Vaginal Itchiness Prevention and Relief

Prevent Vaginal Itching

Almost every woman has experienced vaginal itchiness and would probably venture to say that there's nothing more uncomfortable. While scratching is a natural impulse, it can only worsen the issue and lead to further irritation. The good news is that there are things you can do that may help prevent vaginal itchiness.

• Practice good personal hygiene, including keeping your genital area clean and dry, and wiping from front to back after urinating or having a bowel movement. This helps to prevent vaginal infections, which ultimately leads to the prevention of vaginal itchiness.

• Avoid certain products such as scented bath soaps, feminine hygiene sprays, colored toilet paper, bubble baths, and vaginal douches; the chemicals in these items (dyes, fragrances) may cause irritation.

• Wear white cotton panties, as well as pantyhose with a cotton crotch; these will allow more air to circulate through the area.

• You may want to refrain from sexual activity until your vaginal symptoms get better, as friction may worsen your problem. When you do resume sex, you may want to use a vaginal lubricant.

• Change out of wet bathing suits or exercise clothes as soon as possible; the moisture (from the water or from your own sweat) and/or heat can contribute to your itchiness.

• Vaginal yeast infections frequently cause vaginal itching, which can oftentimes be severe. OTC treatment for vaginal yeast infections is available, which can ultimately put your discomfort to rest. However, you should only buy and use these products if your doctor has previously diagnosed you with a vaginal yeast infection and you are positive that you have this type of vaginal infection. If you have any doubt, see your doctor for diagnosis and treatment.

  Eating yogurt with live cultures or taking lactobacillus acidophilus tablets anytime you take antibiotics may help prevent the vaginal yeast infections that often occur when women use antibiotics.

• If you have diabetes, keep your blood sugar under control.

• If you are overweight, work to get your weight in check.

• For itchiness that is related to menopause, talk to your doctor about vaginal estrogen creams or tablets.

_Sources:

_{Medline Encyclopedia; Vaginal Itching – Common Causes; http://www.nlm.nih.gov/MEDLINEPLUS/ency/article/003159.htm#Common%20Causes; accessed 06/11/09.}

Women’s Health.gov; Sexually Transmitted Diseases; Frequently Asked Questions; http://www.womenshealth.gov/faq/sexually-transmitted-infections.cfm; accessed 06/16/09.