH Balancing Cleanser, or Summer’s Eve Cleansing Wash.^{[17]
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9

Wear cotton underwear.

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Cotton underwear increases air flow and decreases moisture buildup. Most of the time, vaginal itching is caused by skin irritation or infections. When bacteria builds up inside the vagina, that’s when the itching starts. Wearing cotton instead of synthetic underwear helps your vagina “breathe” to prevent future itch.^{[18]
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US Office on Women's Health
U.S. government agency providing resources for women's health

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- Change your underwear daily to keep everything down there clean and fresh.

10

Change out of wet or sweaty clothes immediately.

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Sitting in wet clothes can cause vaginal bacteria to build. After you go swimming or exercise, make sure to change your clothes right away, especially your underwear. Bacteria love moist environments, and too much bacteria can lead to yeast infections or bacterial vaginosis (BV). Avoid this by bringing an extra set of clothes with you to the beach or gym.^{[19]
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American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
Professional association of OB/GYNs focused on education and public outreat initiatives

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- Before you change, make sure to dry your vagina thoroughly.

11

Wipe from front to back.

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Believe it or not, the way you wipe after you’ve done your business can affect your vaginal health. Always wipe from the front of your vagina to the back; otherwise, you may spread unwanted bacteria from your butt to your vagina.^{[20]
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12

Only douche if your doctor tells you to.

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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]
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US Office on Women's Health
U.S. government agency providing resources for women's health

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- 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.

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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]
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- Male condoms slide over the penis to help prevent sperm from going into the vagina.^{[23]
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- 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.

14

Talk to your doctor.

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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]
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HealthyChildren.org
Health information from the American Academy of Pediatrics.

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- 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.

How Do You Treat Vaginal Itching?

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Tips

If you’re experiencing vaginal itching while on your period, use pads or liners instead of tampons or a menstrual cup. This way, your vagina won’t become more irritated and can heal faster.^{[25]
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Online clinical resource website written and run by dermatologists providing evidence-based information about dermatology and skin health

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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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American Academy of Dermatology
Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists

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