Causes, Home Remedies, When to See Doctor

There are many possible causes for an itchy vagina, including skin irritants, yeast infection, or even stress. Discovering why your vagina is itchy is the first step to relief.

You know what’s worse than an itchy vagina? Not knowing what’s causing it.

That’s not to say that vaginal itching isn’t something to have concerns about it, because it can occasionally be a sign of serious issues like sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and even (rarely) vulvar cancer. But the reality is that vaginal itching is pretty common and usually caused by less serious things like irritating substances or hormonal changes.

Before getting into what can cause an itchy vagina, it’s worth going over some terminology.

A lot of people say vagina when they really mean vulva. Your vagina is actually just one part of your vulva — specifically the inside part. The vulva is the part of your genitals that’s on the outside of your body, like your labia, clitoris, urethra, and vaginal opening.

In this article, we’re talking about itching that affects either the vagina, vulva, or both.

Let’s dive into the many possible causes of an itchy vagina or vulva and how to get relief.

Irritants

Chemical irritants, like those found in everyday products that come in contact with the vagina and vulva, can trigger an allergic reaction, known as contact dermatitis. We’re talking alcohol, dyes, fragrances, etc.

If an irritant is to blame, your vulva and vagina might be itchy, red, and sore.

Products that often contain such irritants include:

• soaps, shower gels, and bubble baths
• feminine sprays
• douches
• topical contraceptives, like spermicide and Phexxi
• creams, lotions, and ointments
• detergents
• fabric softeners
• scented toilet paper
• scented pads and liners

If you experience incontinence, urine can also cause itching and irritation.

Skin conditions

Some skin conditions, such as eczema and psoriasis, can cause redness and itching in the genital region.

Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a rash that primarily occurs in people with asthma or allergies. The rash is reddish and itchy with a scaly texture. It may spread to the vulva in some people with eczema.

Psoriasis is a common skin condition that causes scaly, itchy, red patches to form along the scalp and joints. At times, outbreaks of these symptoms can occur on the vulva as well.

Yeast infection

Yeast is a naturally occurring fungus that’s normally present in the vagina. It usually doesn’t cause problems, but when its growth goes unchecked, an uncomfortable infection — aka, vaginal yeast infection — can result.

The overgrowth of yeast in the vagina can result in uncomfortable symptoms, including itching, burning, and thick, whitish discharge that may or may not smell, well, yeasty, like a fresh sourdough loaf.

If you’ve recently taken antibiotics, they may be to blame, as these can destroy good bacteria along with the bad. (FYI, good bacteria is what keeps yeast in check. )

Pregnancy, stress, uncontrolled diabetes, and a hormonal imbalance before your period can also cause yeast infections.

Bacterial vaginosis

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is another potential reason for vaginal itching.

Like a vaginal yeast infection, BV is triggered by an imbalance between naturally occurring good and bad bacteria in the vagina.

The condition doesn’t always cause symptoms. When symptoms do appear, they typically include vaginal itching and an abnormal, fishy-smelling discharge. The discharge may be thin and dull gray or white. It can also be foamy.

STIs

There are a few STIs that can cause vaginal itching, including:

• chlamydia
• genital warts
• gonorrhea
• genital herpes
• trichomoniasis

These STIs can also cause other symptoms, including unusual vaginal discharge, painful urination, and genital sores.

While not exclusively sexually transmitted, we need to mention pubic lice (also known as crabs). These pesky little insects are typically passed on during intimate contact, but can also be passed through bedding and towels. They cause genital itching that starts five days after infestation and intensifies at night. You might also notice pale bluish dots near the bites and develop a fever.

Menopause

The drop in estrogen that happens during perimenopause and menopause increases the risk of vaginal itching.

That’s because less estrogen causes the tissues of the vulva and vagina to become thinner, drier, and less elastic. Vaginal dryness can result in itching and irritation. You might also find sex painful and bleed after sex.

Stress

Physical and emotional stress can cause vaginal itching and irritation.

