Vaginal itching can be a symptom of many conditions. It could be caused by something like vaginal dryness or chemical irritants, such as the ones found in scented soaps. Itching can also be the result of a yeast infection, bacterial vaginosis, a sexually transmitted infection (STI), or something else.

There are many home remedies for an itchy vagina, but the remedy you choose will depend on the cause of the itch.

Common causes

Vaginal itchiness is often due to one of the following common causes.

Yeast infection

If you have a vagina, there’s a chance that you’ll get a yeast infection at some point in your life. Other than itching, yeast infections can cause you to have a thick, white, cottage cheese-like discharge.

Bacterial vaginosis

This happens when a certain kind of bacteria overgrows in the vagina, most commonly Gardnerella vaginalis.

Bacterial vaginosis is often accompanied by a fishy odor, burning during urination, and discharge that is gray, white, or green.

Vaginal dryness

This is a symptom of many conditions. It can cause your vagina to feel itchy inside. It can also cause discomfort during sex or masturbation.

Water-based lubricants can help with vaginal dryness. You can visit your doctor if it seems to be a consistent problem for you.

Exposure to irritants

Irritating chemicals in pads, intimate washes, sprays, and more can irritate the skin and cause an itchy vagina. This is why it’s recommended that you avoid using anything other than water to wash your vulva.

If you suspect your pad is irritating your skin, try a different brand, or switch to tampons or a menstrual cup.

Skin conditions

Eczema, psoriasis, and dry skin can often lead to itchiness — and can affect your pubic area and the skin around your vulva.

STIs

A number of STIs could cause vaginal itching. These include:

• chlamydia
• genital warts
• gonorrhea
• genital herpes
• trichomoniasis
• pubic lice

The above conditions require medical attention, so speak with your doctor if you think you have an STI.

The best home remedies for vaginal itching

Baking soda bath

Baking soda baths can potentially treat yeast infections as well as certain itchy skin conditions.

According to a 2012 study, baking soda has antifungal effects. A 2014 study found that baking soda killed Candida cells, the same cells that cause yeast infections.

The National Eczema Foundation recommends adding 1/4 cup of baking soda to your bath, or making it into a paste and applying it to your skin to treat eczema.

A study from 2005 Trusted Source found baking soda baths to be an effective treatment for psoriasis, too.

Try this: Baking soda bath

• Add between 1/4 cup and 2 cups of baking soda to your bath, and allow it to dissolve.
• Soak in the bath for 10 to 40 minutes.

Greek yogurt

Greek yogurt is a common home remedy for yeast infections.

A probiotic yogurt promotes the growth of “good” bacteria in the vagina. This bacteria can kill off some yeast and keep your vagina healthy.

A 2012 study Trusted Source looked at 129 pregnant women with yeast infections. Researchers gave 82 participants a yogurt and honey treatment and 47 participants an over-the-counter antifungal cream. The study found that a mixture of honey and yogurt was more effective at treating vaginal yeast infections than over-the-counter antifungal medication.

A 2015 study involving 70 non-pregnant women reached the same conclusion: Yogurt and honey was more effective than commercial antifungal cream.

Try this: Greek yogurt

• You can insert some yogurt into your vagina to soothe the itching.
• You can also coat a tampon in Greek yogurt and insert it.
• If you try either method, wear a pad, so the yogurt doesn’t get on your clothes.
• Use plain Greek yogurt with no added flavors or sugar.

Cotton underwear

Cotton underwear is helpful if you have any sort of vaginal or vulvar discomfort. Cotton underwear is breathable, which means that it can help reduce itchy skin conditions.

Wearing 100 percent cotton underwear might prevent yeast infections, as yeast thrives in areas that aren’t well ventilated.

Try these products

• Fruit of the Loom Women’s Beyond soft Panties
• Everlane The Invisible Bikini

Apple cider vinegar bath

If you’re searching the internet for how to relieve vaginal itching, chances are you’ll find apple cider vinegar listed as a cure-all.

Many people believe that adding apple cider vinegar to your bath can soothe a yeast infection. It’s also a common home remedy for itchy skin.

Unfortunately, there’s little evidence to support this claim. Nevertheless, it’s a cheap remedy to try, and one that has no known side effects.

Try this: Apple cider vinegar bath

• Add a half cup of apple cider vinegar to your bath water.
• Soak in the bath for 10 to 40 minutes.

Probiotic supplements

Bacteria is essential for vaginal health, and probiotics can increase the “good” bacteria in your vagina.

You can find probiotic supplements, such as capsules and tonics, at your local drugstore, health store, or online. These promote the growth of healthy and helpful bacteria in your vagina and gut.

These can be taken as a preventative measure, too. Your doctor might recommend taking probiotics when they prescribe antibiotics.

Try these products

• Uqora Promote
• Love Wellness Good Girl Probiotics

Coconut oil

A 2016 study demonstrated that coconut oil can kill Candida albicans, which causes yeast infections. However, this study was done in a lab, and there’s not enough evidence to confirm whether it works in humans.

Try this: Coconut oil

• You can insert coconut oil directly into your vagina.
• Be sure to use high quality, pure coconut oil.
• Wear a pad if you try this remedy, as it could otherwise stain your clothing.

Antifungal cream

If a yeast infection is causing you discomfort, there are many over-the-counter antifungal creams that can bring you relief. They kill off the yeast, which soothes the itch. They can also come in the form of vaginal suppositories, which are inserted into the vagina.

If you use an antifungal cream or suppository in your vagina, it’s best to wear a pantyliner.

Try these products

• Monistat 1-Day Combination Pack
• Basic Care Miconazole 7 Nitrate Vaginal Cream

Cortisone cream

If you’re itchy after shaving pubic hair, cortisone cream might be your best bet. This can also be used to treat eczema, allergic skin conditions, and some rashes. It reduces the itch and soothes it.

Cortisone cream should never be applied inside your vagina but can be applied to the skin outside it where pubic hair grows.

Probiotic foods

Similar to taking probiotic supplements, eating food that contains probiotics can promote the growth of “healthy” bacteria in your vagina and gut. This is important for your vagina and your gut health.

Probiotic foods include:

• yogurt
• kombucha
• kimchi
• sauerkraut
• miso

If you have a yeast infection, eating the above foods can help your body fight it.

Hygiene

Practicing good vaginal hygiene can prevent and soothe an itchy vagina.

Sometimes, less is more when it comes to washing your vagina and vulva. Your vagina cleans itself, so all you need to do is wash the outside of your vagina — your vulva — with some warm water.

Do not use scented soaps, gels, or cleansers. You should also avoid products that are marketed as feminine hygiene or intimate cleansers. Vaginal douching should only be done if your doctor prescribes it.

Douching and over-washing your vagina and vulva can actually cause itchiness. Soaps and scents can irritate the vagina and cause allergic reactions and infections.