8 Grandma’s Remedies to Soothe Intimate Itching

Why do I have intimate itching?

Intimate itching can disrupt quality of life and intimate relationships. This is why it is important to identify their cause in order to treat them effectively. According to the health information site, Werywell health, although some home remedies can relieve discomfort, sometimes a medical consultation is necessary to get proper treatment.

Fungus

Burning sensations, intense itching and whitish discharge… It looks like you are suffering from a vaginal yeast infection! This disorder is a fungal infection affecting the female genital organ, caused by the microscopic fungus Candida albicans, also known as yeast. This fungus thrives in hot, humid environments, such as the vaginal area, and can be promoted by a variety of factors, including excessive sweating or prolonged wearing of damp clothing. If you’re slow to change your sweaty activewear, lycra or nylon, don’t be surprised to see this fungus grow faster than you think!

Chemical irritants

Do you appreciate this intimate gel with the scent of fresh lavender? It is possible that it is this product that disturbs your vaginal flora! This is because the chemicals in hygiene products and some contraceptives can irritate delicate vaginal tissues and cause annoying itching. Some of these products include scented soaps, laundry detergents, latex condoms, tampons, and scented sanitary napkins. If you can’t live without it, you should know that there are gentler alternatives. All you need to do is conduct thorough research.

Bacterial vaginosis

When bad bacteria, such as Gardnerella vaginalis, take over good ones in the vaginal flora, it is called bacterial vaginosis. As a result, unpleasant symptoms appear, such as itching, burning, irritation or an unpleasant smell, especially after sexual intercourse. Ignoring these signs can lead to serious complications, such as urinary tract infections and risks during pregnancy. Dr. Jen Gunter, a Canadian gynecologist and obstetrician, in her book “The Vagina Bible,” points out that this condition is most common in women between the ages of 15 and 44, especially those who are sexually active. In addition, she emphasizes the importance of medical attention to prevent any potential complications.

Hormones

Overnight, hormones can turn from friend to foe… In addition to influencing mood, weight, menstrual cycle, and fertility, hormonal changes can also be responsible for intimate itching. During pregnancy, menstruation, menopause, perimenopause, or the period of transition to menopause, a decrease in estrogen can lead to vaginal atrophy. This in turn can cause intimate dryness, burning, and itching. This is why it is important to consult your gynaecologist regularly to avoid many inconveniences!

Intimate dryness

Tightness, irritation, itching… so many symptoms related to intimate dryness! In the dock are hormonal changes after pregnancy or due to menopause, or the use of certain medications and cancer treatments, anti-estrogen medications, cold and allergy medications, and antidepressants.

Skin diseases

After fungal infections, eczema and psoriasis are added to the list of skin conditions that can cause annoying itching in the intimate area. Groin eczema can cause the vulva to feel painful, red, and irritated, while genital psoriasis can manifest as gray, scaly patches of skin, as well as red, smooth lesions inside the skin folds, leading to itching and pain in the intimate area.

Lichen sclerosus

Although rare, vaginal itching can sometimes be associated with vulvar cancer. Lichen sclerosus is an inflammatory dermatosis of unknown cause, possibly autoimmune, which usually affects the anogenital part. According to the explanations of Dr. Sandra Ly, dermatologist and venereologist in Gradignan provided on dermato-info, it is a precursor condition of vulvar cancer that is characterized byr changes in the skin and lining of the vulva, often accompanied by intense itching. These changes manifest themselves gradually, with skin becoming more fragile and pale, sometimes pearly, gradually thickening to become indurated or sclerotic. These alterations can lead to painful cracks, especially after sexual intercourse. Sometimes asymptomatic, lichen sclerosus is sometimes discovered during routine clinical examinations by the gynaecologist, especially in women between 50 and 60 years of age.

IST

During unprotected sex, viruses, bacteria, fungi, or single-celled organisms can be transmitted from one partner to another and will be responsible for a pathology. According to Very Well Health, many sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can cause severe itching in a woman’s private part. Some of these include chlamydia, gonorrhea, trichomoniasis, genital herpes, and genital warts. Thus, rashes can be a red flag requiring a thorough diagnosis if they are present as symptoms.

Natural remedies for intimate itching

Tingling, itching, even real burning sensations, irritation of the vulva can lead to very disabling symptoms. Some are easily treated, others are more rebellious. If you experience mild itching in the vagina or vulva without any other worrisome or unusual symptoms, you can try a simple home remedy to see if it works for you. If necessary, do not hesitate to consult a gynecologist to diagnose your symptoms and prescribe the appropriate treatment.

According to the advice of Dr. Patrice Lopès relayed by Top Santé, an oatmeal sitz bath can be an effective solution to relieve itchy skin, thanks to its well-known soothing and anti-inflammatory properties, according to a study published in Dovepress. Simply add colloidal oatmeal to warm water and soak for 15-20 minutes. To make it simpler, you can also add oats directly to the bath water when washing.

A simple and effective method to relieve vulvar discomfort is to use cold compresses with chamomile, which is known for its soothing and anti-inflammatory properties. To make these compresses, start by infusing chamomile tea bags in hot water. Then let them cool in the fridge for a while until they reach a cool but comfortable temperature. Once cooled, remove the sachets and apply the compresses to the vulva, taking care not to apply them directly into the vagina.

Are you looking for an effective way to relieve that annoying intimate itching? Why not try boric acid vaginal suppositories? In an interview, Dr. Elizabelth Boskey explains that boric acid suppositories can be used as a cost-effective alternative treatment method to treat vaginal infections, such as yeast infections or bacterial vaginosis. According to a study published in the National Library of Medicine, boric acid, along with fluconazole, can be used to treat candidal vaginitis. This treatment may be prescribed by the doctor as an alternative or complementary treatment option if other methods, such as antibiotics, do not help or if the infections are recurrent. Dr. Boksey explains that boric acid can help improve vaginal health through its antimicrobial, antiseptic, and antifungal properties. However, you must seek the advice of a doctor before starting this treatment.

