Home Remedies for Vaginal Skin Irritation

Changing Clothes
Yogurt
Sitz Bath and Antihistamines

Written by Rica Lewis

05 December, 2018

Fact Checked

Vaginal irritation--which is sometimes an indicator of a vaginal infection--strikes most women at some time or another. The Center for Young Women’s Health reports that vaginal infections are the most common reason women visit their doctors 1. Vaginal skin irritation may simply be the result of poor clothing choices or a reaction to chemical irritants such as ointments, feminine sprays, detergents or contraceptive products, according to MedlinePlus 2. If home remedies do not relieve the symptoms, or unusual bleeding, blistering or swelling occur, contact a doctor for an examination.

Is This an Emergency?

If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, seek emergency treatment immediately.

Changing Clothes

Among the simplest home remedies for vaginal skin irritation is changing clothes. Wearing synthetic panties, tightly fitting pantyhose or pants can promote bacteria growth by keeping moisture in, which may cause vaginal skin irritation in some women. Instead, women should switch to white cotton panties, which help absorb moisture and allow air to circulate, according to the Center for Young Women’s Health 1. The center advises women to avoid nylon and lycra panties and to always wear cotton underpants underneath pantyhose.

Among the simplest home remedies for vaginal skin irritation is changing clothes.
Wearing synthetic panties, tightly fitting pantyhose or pants can promote bacteria growth by keeping moisture in, which may cause vaginal skin irritation in some women.

Yogurt

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Approximately 75 percent of women have a yeast infection at some time, according to the National Women's Health Information Center. Yeast infections are caused by the overgrowth of a fungus called Candida and cause irritation of the vagina and the vulva—the area around the vagina. Yogurt helps restore good bacteria in the body, which may help women who experience chronic yeast infections. MedlinePlus recommends eating yogurt with live cultures or taking lactobacillus acidophilus tablets to prevent and treat vaginal skin irritation, particularly when taking antibiotics 2.

Approximately 75 percent of women have a yeast infection at some time, according to the National Women's Health Information Center.
MedlinePlus recommends eating yogurt with live cultures or taking lactobacillus acidophilus tablets to prevent and treat vaginal skin irritation, particularly when taking antibiotics 2.

Sitz Bath and Antihistamines

Vaginal skin irritation may result from poor hygiene, excessive sweating or the use of scented toiletries. Washing the vaginal area properly--from front to back so as not to force bacteria from the rectal area into the vagina--helps keep the area clean, and may even prevent vaginal infections. When vaginal itching occurs, The Merck Manuals Online Medical Library recommends women take a sitz bath and use oral antihistamines 2.