It might occur when stress weakens your immune system, leaving you more prone to the infections that cause itching. The increase in the stress hormone cortisol that occurs when you’re under stress has also been shown in animal studies to affect vaginal health and increase the risk for vaginal infections.

Vulvar cancer

Vaginal itching may be a symptom of vulvar cancer. Know that vulvar cancer is rare and vaginal itching is a lot more likely to be caused by something else.

Vulvar cancer can cause vaginal itching that doesn’t go away or get better. It can also cause skin changes on areas of the vulva, like discoloration or thickening of the skin. Bleeding or discharge unrelated to your period and lumps are other possible symptoms. In some people, vulvar cancer doesn’t cause any symptoms.

Yearly gynecological exams can improve the chances of early detection and a better outcome.

It’s important to see a healthcare professional for vaginal itching if the itching is severe enough to disrupt your daily life or sleep. Although most causes aren’t serious, a healthcare professional can help find and treat the root of your itch and offer advice — or a prescription — to help you find relief.

You should also contact a healthcare professional if your vaginal itching persists for more than a week or if your itching is accompanied by other symptoms, such as:

• ulcers or blisters on the vulva
• pain or tenderness in the genital area
• genital redness or swelling
• trouble urinating
• an unusual vaginal discharge
• discomfort during sexual intercourse

If you don’t already have an OB-GYN, you can browse doctors in your area through the Healthline FindCare tool.

Your care team will ask you about your symptoms, including how severe they are and how long they have lasted. They may ask you about your sexual activities as well.

And just a heads up: a pelvic exam will likely be required.

During a pelvic examination, a healthcare professional will visually inspect your vulva and may use a speculum to see inside your vagina. They may press down on your abdomen while inserting a gloved finger into your vagina. This allows them to check the reproductive organs for any abnormalities.

They may also collect a sample of skin tissue from your vulva or a sample of your discharge for analysis. Depending on your symptoms, they may also perform blood or urine tests.

Once your healthcare professional finds the underlying cause of your vaginal itching, they’ll recommend treatment options. The specific course of treatment required depends on the particular condition that’s causing the problem.

Vaginal yeast infections

Vaginal yeast infections are treated with antifungal medications. These come in various forms, including creams, ointments, or pills. They’re available by prescription or over-the-counter (OTC).

If you’ve never been diagnosed with a yeast infection, make sure to speak with a healthcare professional before using an OTC treatment.

BV

BV is usually treated with antibiotics. These may be pills you take orally or creams you insert into your vagina. Regardless of the type you’re given, be sure to finish the entire course of antibiotics even if your symptoms improve.

STIs

Depending on the STI, STIs can be treated with antibiotics, antivirals, or antiparasitics.

Along with taking medication as prescribed, your healthcare professional may also recommend avoiding sex until the infection clears.

Menopause

Menopause-related itching may be treated with estrogen cream, tablets, or a vaginal ring insert.

Other causes

Other types of vaginal itching and irritation often clear on their own.

In the meantime, you can apply steroid creams or lotions to reduce inflammation and ease discomfort.

To avoid making things worse, use steroid creams exactly as directed and discontinue use and see a healthcare professional if your symptoms worsen.

Here are some things you can do to help prevent vaginal itching and maintain good vaginal health:

• Use warm water and a gentle cleanser to wash your genital area.
• Avoid scented soaps, lotions, and bubble baths.
• Avoid using vaginal sprays and douches — your natural smell is just fine!
• Change out of wet or damp clothing right after swimming or exercising.
• Wear cotton underwear and change your underwear daily.
• Use barrier methods when having sex.
• Get tested for STIs and encourage your partners to do the same.
• Always wipe front to back to keep bacteria from feces away from the vulva and vagina.

Vaginal itching is uncomfortable but isn’t usually serious. Most of the time, an itchy vagina or vulva will improve on its own with lifestyle tweaks like avoiding irritants below the belt. If you’re concerned, don’t hesitate to connect with a healthcare professional for advice.

Read this article in Spanish.

