Itching and burning in the vulvar region is certainly not a condition you can just grin and bear. In fact, getting your hands on any sort of remedy to bring relief becomes a matter of some urgency. The problem arises when you discover that many prescribed and over-the-counter remedies simply don’t work well against whatever is causing the problem. Fortunately, when these remedies don’t work, home remedies for vulvar itching and burning do. Let’s take a closer look at 15 of those remedies now.
Causes of Vulvar Itching and Burning
It may come as a surprise to you the number of things this issue can stem from. First things first, these symptoms do not automatically mean something is wrong. The woman’s body goes through so many changes on a monthly basis that itchiness and burning can easily be a symptom of that. It can also be a matter of issues with pubic hair, where the ingrown hair creates friction for your vulvar. Another common cause of vulvar discomfort comes from all the various oils, perfumes, soaps, and lotions we use to make our vulvar smell better. This area can have a smell that is not pleasant, but it is also natural to an extent.
Issue #1: Hormonal Changes
Your cycle goes through many different phases. Another change that occurs is the body getting to the age of getting a period, then getting to the age where the period leaves and menopause begins. All of a woman’s life is chock full of hormonal changes that can at some points cause this outcome. It is nothing to be concerned with. Keep the area neat and clean, and it may be a simple case of waiting it out as that aspect of your cycle/phase passes.
Issue #2 Irritation From Substance
Next up is the case of having issues based on the substances added to the vulvar. Douches, soaps with perfumes, harsh chemicals, wipes, and more can all lead to terrible itching and burning sensations. It’s best to find natural products and clean with mostly water.
Issue #3 Ingrown Hair
Ingrown hairs are killers. They cause puss, redness, and huge bumps. They can be on any part of the body but are specifically painful if they are in the vulvar area. Use natural ingrown hair preventatives for relief.
1. Kefir
A major item to start off our list of home remedies for vulvar itching and burning is kefir. This fermented dairy product is rich in probiotics which help relieve the worst symptoms. Kefir is especially effective at getting rid of yeast as well as other bad bacteria which are leading causes of vulvar region infections. Kefir can also give your immune system a boost.
What to Do
- Dip a tampon in kefir, and then insert it into the vaginal and leave it there for two hours.
- Repeat this twice daily until the condition improves.
- In addition, drink 1 to 2 cups of kefir daily for a couple of weeks.
2. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar works in a wide variety of home remedies including home remedies for vulvar itching and burning. ACV has both antibacterial and antifungal properties to kill any infection in the area and also works to restore a pH balance to the region.
What to Do
- Add 2 Tbsp of raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar to a glass or small bowl of warm water.
- Use this solution to wash the affected area twice a day for a few days.
- In addition, stir 1 to 2 tsp of raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar in a glass of warm water and drink it twice daily to work from the inside out.
3. Honey
When it comes to home remedies for vulvar itching and burning, few are simpler and more effective than honey. The antibacterial and antifungal properties of raw, unpasteurized honey can help to get rid of any sort of infection causing the problem.
What to Do
- Massage raw, unpasteurized honey like an ointment over the affected area.
- Allow it to remain for about 30 minutes before bathing in warm water.
- Repeat this remedy twice daily until symptoms improve.
4. Salt-Water Bath
A saline or salt water bath is also among the effective home remedies for vulvar itching and burning. Salt helps to limit and control the growth of any microbes which might be growing or reproducing in the vulvar region and it will also help to soothe the itching and burning symptoms.
What to Do
- Add 1 Tbsp of salt to a glass or small bowl of warm water. Use this saline solution to wash the affected area 2 to 3 times daily to relieve symptoms.
- As an alternate solution, you can fill a bathtub with warm water and add ½ cup of salt to it.
- Squat in this solution for 10 to 15 minutes, allowing the affected area to soak in the solution.
- You can use either solution 2 to 3 times daily.
5. Cranberry Juice
Most everyone knows that cranberry juice is one of the best ways to treat urinary tract infections, but it is also one of the most effective home remedies for vulvar itching and burning. Cranberry juice creates the exact pH environment that inhibits the growth of both yeast and bacteria.
What to Do
- Drink 2 glasses of unsweetened cranberry juice daily until the symptoms subside.
- If you cannot get cranberry juice or cranberries, you can take cranberry capsule supplements twice daily at a dosage of 500 mg each.
6. Cold Compress
Getting instant relief is often the first thing on your mind and that relief is among the home remedies for vulvar itching and burning in the form of a cold compress. A cold compress helps to reduce inflammation and itching as well as helps to numb the burning in the area.
What to Do
- Wrap several ice cubes in a clean cloth and tie it shut.
- Hold this ice back over the affected area for a few minutes.
- Take half minute to minute break and reapply the cold compress to the area.
- Repeat this process until you find relief and use it as often as you need it.
7. Garlic
An antibacterial agent that is in nearly every kitchen is garlic. Not only does this spicy herb add flavor to foods, but it is also quite effective when it comes to home remedies for vulvar itching and burning. Not only does garlic help to kill bacteria, but it also gives you immune system a boost so that your body can fight off the infections itself.
