Causes of Vaginal Itching

Vaginal itching is a very uncomfortable condition; it can occur for many reasons such as wearing too many tight fitting clothes. This irritating condition is the main symptom of vaginal infections, so it is best to have it treated or prevented to lessen the risk of other diseases.

Infections incubate in warm and moist places places like the genitals. The most common vaginal infection, yeast infection, causes a lot of vaginal itching and burning.

Allergy to chemicals present in soaps and vaginal wash can also cause vaginal burning. Sometimes it is better to avoid fragrant products when washing your genital areas.

Women approaching menopause have thinning vaginal tissues which are very prone to vaginal itching; as the vaginal wall dries and thins up, itching is inevitable. Fluctuating estrogen levels in menopause can also cause this irritating condition.

Sexually Transmitted diseases are another cause of vaginal itching and burning.

Treatments of Vaginal Itching and Burning:

Since vaginal itching and burning is be caused mainly by infections resulting from bacterial invasion, this condition can be properly treated with anti-bacterial creams or pills. There are many over-the-counter medications available as well as some effective natural treatments you can use at home.

The treatment for vaginal itching will depend on the infection causing the condition. If you have been diagnosed with yeast infection then you may be recommended to take prescription antibiotic.

If you are in the menopausal stage, hormone replacement therapy may be an option and so is application of vaginal hormonal creams.

Increase you lactobacillus intake; a cup of yogurt a day will lessen the possibility of the occurrence of yeast infection. If you do not like consuming yogurt, you can try taking lactobacillus in other forms like capsule and powder.

Another effective home remedy for vaginal burning is the use of apple cider vinegar solution as your vaginal wash. Use this as a substitute for commercially available scented feminine wash that can only increase the irritating itching you are experiencing.

Tips to help with Vaginal itching and Burning

• Avoid douching when you are already experiencing vaginal itching; it may cause the infectious bacteria to spread and worsen the condition. Douching is also believed to be responsible for pelvic inflammatory disease because of the infectious material driving up trough the cervix.
• Do not use talcum powder or cornstarch; they warm up the skin, which will make the vagina a welcoming place for bacteria. The loose particles of talcum or cornstarch may also collect around the ovaries and this will increase the risk of ovarian cancer.
• Cut down your sugar intake because yeast feeds on sugar.
• Take Vitamin C at least twice a day. This Vitamin increases the vagina’s acidity and makes the vagina an unfriendly environment for yeast.
• Keep your vaginal area dry, especially after every bath. Cool blow drying is a very effective way of drying up your vagina without having to rub it with a towel or tissues.
• Using unscented laundry detergent will help prevent vaginal itching that may lead to vaginal infection.
• Wear loose clothing, cotton underwear, and no pantyhose. If you need to wear pantyhose, make sure it has a cotton lining.
• Avoid sexual intercourse until you are sure that your vaginal burning is not caused by vaginal yeast infection. It is easy to pass on the yeast to your partner through the intercourse.
• Take away yeast from your regular diet. Bread, bagels, doughnuts, pizza, beer, wine, pickles , grapes, brown sugar, sprouts, mushrooms, yeast extract, and many others are made from yeast and can cause mold.
• If your yeast infection recurs, it is better to keep on practicing these preventive measures.
• Avoid any chemical contact like those in perfumes, colored toilet paper, deodorants, and commercial sexual lubricants. If you need to use lubricants try using unscented mineral oil or vegetable oil; these are nonirritating lubricant alternative. But these oils are not recommended for use with diaphragms and condoms.

Tags: vaginal burning, vaginal itching, vaginal itching and burning
Filed under: General, Vagina Health