One of the most common reasons for gynecological consultation among women is the suffering of vulvar and vaginal irritation. This, in addition, can manifest itself along with other symptoms such as itching, inflammation, redness, abundant or abnormal vaginal discharge, discomfort during urination or when having sexual intercourse. All of them are alarm symptoms because although irritation in the genital area can often be caused by inadequate intimate hygiene or an allergic reaction, in others, it is a possible indicator of suffering from a vaginal infection that can severely compromise the private health and sexuality of the affected.
In this FastlyHealarticle, we insist on the importance of going to the gynecologist to undergo the appropriate tests. Still, we also show you the home remedies for vaginal irritation that you can use to feel relief and well-being.
Table of Contents
Causes of vaginal irritation
Irritation of the vulva and vagina can originate in different conditions, so it is essential to pay attention to the symptoms accompanying such anger to identify the exact cause and initiate the appropriate treatment in each case.
Here are the most common causes of vaginal irritation :
- Bad intimate hygiene habits or excessive personal hygiene.
- Allergic reactions to specific components of soaps, lubricants, condoms, fabrics, drugs, etc.
- Hormonal alterations, such as those that occur after menopause, are a stage in which women tend to suffer vaginal dryness accompanied by irritation, among other symptoms.
- Yeast infections, such as vaginal yeast infection. Discover all the details about this condition in the article Vaginal yeast infection: symptoms, treatment, and prevention.
- Bacterial infections, such as bacterial vaginosis.
- Parasites, such as trichomoniasis, cause infections.
- Other sexually transmitted diseases include chlamydia, gonorrhea, genital mycoplasma, or genital herpes.
- I was suffering from skin conditions.
- Trauma or presence of a foreign body in the vagina.
It is essential to go to the gynecologist if the irritation in the intimate area does not subside or is present in an intense way and with discomfort. Likewise, it is imperative to remain attentive to any changes in vaginal odor and discharge since significant alterations could indicate the suffering of some vaginal infections, including those transmitted by having sexual intercourse.
Good intimate hygiene habits
On many occasions, vulvar and vaginal irritation can result from poor intimate hygiene habits or the use of highly irritating products for this sensitive area. For this reason, although it is not a proper home remedy, it is vital to insist on the importance of maintaining good intimate hygiene and taking care of the vaginal flora.
Take note of the following recommendations to ensure the health of the most delicate area of your body at all times:
- Wash your intimate area once or twice a day using a specific soap for this part of the body. Remember that you need a soap that respects 100% of the skin’s pH in the genital area and maintains adequate vaginal acidity.
- When you relieve yourself, try to clean the genital area from front to back and never vice versa. Since then, the microorganisms present in the anal region could travel to the vagina and cause infections.
- Avoid vaginal deodorants or perfumes, rough or rugged sponges, and do not douche.
- During the days you have your period, avoid spending a lot of time with the pad or tampon. The latter should be changed every 4 or 6 hours, maximum.
- Try to wash the vaginal area before and after having sexual intercourse. Do not forget to urinate at the end of intercourse, as this is a necessary action to prevent microbes and bacteria from entering the vagina and potentially causing a bladder infection.
- I prefer cotton underwear and discard synthetic fabrics that can irritate.
- Avoid staying too long in swimsuits, bikinis, or any wet clothing item in direct contact with your intimate area.
- Use a condom in all your sexual relations.
Vaginal washes with medicinal plants to reduce irritation
Within the world of medicinal plants, there are excellent options that can be used as a natural remedy to relieve vulvar and vaginal irritation and prevent or combat infections and soothe possible itching that hinders your well-being daily. Next, we show you which plants will offer you the best results and how you should use them.
- Chamomile: it is a tremendous natural soothing and relaxant that helps reduce irritation and itching. It also favors the natural lubrication of the vagina, which is ideal for those women who suffer from irritation and burning in their intimate area due to vaginal dryness.
- Calendula: prevents vaginal infections that, among other symptoms, can cause irritation and helps cure them thanks to its antibiotic properties.
- Arnica: favors the healing of the skin when it is damaged, so it is used to cure conditions such as psoriasis, eczema, dermatitis, etc., and soothe irritations and itching.
- Witch hazel has anti-inflammatory properties and helps reduce itching in the intimate area.
How do the vaginal washes?
To use any of the above plants as a home remedy for vaginal irritation, we recommend carrying out vaginal washes to benefit from a more direct application.
You have to prepare an infusion with the selected plant, boiling two tablespoons of dried plant in 1 liter of water, strain, and wait for it to warm. Then, pour the liquid obtained into a large container or basin and wash the genital area gently for about 10 minutes.
Tea tree oil or green tea bath
Tea tree oil is an oil obtained from the leaves of a tree of Australian origin, and among its health properties, antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory stand out. Thanks to them, it has become the natural remedy par excellence to alleviate the symptoms of vaginal infections caused by the proliferation of microorganisms in the intimate area, such as vaginal candidiasis or bacterial vaginosis. Helps reduce irritation, itching, and swelling of the vulva.
In this case, we recommend that you prepare a warm bath and add about six drops of tea tree oil to the water. Immerse yourself for about 20 minutes, and you will see how relief is instantly felt.
Another natural product that you can add to bath water is an infusion of green tea. Its tannin content makes it worthwhile to reduce inflammation of the irritated, reddened, or itchy area.
Apple cider vinegar application
Apple cider vinegar is a doubly beneficial product for improving the health of the intimate female area, especially when it is the victim of irritations, inflammations, or infections. On the one hand, it regulates vaginal pH, and, on the other, it fights the pathogens responsible for conditions by preventing their excessive growth and keeping them under control.
As explained in the previous section, dilute two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar in 1 liter of water and use the liquid to carry out a vaginal wash. Let it work in the vagina for about 15-20 minutes, then rinse it off with cold water.
Another possibility is to add 1/2 cup of apple cider vinegar to the bathwater and take a relaxing bath that lasts at least 20 minutes.
Aloe vera gel to relieve irritation and itchiness
To finish, we recommend applying aloe vera gel in the area as a home remedy for irritation of the vagina. The properties of this plant are widely known, but perhaps what you did not know is that it is a great ally to combat the proliferation of any microorganism in the vagina and can cause a bacterial or fungal infection, giving rise to symptoms such as irritation—redness, inflammation, stinging, itching, etc.
Get an aloe vera gel as pure as possible, apply a few drops on the irritated area, and rinse with cold water after about 15 or 20 minutes.
In the following article, you can see more home remedies for vaginal itching.
This article is merely informative. At FastlyHeal .com, we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in the case of presenting any condition or discomfort.
If you want to read more articles similar to Home remedies for vaginal irritation, we recommend that you enter our category of Female reproductive system.
I am a Surgeon with a diploma in comprehensive ultrasound and surgical care residency, an area I am specializing in. During the exercise of my profession, I have realized the need for patients to know the diseases they suffer, and I can tell you that a large part of their complications is due to a lack of information. Being a health web writer allows me to transmit my experience, without borders, to all those readers eager for knowledge, educate them in the prevention of diseases and promote a healthy lifestyle.