Generic vs. Brand Name, and More

If you’re looking at treatment options for certain types of fungal infections, you may want to learn more about fluconazole (Diflucan).

Fluconazole is a generic prescription drug used in adults and some children to:

• treat and prevent candidiasis, such as vaginal yeast infections and thrush
• treat a kind of fungal meningitis

Fluconazole comes as a tablet and a suspension (a type of liquid mixture) that you swallow. These forms are available as the brand-name drug Diflucan. Fluconazole also comes as a liquid that’s given as an IV infusion (an injection into a vein over a period of time). The IV infusion form is given by your doctor or another healthcare professional.

Fluconazole belongs to a group of drugs called triazole antifungals.

Keep reading for details on fluconazole, its cost, and how to save money on prescriptions.

Note: For more details on fluconazole tablets, see this in-depth article.

The price you pay for fluconazole can vary. Your cost may depend on your treatment plan, your insurance coverage, and the pharmacy you use. It’ll also depend on how much you have to pay for a visit with your doctor or a hospital to receive injectable fluconazole.

To find out how much you’ll pay for fluconazole, talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or insurance provider.

Note: If you have insurance, you may need to get prior authorization before your insurance provider will cover fluconazole. This means your insurer and your doctor will discuss Fluconazole in regard to your treatment. Then the insurance company will determine whether the drug is covered. If fluconazole requires prior authorization and you don’t receive it before you start treatment, you could pay the full cost of the drug.

Be sure to ask your insurance company whether fluconazole requires prior authorization.

Below are answers to some frequently asked questions about fluconazole and its cost.

Does fluconazole come as a cream or syrup? If so, how much do these forms of the drug cost?

No, fluconazole does not come as a cream or syrup. But it does come as a liquid suspension that you swallow. The suspension is also available as the brand-name drug Diflucan.

Your cost for the fluconazole liquid suspension can vary depending on the pharmacy you use, your dosage, and your insurance coverage (if you have it). A higher strength of fluconazole suspension usually costs more than the lower strength suspension.

If you have questions about your specific cost of fluconazole, talk with your doctor.

What’s the price of fluconazole tablets (50 mg, 100 mg, 150 mg, and 200 mg)?

The price of fluconazole tablets can vary. It’s possible that the higher-strength tablets of fluconazole cost more than the lower strengths. The price for fluconazole tablets can also vary depending on the pharmacy you use.

To find out the exact cost of your dosage of fluconazole, talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or insurance provider.

For more details on fluconazole’s dosages, see this in-depth article.

How much does fluconazole cost without insurance?

Prescription drugs usually cost less with insurance coverage. But if you don’t have insurance, your cost will depend on certain factors, such as:

• the pharmacy you use
• your dosage and treatment plan
• the form of the drug you’re prescribed
• whether you take your dose at home or receive it in a healthcare facility

To learn what you’ll pay for fluconazole without insurance, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

For resources that could help you save on the cost of fluconazole, see the “Can I get help paying for fluconazole?” section below.

Fluconazole is a generic drug. This means it’s an exact copy of the active drug in a brand-name medication. A generic is considered just as safe and effective as the original drug. And generics generally cost less than brand-name drugs.

Fluconazole comes in a brand-name version called Diflucan. To find out how the costs of Diflucan and Fluconazole compare, talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or insurance provider.

If you’ve been prescribed fluconazole and you’re interested in using Diflucan instead, talk with your doctor. They may prefer that you take one version instead of the other. In addition, you’ll need to check with your insurance provider. This is because it may only cover one drug or the other.

Why is there such a cost difference between brand-name drugs and generics?

Years of research and testing are needed to ensure that brand-name drugs are safe and effective. This testing can make the drugs expensive. The manufacturer of a brand-name drug can sell the drug for up to 20 years. After that, other drugmakers can create generic versions. This competition in the market can lead to lower costs for generics. And because generics have the same active ingredients as brand-name drugs, they don’t need to be studied again. This can also lead to lower generic costs.

