Women's Health

Vaginal Itching, Burning, and Irritation

Are there home remedies for vaginal itching, burning, and irritation?

Here are a few tips for preventing and treating vaginal irritation at home:

• Avoid scented pads or toilet paper, creams, bubble bath, feminine sprays, and douches.
• Use water and a plain, unscented soap to regularly clean your genital area. But don't wash more than once a day. Doing so can increase dryness.
• Always wipe from front to back after having a bowel movement.
• Wear cotton panties (no synthetic fabrics), and change your underwear every day.
• Change the diapers of infant girls regularly.
• Use condoms during sexual intercourse to prevent sexually transmitted diseases.
• If you are experiencing vaginal dryness, use a vaginal moisturizer. Apply a water-based lubricant (K-Y, Astroglide) before having sex.
• Avoid sexual intercourse until your symptoms improve.
• Don't scratch -- you can further irritate the area.