Vaginal Itching Makes This Female Body Part Demand Some Attention

Although, vaginal itching is most commonly linked to yeast infections, there are actually many causes to vulvar itching. It is one of the most common vaginal problems - besides full blown vaginal yeast infections.

Possible Causes of Vaginal Itching

Vaginal Yeast Infections:
Vaginal itching is often a common sign of a yeast infection. It is an extremely common yeast infection symptom.

Chemical Irritation:
Detergents, soaps, toilet paper, bubble baths, bath products, feminine hygiene products, feminine sprays, creams, douches, fabric softeners, ointments, or contraceptive foams or jellies can all lead to vaginal itching.

Menopause:
During menopause, women can experience an estrogen drop which can cause the vaginal walls to be thin and less lubricated. This is especially common during perimenopause, when estrogen levels start to drop. As the levels drop and the vaginal walls become less lubricated the dryness can make the vagina feel itchy.

Stress:
It very hard to not have stress in our busy lives these days, but one more reason to keep it under control is because stress can cause increased vaginal itching. It can also cause less lubrication. There are studies that have linked high levels of stress with a weaker immune system which in turn causes increased vaginal yeast infections.

Vaginitis:
When you have vaginitis, vaginal itching is one of the symptoms you might experience.

Other less common causes are Pinworms, Skin Conditions, Genital Warts, and STD's

Prevention and Treatment You Can Do At Home

Many of the prevention and treatment tips for itching down there are similar to prevention and treatment for a vaginal yeast infection. Because vaginal itching is such a common symptom, much time and research has been spent exploring this.

Get Rid of The Perfumes...

If you think that chemical irritants are the cause of the vaginal itching, then you should use non-bleached, natural, unscented toilet paper. Take baths without bubble bath or other soaps. Better yet, take showers. Avoid any feminine products such as hygiene sprays, douches or other scented products.

Because scented soaps and fabric softeners can cause irritation, try using a dryer ball instead of fabric softener. These balls tumble your clothes and minimize static electricity without adding extra perfume or petroleum products onto your clothing. Use the smallest amount of unscented laundry detergent you can for each load of laundry. You could also do an extra rinse cycle to help ensure all of the detergent is removed from your clothing.

Stay Dry... Wet clothing such as wet bathing suits or exercise clothing can make vaginal itching worse. Try to change into dry clothing as soon as possible or use moisture wicking exercise gear. Wear cotton underwear or even try moisture wicking underwear - you'll be amazed at what is available these days. Avoid underwear made from synthetic fabrics. AVoid stocking or pantyhose, but if you must find ones with a cotton crotch. Infants and toddlers need their diapers changed often.

Keep Cool... Experts suggest that when exercising you should avoid overexertion, heat, and excessive sweating. This is sometimes hard to do though isn't it? If you have a hard workout or have experienced significant sweating due to a really hot day or perhaps a stressful situation, follow the tips above and change your clothing as soon as possible.

Be Clean... Practice good personal hygiene by keeping the vaginal area clean and dry. Don't use scented soaps. When washing the vagina, wash and wipe front to back - this also applies to when you go to the bathroom.

Love Your Healthy Bugs... Keep your good bacteria levels high by eating yogurt with live, active bacterial cultures. You could also take probiotics in supplement form too. Once your body gets used to the health benefits of probiotics you won't want to go without them.

Listen To Your Mama... Lastly, there are things you can do to help keep your vaginal itching under control. Just like your mama told you, don't scratch. Scratching will make it feel worse. Also, skip sexual activity until your symptoms get better (does that sound like your mama too?). If you just can't wait, use a lubricant during sex to help avoid irritating your vaginal area further. Condoms are also a good idea because the skin may be cracked or have tiny breaks. Condoms will also help to avoid catching or spreading sexually transmitted diseases.

Over The Counter And Home Remedies Treatment for Vaginal Problems with Itching

If your symptoms are just like ones that you've had before with a previous yeast infection, you might want to try an anti-fungal over the counter cream and/or suppository.

Although doctors don't consider yeast infections to be sexually transmitted. Men can develop itching and redness following sexual contact. Men can use the same over the counter anti-fungal treatment that women use.

Another reason to try an anti-fungal treatment is when you have recurrent yeast infections. If you can't pinpoint the reason for repeated infections, it would be a good idea to visit your doctor.

There are also many home remedies for yeast infections that can address vaginal itching caused by yeast infections.

If you think that your itching might be related to menopause, your doctor may consider estrogen cream or vaginal tablets.

Prescription Treatments for Itching

If you decide to go to your doctor or health care provider, they may prescribe some drugs as treatment. Bacterial vaginal infections and sexually transmitted diseases are treated with antibiotics.

Prescription anti-fungal drugs can be used for yeast infections.

General relief can be found in hormonal ointments, antihistamines, steroid creams and lotions or benodiazepines. Sometimes, these treatments are especially helpful at night.

If you suspect you have Candida, it is important to get properly diagnosed and treated. This all natural treatment approach pulls all the bits of information about yeast together and is an all natural cure for your Candida and yeast infection.

Nutrition challenges are an important part of the fight against Candida, check out these yeast eliminating recipes and food ideas. These two resources will save you tons of time and discomfort and get you feeling better sooner, rather than later!

References: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003159.htm

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