Home Remedies For Vaginal Irritation

Vaginal irritation and dryness can occur for a variety of reasons, ranging from wearing artificial fiber clothing to fluctuations in hormones, use of scented feminine products or being in menopause. Treating vaginal irritation, burning and dryness with home remedies may offer relief for some woman, although in certain instances, medical attention may be necessary. Consult your doctor before using herbal remedies, as some can be toxic or can interfere with medications you are taking.

Unscented Personal Products

Using unscented personal products such as plain talc, cornstarch, soaps for sensitive skin and unscented sanitary napkins may relieve vaginal itching and burning for some women, reports the Health Guidance website. Perfumed products and scented soaps may be too harsh for sensitive vaginal tissues, causing uncomfortable irritation.

Herbal Black Cohosh Extract

Black cohosh extract is a favorite of traditional herbalists for the relief of vaginal dryness, itching, burning and other symptoms of menopause. Although this herb has been prescribed for hundreds of years, there is some question pertaining to its safety in large doses.

The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine reports that when consumed in too large a dose, black cohosh may cause liver damage, headaches and stomach discomfort. This is not a reason to rule it out for women needing relief of menopausal symptoms; rather, it is a warning to discuss dosage with a health care practitioner before using the herb. Because dosage is individual to each woman, proper monitoring is necessary when first using black cohosh.

Homeopathic Cimicifuga

Homeopathic remedies initiate a response from the individual to a stimulus or an irritant, producing a reaction that allows the body to heal itself. Cimicifuga is helpful for relief of vaginal irritation, dryness, itching, hot flashes, mood swings, and headaches associated with menopause, according to Dr. Margaret Tyler in her book, "Homeopathic Drug Pictures."

Although there is not a great deal of scientific research on Cimicifuga, there is anecdotal evidence that the remedy is helpful in the treatment of vaginal irritation and other menopausal conditions. A health care practitioner familiar with homeopathy should be consulted before using the remedy. Cimicifuga is available at health food stores and online homeopathic pharmacies.

Vitamin E Oil

The Health Guidance website recommends using vitamin E oil to soothe vaginal dryness and irritation. Inserting a gel cap with 1,000 IU of vitamin E oil into the vagina at bedtime should help relieve dryness and rejuvenate vaginal tissues. Use only pure vitamin E oil for this purpose with no other additives included.