Vaginal irritation: what’s causing the itch and burn — and what to do now
Itchy, sore, or burning down there? Vaginal irritation is one of the most common reasons people visit a clinic. The good news: many causes are easy to treat. The tricky part: different problems can feel similar. This short guide helps you figure out likely causes, simple self-care steps, and when to see a clinician.
Common causes
Yeast infection (Candida) feels itchy with thick white discharge that looks like cottage cheese. It often causes intense itching and soreness, especially during sex or when urinating. Bacterial vaginosis (BV) usually gives a thin, grayish discharge and a fishy smell—itching is milder but still possible.
Sexually transmitted infections like trichomonas, chlamydia, or gonorrhea can cause irritation, unusual discharge, and pain. Contact dermatitis or allergic reactions come from soaps, scented pads, condoms, perfumes, or laundry detergents and often cause redness and burning without much discharge. In older people, atrophic vaginitis (vaginal dryness from low estrogen) causes dryness, itching, and pain during sex.
Quick self-care and when to see a doctor
First steps you can try at home: stop using scented soaps, wipes, bath bombs, and perfumed laundry products. Wear breathable cotton underwear and loose clothing. Avoid douching—douching upsets normal vaginal bacteria and usually makes things worse. Pat dry after showers; avoid hot baths and tight nylon underwear for a few days.
If you suspect a yeast infection, short OTC antifungal treatments with clotrimazole or miconazole often work well. If symptoms improve within a few days, finish the full course. If you’re unsure what’s causing the irritation, don’t guess—wrong treatment can delay proper care.
See a clinician right away if you have fever, heavy bleeding, severe pelvic pain, new or strong odor, or symptoms that don’t improve after 3–7 days of self-care. Also get checked if you’re pregnant, have recurrent episodes (4+ times a year), or have a new sexual partner. Your provider may do a pelvic exam, take a vaginal swab, check pH, or order STI tests to find the right treatment.
Simple prevention tips: avoid scented products in the genital area, change out of wet swimsuits promptly, and follow safe antibiotic use—many antibiotics can trigger yeast overgrowth. Using condoms can reduce STI risk; talk to your clinician about topical estrogen if dryness from menopause is the issue.
Feeling nervous about symptoms is normal. If you need quick relief, try the basic self-care above and book a clinic visit when symptoms are severe, unusual, or persistent. Accurate diagnosis saves time and prevents repeated episodes.