Fluconazole may be taken either short term or long term. If you take fluconazole long term, you may be able to lower your costs in the following ways:

Look into getting a 90-day supply of your medication. You may be able to get a 90-day supply of fluconazole if approved by your insurance company. This could reduce your number of trips to the pharmacy and help lower the cost of fluconazole. If you’re interested in getting a 90-day supply of this drug, talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or insurance provider.

Use a mail-order pharmacy to get your medication. Using a mail-order pharmacy might help lower your cost of fluconazole. Plus, you could get your medication without leaving home. Some Medicare plans may help cover the cost of mail-order drugs. You may also be able to get a 90-day supply of the drug through mail order. If you don’t have health insurance, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They may be able to suggest online pharmacy options that could work for you.

If you need help covering the cost of fluconazole or understanding your insurance, check out these resources:

• NeedyMeds
• Medicine Assistance Tool

On these sites, you can find insurance information, details on drug assistance programs, and links to savings cards and other services.

If you have questions about how to pay for your prescription, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

If you still have questions about the cost of fluconazole, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They may be able to give you a better idea of what you’ll pay for this drug. But if you have health insurance, you’ll need to talk with your insurance provider to learn the actual cost you’d pay for fluconazole.

Examples of questions you may want to ask your doctor or insurance provider include:

• If I can’t afford my medication, what are my options?
• Do the different forms of fluconazole vary in price?
• Are there any other lower cost drugs that can treat my condition?

To get information on different conditions and tips for improving your health, subscribe to any of Healthline’s newsletters. You may also want to check out the online communities at Bezzy. It’s a place where people with certain conditions can find support and connect with others.

Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.

8+ Powerful Vaginal Yeast Infection Home Remedies All Women Need

✓ Tea Tree Oil

• Tea Tree Oil

For centuries, tea tree oil has been used as a home remedy for topical vaginal yeast infection in ancestral medicine such as Ayurveda or Chinese medicine. They knew this plant as an excellent antiseptic and antifungal that was used successfully to treat Trichomonas, Candida albicans and other vaginal infections. This oil can be applied topically or via a vaginal suppository (an absorbable capsule or tablet).

✓ Vitamin B2

• Vitamin B2

Vitamin B2 is said to help treat common yeast infections. Indeed, vitamin B2 (also called riboflavin) contributes to the maintenance of the normal state of the mucous membranes. EU Regulation 1924/2006 EU health declarations

FYRON IMMUN FORTE – with vitamin B2

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✓ Boric acid

• Boric acid

You can read in many old medical books that boric acid is an effective home remedy for vaginal yeast infection due to its ability to affect the acidity of the vagina. In addition to affecting pH, this acid is known for its antimicrobial and antifungal properties. You can take it as a vaginal suppository or as a dietary supplement.

✓ Probiotics

• Probiotic Supplements

Probiotics, such as Lactobacillus, are known worldwide for helping to restore the normal balance of bacteria and yeast throughout the body, such as the balance between the digestive tract and vaginal flora. Historically, they have been used to inhibit the growth and/or attachment of Candida albicans to the vaginal epithelium as a home remedy for a vaginal yeast infection.

✓ Psyllium Husk

• Psyllium

Soluble fibers such as psyllium are well known to absorb and eliminate all toxins in the intestines. It is believed to help support detoxification and prevent the yeast from absorbing toxins, antigens, and particles. You can take one teaspoon every evening, diluted in compote. Avoid thinning with water as this can cause a sticky, unattractive look.

✓ Coconut Oil

• Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is a fatty oil derived from the white flesh of the coconut and has many health benefits. It is well known among alternative medicines for its effective antibacterial and antifungal properties, which is why many people use it to treat a vaginal yeast infection.

✓ Apple Cider Vinegar

• Apple Cider Gummies
• Apple Cider Vinager

Because of its acidity, our grandparents already knew that apple cider vinegar could inhibit the growth of candida albicans, a strain of a fungus that usually causes yeast infections. They used this natural remedy for antimicrobial and antifungal effects by mixing half a cup of vinegar in a warm bath or soaking it for 20 minutes. So they used it as a home remedy for vaginal yeast infection.

