Nothing ruins your day like having an itch you literally can't scratch, so we've put together a guide on how to stop itching down there immediately.

Many factors can contribute to both vulvar and vaginal itching, and understanding what causes it can help ease the discomfort.  The good news is that there are various remedies available to help stop vaginal itching — ranging from prescription meds to over-the-counter (OTC) creams and even home remedies.

A quick note on language: the vulva (the labia majora, labia minora, clitoris, vaginal opening) and vagina (the inner canal that leads to the cervix) are two different things, but people often use the term “vaginal itching” to refer to vulvar itching, as well. Some conditions can cause itching in both the vulva and vagina, but many times the causes are completely different. Below, we’ll address the causes and remedies for both. 

Keep scrolling to learn more about the common causes of vulvar and vaginal itching, how to stop vaginal itching ASAP, and when to seek medical attention. 

Why is my vagina itchy?

Before we dive into the remedies for vaginal itching, it’s crucial to understand the potential causes of vaginal itching because identifying the underlying cause can help in choosing the most effective treatment.

  • Vaginal yeast infection: Yeast infections (also known as vaginal candidiasis) are caused by the overgrowth of Candida, a type of fungus naturally present in the vaginal microbiome. Symptoms include intense itching, a burning sensation, and thick, white vaginal discharge that looks like cottage cheese. 
  • Bacterial vaginosis (BV): Bacterial vaginosis is an imbalance in the natural bacteria present in the vagina. The most common symptom of BV is abnormal vaginal discharge that might be watery, gray, and has a fishy odor. In some cases, BV can also cause itching and discomfort. 
  • Cytolytic vaginosis (CV): Cytolytic vaginosis (CV) is a condition that happens when Lactobacilli (the good bacteria in your vaginal microbiome) overgrow. It can cause vaginal itchiness and abnormal discharge similar to a yeast infection. 
  • Sexually transmitted infections (STIs): Some sexually transmitted infections, such as trichomoniasis, chlamydia, and genital herpes, can cause itching, burning, and unusual vaginal discharge. Pubic lice, another type of sexually transmitted infection, can also cause itching that gets worse at night. 
  • Urinary tract infection (UTI): A urinary tract infection is a bacterial infection affecting the bladder, urethra, or kidneys. It can cause symptoms like itching, burning, and general discomfort down there.
  • Skin conditions: Eczema, psoriasis, lichen planus, and lichen sclerosus are chronic skin conditions that can affect the genital area, causing itching and irritation.
  • Menopause: Estrogen plays a vital role in vaginal health because it keeps vaginal tissues thick, elastic, and lubricated. As women approach menopause, a drop in estrogen levels can lead to dryness and increased sensitivity, causing vaginal itching and irritation.
  • Contact dermatitis: Allergies to soaps, laundry detergents, sanitary products, or fabrics can cause irritation and itching.
  • Over-washing: The skin of the vulva is very delicate, so over-washing with feminine hygiene soaps can strip natural oils and make it more prone to dryness and irritation. All you need to wash your vulva is warm water and mild hypoallergenic soap if necessary. 
  • Douching: Douching can disrupt the vaginal microbiome by washing away good bacteria. This can lead to an overgrowth of harmful bacteria or yeast, increasing the risk of bacterial vaginosis or a yeast infection. It can also cause irritation and inflammation of the vaginal and cervical tissues, leading to symptoms such as vaginal itching, burning, and discomfort.
  • Shaving or waxing: Removing pubic hair by shaving or waxing can sometimes cause a painful, itchy rash on your vulva. You might also feel itchy when the hair starts to grow back.‍
  • Sex: Friction during penetrative sex can tear and irritate the vaginal walls and the skin of your vulva — especially if you weren’t aroused enough or didn’t use lube.
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How to stop itching down there

If you're dealing with vulvar and vaginal itching, the first step is to reach out to your healthcare provider for a diagnosis. There are many potential causes for vaginal itching or irritation, so it's important to get checked out. Your doctor can figure out what's going on and provide you with the best treatment options. 

Depending on the diagnosis, they might prescribe: 

  • Antifungal medication: Antifungal creams such as miconazole or fluconazole may be prescribed for a yeast infection. These can be taken orally, as an intravaginal cream, or suppository.
  • Antibiotics: If bacterial vaginosis or a bacterial STI is the cause, antibiotics such as metronidazole or clindamycin may be prescribed. Remember to complete the full course of antibiotics even if the vaginal itchiness goes away!
  • Antiviral medications: For viral infections such as genital herpes, antiviral medications like acyclovir or valacyclovir can help manage symptoms and reduce the frequency of outbreaks.
  • Steroid creams: For skin conditions like eczema or lichen sclerosus, your healthcare provider may prescribe a topical steroid cream to reduce inflammation and itching.

If you're experiencing vaginal itching along with other recurrent symptoms, you might find it helpful to take a comprehensive vaginal microbiome test like Evvy’s — which screens for over 700 bacteria and fungi in the vaginal microbiome. 

If you're worried about an STI causing discomfort, Evvy’s Expanded PCR Panel tests for chlamydia, trichomoniasis, gonorrhea, and Mycoplasma genitalium. For those who are eligible, Evvy provides a caring clinical program that includes a treatment plan prescribed by a healthcare provider, supportive coaching, and more.