Aloe vera, this plant with multiple virtues, seems to be a real magic potion! Rich in vitamins, amino acids and minerals, it has been used since the dawn of time to treat various ailments, both internally and externally. Moreover, it is proving to be a valuable ally in gynecology. According to Medisite, applying aloe vera gel to the intimate mucous membranes helps calm vaginal and vulvar itching by soothing burning sensations and promoting rapid healing.

Eating yogurt to restore the balance of the vaginal flora is an excellent idea! Yoghurt, rich in probioticss, bacteria that are beneficial to the body, helps maintain a balanced vaginal pH, reducing the risk of infection and fungus, according to VeryWell Health. However, contrary to popular beliefs suggesting a topical application of yogurt to the vulva to introduce the good bacteria into the vagina and strengthen the defense of the vaginal flora against infection and itching, Caroline Mitchell, an obstetrician-gynecologist at the Center for Vaginal Disorders in the United States, warns against this practice. She told Doctissimo: “Just eat yogurt… because the lactobacilli bacteria present in yoghurts are very different from those that populate the vaginal flora”. Thus, yogurt is a good natural remedy for intimate itching, but it should be used with discernment.

Honey, a treasure of traditional medicine, is well known for its fascinating antibacterial properties. It has the power to relieve various skin discomforts such as eczema and bacterial vaginosis, which are often characterized by intense itching. A study relayed by Very Well Health has even shown that the application of pure honey, especially Manuka honey, to the vulva can be an effective treatment against yeast infections.

Thanks to its moisturizing fatty acids and powerful antifungal and antibacterial properties, coconut oil is a valuable natural ally against itching, especially those caused by vaginal dryness. One study even found that coconut oil was as effective as clotrimazole, an antifungal drug, in treating yeast infections.

Say goodbye to synthetic underwear like spandex and nylon, which can make itching worse and increase the risk of yeast infections or bacterial vaginosis. To protect your vulva and vaginal areas, opt for loose cotton clothing and cotton underwear instead. It is also recommended to sleep without underwear to allow your private parts to breathe. As Jean-Marc Bohbot, infectious disease specialist and andrologist, and author of Vaginal Microbiota: The Pink Revolution in Madame Figaro, points out, “At night, you don’t keep your sweater or gloves, there’s no reason to keep your panties on. On the contrary, it is to be avoided.”

Over-the-counter treatments for vaginal itching

Antifungal creams

Many antifungal creams are available by prescription and can be prescribed by a competent doctor to treat yeast infections. They come in the form of creams, ointments, tablets and suppositories. However, before using an antifungal product on your vaginal area, it is essential to make sure that you actually have a yeast infection and not something else, which requires a consultation with a medical professional for an accurate diagnosis.

Antihistamines

Antihistamines are medications that work by blocking histamines, the chemical substances responsible for itching. They can be effective in the event of an allergic reaction or irritation caused by products such as laundry detergents. However, their effectiveness can vary depending on the cause of vaginal itching, such as eczema, according to Very Well Health. Available in pill form, they work to relieve irritation, including in the private parts.

The diaper cream

If the itching is mild, diaper cream may be a good option to relieve the discomfort. Designed to respect the skin of the little ones, it can also be useful for adults. “The regulations for baby products are stricter than those for adults, so there is no problem using them,” says Sophie Strobel, biologist and cosmetologist at Marie Claire. The only downside: it does not promise them the same effectiveness. It is therefore a solution considered as a complement to other pharmaceutical products if the itching is more severe.

Hydrocortisone cream

Creams made with hydrocortisone, corticosteroids known to reduce redness, swelling, and itchy skin, are commonly used to relieve itching related to conditions like eczema or psoriasis. They can be applied to temporarily soothe itching in the vulva, but it is important to note that they will not cure an infectionand should not be used in the vagina.

Medicated wipes

When intimate itching catches you off, it’s always helpful to have unscented intimate wipes on hand, specifically designed to relieve itching caused by a yeast infection. Their immediate effectiveness is attributed to their aloe vera and vitamin E content, known for their soothing properties.

Intimate moisturizers

If your itching is due to intimate dryness, lubricants are a good option to relieve the discomfort. It is best to opt for water-based lubricants among conventional options, as they maintain a pH between 4 and 5, thus preserving vaginal acidity and the balance of the vaginal microbiota, as gynecologist Dr. Brigitte Letombe points out.

Things to avoid

If you suffer from vaginal itching, take the time to evaluate the products you use on a daily basis. Used inadvertently, certain chemicals can inevitably irritate vaginal tissues, triggering annoying itching. These products include:

• Shower gels and scented soaps;
• Feminine hygiene sprays;
• Perfumed and glittery shower bombs;
• Menstrual pads or scented tampons;
• Underwear made with synthetic fabrics;
• Scented laundry detergent;
• Talcum powder;
• Trousers that are too tight

When to see a doctor?

If intimate itching is impacting your well-being, affecting your lifestyle, self-confidence, or sex life and natural remedies haven’t worked for you, don’t hesitate to consult a specialist doctor to diagnose your symptoms and prescribe the right treatment. More concretely, here are some alarming signs to take into consideration:

• Vaginal itching does not improve after a few days of using home remedies
• Vaginal itching disrupts your life, including your sleep quality;
• You have blisters or ulcers around your genitals, especially in the vulva;
• You have redness, swelling, pain, or tenderness in your genitals;
• You notice a change in the texture or smell of vaginal discharge;
• You feel pain or discomfort during urination or intimate intercourse;
• You have difficulty urinating.