✓ Garlic

• Garlic Powder

For generations and in many cultures, garlic has been well known for its antibiotic and antifungal properties, which make it an effective treatment for vaginal fungal infections. Allicin, the main biologically active component of garlic, is known to slow the growth of the Candida fungus that causes yeast infections and is an effective Candida killer. You can take it in powder or capsule form as a home remedy for a vaginal yeast infection.

Vaginal yeast infections are fungal infections of the vagina or vulva. This infection may be caused by an overgrowth of yeast or candida. The fungus is usually found in the vagina and mouth, as well as on the skin. Candida is part of the normal “flora” of bacteria and fungi that inhabit the human body. Your immune system works well and keeps Candida properly balanced when it’s healthy. This balance can be upset if your immune system is weak or you are taking antibiotics. This can lead to yeast infections. ^[1]

Read more about vaginal yeast infection: Wikipedia.

Sources

Natural Treatments for Yeast Infection

HealthAmen.

Want to get rid of a yeast infection in 24 hours? A yeast infection is a common infection that causes irritation, itching, swelling, and soreness around. Yeast infections are also characterized by painful sex, redness, and in chronic cases, even a rash. Most women who regularly experience a yeast infection resort to using over-the-counter ointments, which end up causing skin irritation. It is known that most ointments applied to …

Natural remedy for the treatment of Candida disease

While yeast infections can be common, they can also be annoying and, worse, embarrassing for women. While severe infections may require a trip to the doctor and a prescription, there are over-the-counter medications and several home remedies for yeast infections. Learn how to spot a yeast infection, when to see a doctor, how to treat a yeast infection at home, and how to prevent it from happening again.

How to cure a yeast infection at home

大賢者外語.

Still struggling with a yeast infection? Find out how to diagnose, treat and get rid of a yeast infection for good! A yeast infection stole your happiness and made you live in pain. .. made your life miserable? If you answered yes, then now you will get the smile of a lifetime. A complete guide that will reveal the practical steps needed to successfully diagnose and treat a yeast infection at home HERE’S EXACTLY WHAT YOU’LL GET 2 ways to personally and successfully diagnose a yeast infection at home…0009

1. Zhang T (2014) – Management of Vaginal Yeast Infection: What has Traditional Chinese Medicine brought to modern medicine?, [online] 17(9), p.5617. doi:9.3390/ijms23115716.
2. Gritsenko Q ​​and Nilson T (2018) – Study of oral VT-1161 for the treatment of acute vaginal candidiasis (yeast infection) in patients with recurrent vaginal candidiasis, Annals of Emergency Medicine, HarperResource
3. Uchitel J (2015) – Clinical and microscopic diagnosis vaginal yeast infection: a prospective analysis, Belesiotou
4. Alali O (1998-1999) Treatment options for recurrent vaginal yeast infections, [online] 58(2), pp.13-22. doi:13.1211/1448-0421. 12649.

Holistic TREATMENT for candida infection | Health

Yeast infections can be painful, even excruciating, but there is currently no instant cure for a yeast infection… . Candida albicans is a stubborn, difficult-to-treat fungus. Most prescription and over-the-counter drugs take several days to work. However, there are opportunities to alleviate the condition much faster.

12 Hour Yeast Infection Cure

The best holistic yeast infection treatment, known as the 12 Hour Yeast Infection Cure, has been repeatedly proven to be the safest, fastest, and most effective treatment available.

Another popular holistic approach to treating a yeast infection is dietary modification, which can rid the body of yeast in about two weeks. Strict dietary changes lead to changes in the body that cause the death of Candida albicans. Lack of food, pH changes, and other factors are what will ultimately eradicate a yeast infection.

Dr. Mercola’s Comment:

Many may not realize that it was a chronic yeast infection that sparked my passion for natural medicine. I read Dr. William Crook’s The Yeast Connection in the mid 80’s. and, in the end, applied some of his recommendations in his practice – and got just the same outstanding results in some very difficult patients. The results speak for themselves, which is why I set out on my 15-year research into natural healing strategies that got me to where I am today.