What to Do
- Dilute a few drops of garlic essential oil in 1 tsp of vitamin E oil.
- Apply this mixture of oils to the affected area and allow it to sit for 10 minutes before rinsing it off with warm water.
- Make use of this remedy a couple times daily for a few weeks.
- Additionally, chew three, peeled whole garlic cloves daily, consider adding more fresh garlic to your diet or take garlic supplements to prevent future breakouts.
8. Witch Hazel
Popular among home remedies for vulvar itching and burning is witch hazel. Besides being a strong anti-inflammatory herb as well as an antiseptic, witch hazel also helps to balance the pH of the affected area at a level which prohibits bacteria growth. It can however, make an infection caused by yeast worse, so be certain that you have a bacterial infection before using witch hazel for this condition.
What to Do
- You can purchase already prepared witch hazel or you can make your own witch hazel tincture.
- Similar to the ACV treatment above, add 1 Tbsp of witch hazel to a glass or small bowl of warm water and bathe with the mixture 2 to 3 times daily.
- Repeat this until symptoms subside.
9. Yogurt
Because of its probiotics properties, yogurt is also one of the effective home remedies for vulvar itching and burning. The active cultures in yogurt help to kill yeast and bad bacteria while promoting beneficial bacteria in the area.
What to Do
- Dip a tampon in plain, unsweetened and unflavored yogurt and then insert it into the vagina.
- Leave it in place for two hours before removing.
- Repeat this remedy twice daily until you get relief of the symptoms.
10. Indian Lilac
Also known as Neem, Indian lilac is among the common Ayurvedic home remedies for vulvar itching and burning. Where witch hazel works better on bacterial infections, Indian lilac is more effective when it comes to dealing with yeast. Its antiseptic properties not only fight off the infection but also reduce swelling and itching in the area.
What to Do
- Boil a handful of neem leaves in 2 to 3 cups of filtered or distilled water for 5 to 7 minutes.
- Strain and allow the tea to cool.
- When has cooled to a tolerable temperature, use this solution to rinse the affected area twice a day until the condition subsides.
11. Calendula
Among the scientifically proven home remedies for vulvar itching and burning is the use of calendula. Calendula is as effective at treating this condition as any over-the-counter or prescribed medication without any side effects due to its antifungal and antibacterial properties.
What to do
- Make calendula tea by pouring 2 cups of boiling water over a handful of calendula flowers.
- Cover and allow the tea to steep for 10 to 15 minutes or until it is a tolerable temperature.
- Use this solution to rinse the affected area 2 to 3 times daily until the condition improves.
12. Myrtle Essential Oil
An essential oil that is recommended among the best home remedies for vulvar itching and burning is myrtle oil. This essential oil has potent antibacterial properties which can eliminate the source of the symptoms you are experiencing.
What to do
- Add 2 to 3 drops of myrtle oil to 1 Tbsp of extra virgin coconut oil or extra virgin olive oil.
- Apply this oil to the affected area and allow it to absorb for 30 minutes before rinsing the area.
- Repeat this twice daily until you get relief.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil
13. Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Not only is extra virgin olive oil a great carrier oil for diluting essential oils, but by itself it is among the top home remedies for vulvar itching and burning. Extra virgin olive oil contains antifungal properties that can help eliminate the source of the symptoms while helping to sooth the symptoms themselves.
What to Do
- Apply 1 to 2 tsp of extra virgin olive oil to the affected area and allow it to absorb for 30 minutes before rinsing it away with warm water.
- Repeat this a couple of times a day until you find relief.
14. Chamomile
Nearly as powerful as hydrocortisone cream, the use of chamomile is one of our favorite home remedies for vulvar itching and burning. This flower is expert at calming, soothing and reducing inflammation, but can also soothe itching and burning not related to any sort of infection.
What to Do
- Brew a cup of chamomile tea. Better yet, brew two cups.
- Drink one cup of the tea and use the other cup to cleanse the affected area two to three times daily until symptoms disappear.
15. Coconut Oil
Like olive oil, coconut oil is also a great carrier oil to dilute essential oils, and it too is effective among the home remedies for vulvar itching and burning on its own. Two medium chain fatty acids, lauric and caprylic, found in coconut oil are able to eliminate both bacterial and yeast infections.
What to Do
- Use like olive oil or even mix it with other essential oils to boost its potency.
- You can apply 1 tsp or 2 directly to the affected area few times a day allowing it to absorb for 30 minutes before rinsing.
- As an alternative, you can dip a tampon in coconut oil and insert it in your vagina.
- Leave it in place for 30 minutes before removing and rinsing the affected area with warm water, repeating this process daily.
Wrapping Up
When itching and burning hit and you are scrambling for some form of relief, you can get that relief quickly and easily. Make use of one or several of the 15 home remedies for vulvar itching and burning listed above in order to get back to normal as quickly as possible. Don’t forget to add any additional home remedies you might have along with any questions, comments or success stories from using our remedies in the section below.