Home remedies for vaginal itching

When vaginal itching strikes, immediate relief is the first concern. Here's how to stop itching down there immediately at home:

  • Cold compress: Applying a cold compress can provide instant relief by numbing the area and reducing inflammation. Wrap some ice in a clean cloth and hold it against the itchy area for 5-10 minutes.
  • OTC anti-itch creams: An over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream or emollient cream can provide quick relief. 
  • Baking soda bath: Also known as a sitz bath, a baking soda bath involves sitting in a shallow bath of warm water with a cup of baking soda can help soothe itching and reduce inflammation. Sit in the bath for 10-15 minutes, then gently pat dry with a clean towel. Keep in mind that baking soda baths can reduce the levels of Lactobacilli in the vaginal microbiome, so you shouldn’t overdo it. 
  • Avoid irritants: Avoid potential irritants such as scented soaps, bubble baths, and perfumed tampons or pads. Switch to unscented, hypoallergenic products to reduce the risk of irritation.
  • Wear loose, breathable clothing: Choose clothing made of breathable fabrics like cotton and opt for loose-fitting underwear to keep the area dry and well-ventilated. This won't treat the cause of itching, but it will help prevent the growth of bacteria and yeast that can cause itching, and reduce any friction created by clothing. 
  • Apply aloe vera: Aloe vera gel can soothe irritated skin and temporarily relieve itching. Just make sure to use pure aloe vera gel with no added fragrances.
  • Use an emollient: Petroleum jelly or Aquaphor can help relieve some of the itch and protect your skin from dryness.  
  • Use hyaluronic acid: Hyaluronic acid is a humectant (a substance that retains moisture). Some research shows that applying hyaluronic acid to the vagina can act as a vaginal moisturizer and be a good alternative to estrogen therapy for vaginal dryness and irritation. 


As tempting as it might be to look through your kitchen cabinet for remedies for vaginal itching, we wouldn’t recommend using garlic, yogurt, coconut oil, or apple cider vinegar to relieve itching. Despite what you may have seen online, there’s no scientific evidence that these “natural remedies” work to relieve vaginal itching. Applying them directly to an irritated area — whether on your vulva or inside your vagina — could potentially make things worse because these ingredients aren’t formulated for the genitals. 

How to prevent itching down there

Preventing vulvar and vaginal itching involves maintaining good hygiene practices, avoiding irritants, and looking after your vaginal microbiome. Here are some tips to help prevent vaginal itching:

  1. Practice safe sex: Using condoms and/or dental dams during sex can reduce the risk of STIs and other bacterial infections that cause vaginal itching and discomfort. 
  2. Use lube: Lube reduces friction during penetrative sex and can make the experience more pleasurable. Everyone could benefit from using lube, whether you have vaginal dryness or not!
  3. Get tested regularly: Ensure both you and your sexual partners are tested regularly for STIs.
  4. Don’t skip your OB-GYN checkups: Regular visits to a gynecologist can help detect and address potential issues early — especially if you experience persistent or recurring symptoms.
  5. Good menstrual hygiene: Change pads or tampons regularly when you’re on your period, and don’t use tampons with a higher absorbency unless you have a heavy flow. Consider using unscented, hypoallergenic products to minimize irritation.
  6. Avoid douching: Vaginal douching can disrupt the natural balance of bacteria in the vagina and put you at risk of infections (pretty counter-intuitive, right?). The vagina is self-cleaning, so douching is unnecessary at best and potentially harmful at worst.
  7. Manage stress: Chronic stress can weaken the immune system and make you more susceptible to infections, and aggravate chronic skin conditions like eczema. Some research also shows that chronic stress might be a risk factor for recurrent vaginal infections like bacterial vaginosis.

When to see a healthcare provider

While occasional vaginal itching can be managed at home (especially if it’s caused by something harmless like razor burn), certain symptoms warrant a trip to your healthcare provider, stat: 

  • Intense itching that doesn’t improve with home remedies or OTC treatments
  • Persistent itching that lasts more than a week
  • Unusual vaginal discharge
  • A foul odor
  • Swelling or sores on the vulva 
  • Pain when you have sex or go to the bathroom
  • Any signs of an allergic reaction, such as hives, a fever, or difficulty breathing.

FAQ

Why am I itching so badly down there?

Itching in your vagina or vulva can happen for different reasons. A yeast infection, STIs, allergic reactions, chronic skin conditions, or vaginal dryness can cause discomfort in and around your vagina. 

How do I make my private area stop itching?

The treatment for vulvar or vaginal irritation varies depending on the cause. Infections are usually treated with antibiotics or antifungals in the case of a yeast infection. If itching is caused by a skin condition, your doctor might recommend using topical soothing creams or antihistamine treatment. Home remedies like taking a baking soda bath or applying aloe vera gel can also relieve itching.

Does Vaseline stop itching down there?

Vaseline may temporarily soothe itchiness related to eczema or irritation caused by shaving and waxing, but it won’t treat an active infection. Although it’s safe to apply vaseline to your vulva, we wouldn’t recommend applying it directly inside the vagina.