Dr. Crook passed away almost six years ago, but he was one example for me. For anyone struggling with yeast infections, I highly recommend visiting www.yeastconnection.com. It is based on the pioneering work of Dr. Crook; there you’ll get the latest information about how candida yeast causes problems in the body and how to deal with them. He taught that the overgrowth of Candida albicans, a type of yeast, can cause a range of chronic health problems in men and women, not the least of which is a yeast infection.

Just be aware that not all yeast is bad. In fact, Candida albicans is normally found in the skin, digestive tract, and in women, the vagina. In the gut, good bacteria should, in theory, keep yeast and bad bacteria in check and in the right ratio. This complex system is largely responsible for protecting the body from external threats. But for many people, gut bacteria – all 100 trillion – are out of balance.

Pinterest !

Taking antibiotics and contraceptives, eating too much sugar and grains all upset the balance of bacteria in the gut, allowing Candida cells to thrive and outnumber the good bacteria.

What happens when there is too much yeast in the body?

Two things. First, the inner lining of the intestine weakens, as a result of which allergens and toxins enter the bloodstream, which normally remain in the intestine.

Then you have cravings for sugar and carbohydrates because you have to feed an unnatural amount of yeast in your gut.

This is a double-edged sword because the more sugar and grains you eat, the more yeast will spread. Eventually, this will further weaken the lining of the intestines and the immune system.

The consequences of this imbalance in the intestinal flora, sometimes referred to as dysbiosis, can be:

During the metabolism and death of candida, 79 different toxins are released. That’s why people with yeast overgrowth often feel bad – Candida toxins are regularly introduced into their bloodstream.

Two of these toxins—alcohol and acetaldehyde (the breakdown products of alcohol that cause hangovers)—are found in such high levels in people with chronic yeast infections that they eventually become “drunk.” Acetaldehyde It also reacts with the neurotransmitter dopamine, which is why people with yeast overgrowth often experience mental and emotional problems such as anxiety, depression, trouble concentrating, and distraction.

Throw away creams and pills: how to cure a yeast infection

Both the 12-hour cure and the two-week diet changes described in this article are based on holistic principles that aim to address the underlying causes of such a rapid reproduction of candida in the body.

This is exactly what, by the way, is completely missed by drugs from pharmacies – both prescription and over-the-counter. Dr. Crook has developed a cure for yeast overgrowth, as well as many of the symptoms associated with candidiasis, and it really works.

Highlights of this approach include:

1. Proper nutrition and exercise

A balanced diet rich in meat, chicken, eggs, seeds and nuts, vegetables and healthy fats (free range and organic), cutting out sugar and carbohydrate-rich foods will limit the amount of fuel available to yeast in the gut. I would add to this that the diet should match your nutritional type. Once you start with a diet, exercise will begin to change the balance of neurotransmitters in the brain and improve your mood. It seems counterintuitive to demand absolute restriction of even fruit for those seeking to rid themselves of yeast, but even a tiny amount of sugar exacerbates this condition.

2. Get more beneficial bacteria

Increase your intake of probiotics (good bacteria) with high quality probiotic supplements and/or cultured and fermented foods such as natto.

They contain beneficial bacteria that support vaginal and gastrointestinal health and ultimately replace Candida.

3. Avoid exposure to chemicals

Paints, household cleaners, perfumes and fragrances can cause allergic reactions, and chemical sensitivities are very common in people with yeast overgrowth.

4. Solving emotional and psychological problems

Cravings for food, especially sweets, are often aggravated by emotional dependence. Techniques such as the Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) can help overcome unhealthy eating habits and other emotional obstacles. If you make the right lifestyle changes that I have listed, your body will be able to beat Candida albicans.

But because yeast overgrowth can be extremely difficult, I generally recommend finding a specialist doctor who practices a holistic approach to treating a yeast infection to help control your recovery*.published by econet.ru.

© Dr. Joseph Mercola

*Materials are for guidance only.