Feminine itching produces an uneasy irritation or tingling sensation of the vaginal skin and the vulva, or surrounding area, says University of Maryland Medical Center. Common causes include infection, chemical irritants such as fabric softeners and detergents, thinning of vaginal walls as a result of menopausal decline in estrogen and poor hygiene. Treatment for feminine itching is dependent upon the condition, which needs to be determined or symptoms can worsen.
Antifungal Medication
If feminine itching is related to a yeast infection, over-the-counter creams or suppositories might be effective. These medications include Monistat, Vagistat and Gyne-Lotrimin, says Mayo Clinic. In addition, vaginal yeast infections can also be treated with Diflucan, an oral antifungal medication. Over-the-counter antifungal preparations are cost effective and convenient, however, if a yeast infection has not been definitely diagnosed as the cause of feminine itching, it might be mistaken for another type of vaginitis and itching necessitating a different treatment. Getting a proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment can reduce the risk of complication and speed resolution of symptoms.
Yogurt
Lactobacillus acidophilus, found in the live, active cultures present in yogurt, is a good bacterium. In addition, this bacterium can be beneficial in maintaining the balance of vaginal microflora and natural bacteria in the vagina. Excessive amounts of bacteria and yeast in the vagina can promote itching, and the active yogurt cultures can help provide a balance. While taking antibiotics is often a necessary treatment for certain systemic and local vaginal infections, they can destroy good bacteria in the vagina, promoting overgrowth of bad or harmful bacteria. The overgrowth of this bad bacteria can cause intense feminine itching and lead to skin breakdown, inflammation and pain. In those who cannot tolerate eating yogurt, lactobacillus acidophilus tablets can be taken, states Medline Plus, an informational medical website provided by the National Institutes of Health.
Proper Hygiene
Maintaining proper hygiene can relieve feminine itching. Taking a daily shower or bath can relieve feminine itching by reducing vaginal and vulvar bacteria and can encourage healing of inflamed and irritated tissues. The vagina produces natural fluids that help cleanse the area and therefore does not require strong soaps to maintain cleanliness. Strong soaps and douches can intensify or promote further itching, so only mild cleaners should be used. In addition, after using the bathroom, women should wipe from front to back to avoid contaminating the vaginal and urethral tissues with bacteria from a bowel movement, as this can cause irritation and subsequent feminine itching.
