Vaginal burning is uncomfortable but common and is typically relieved once the underlying cause has been treated. Often triggered by irritation or allergic reactions, a burning sensation in or around the female genitals is also a symptom of several vaginal infections and sexually transmitted infections.
In this article, we’ll outline the possible causes of vaginal burning and discuss the best home remedies to treat it.
What Causes Vaginal Burning?
Effectively, the source of vaginal burning can be broken down into two categories – those that require medical treatment and those that don’t. Be sure to discuss your symptoms with your doctor first to help determine what is causing your symptoms.
Fast-acting and effective home remedies can also be administered in conjunction with the required medication for a speedier recovery and to prevent vaginal burning in the future.
Skin Reactions vs Vaginal Infections
For instance, irritation and skin reactions, known medically as contact dermatitis, are frequent but harmless sources of vaginal burning. Usually caused by new detergents, scented soaps, fragranced hygiene products, or synthetic materials, symptoms often include vaginal burning, as well as genital itching, and stinging. This type of vaginal burning typically does not require medication but responds well to home remedies.
Related to Menopause
Another cause of vaginal burning that can be treated naturally is menopause. Due to the hormonal changes that occur during perimenopause, particularly decreased estrogen levels, many women suffer from vaginal dryness which can cause vaginal burning and pain during sex.
Bacterial Infection
Vaginal burning is also a symptom of vaginal infections due to an overgrowth of bacteria, fungi, or parasites. These include bacterial vaginosis (BV), yeast infections, urinary tract infections (UTIs), and sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
Although BV and some STIs can be present in the body without any outward symptoms, if you are experiencing vaginal burning along with any of the below-mentioned symptoms, it would be important to make an appointment with your doctor for testing and treatment.
In addition to vaginal burning, the following list includes the most common symptoms that indicate an underlying vaginal infection or sexually transmitted infection:
- Unusually colored vaginal discharge
- An unpleasant vaginal odor, especially after sex
- Pelvic pain or pain in the lower abdomen
- Genital itching
- Pain during sex
- The urge to urinate more frequently
- Pain while urinating
- Cloudy or pink urine
- Unpleasant smelling urine
Home Remedies to Stop Vaginal Burning
When vaginal burning occurs in conjunction with genital itching and stinging, but no vaginal discharge, frequent urge to pee, or pain, the source is more than likely an allergic reaction that can be treated naturally.
It is important to remember that when vaginal burning occurs along with any of the above-mentioned symptoms, the appropriate home remedy from our list below will certainly hasten your recovery, however, medication will also be required to treat the underlying infection.
1. Fragrance-Free Soaps & Hygiene Products
Switching to fragrance-free soaps, detergents, and personal care products can help reduce vaginal burning caused by skin irritation or allergic reactions. The skin around the vulva is highly sensitive, and fragrances, dyes, and harsh chemicals can trigger inflammation, redness, itching, and burning.
These products help by removing common irritants that can disrupt the vagina's natural pH balance and damage delicate skin. Avoid scented tampons, douches, vaginal sprays, and fragranced washes, as they can increase irritation and make vaginal infections more likely. To keep the area clean, gently wash the external genital area with warm water and a clean washcloth, and consider using a vulvar moisturizer to help restore moisture and protect irritated skin.
2. Cotton Underwear
Wearing cotton underwear can help reduce vaginal burning and irritation caused by heat, moisture, and friction. Unlike many synthetic fabrics, cotton is breathable and allows air to circulate, helping keep the vulvar area cooler and drier throughout the day.
Cotton underwear helps by reducing the moisture and skin irritation that can contribute to burning, itching, and discomfort. If your symptoms are related to chafing or irritation from tight or non-breathable clothing, switching to cotton underwear may help soothe the area and support healing. Applying a vulvar moisturizer can provide additional relief by protecting and hydrating irritated skin.
3. Freeze-Dried Aloe Vera with D-Mannose & Calcium
Freeze-dried aloe vera capsules with D-mannose and calcium may help relieve vaginal burning associated with urinary tract infections (UTIs) and ongoing urinary tract irritation. While antibiotics are often needed to treat active bacterial UTIs, these ingredients can support urinary tract health and comfort during recovery.
Freeze-dried aloe vera helps by soothing irritated tissues and supporting the protective lining of the urinary tract. D-mannose helps by binding to certain bacteria, including E. coli, making it more difficult for them to attach to the urinary tract and contribute to recurring infections. To help reduce the risk of future UTIs, wipe from front to back after using the bathroom, urinate after sex, and gently cleanse the genital area with warm water and a fragrance-free cleanser.
4. Probiotics
Probiotics may help reduce vaginal burning, irritation, and discomfort by supporting a healthy balance of vaginal bacteria. They can be especially helpful after treatment for bacterial vaginosis (BV) or a urinary tract infection (UTI), when antibiotics may disrupt the natural balance of beneficial microorganisms.
Probiotics work by helping replenish beneficial bacteria that support normal vaginal pH and discourage the overgrowth of harmful microbes. Restoring this balance may help reduce symptoms such as burning, itching, irritation, and unusual discharge while supporting long-term vaginal and urinary health.
Because antibiotics can also affect the gut microbiome, probiotics may help restore healthy digestive bacteria during recovery. For additional urinary tract support, some probiotic formulas like our Flora Bloom Probiotics for Women also include ingredients like cranberry and D-mannose, which are commonly used to help maintain urinary tract health.
5. Boric Acid Suppositories
Boric acid suppositories may help reduce vaginal burning, irritation, and discomfort associated with bacterial vaginosis (BV) and certain recurrent vaginal infections. They are commonly used alongside prescribed medical treatments to help support a healthier vaginal environment and relieve bothersome symptoms.
Boric acid works by helping restore the vagina's natural pH balance, making it more difficult for harmful bacteria and other microorganisms to thrive. By supporting a balanced vaginal environment, boric acid may help reduce symptoms such as burning, odor, irritation, and abnormal discharge.
Because vaginal burning can have several underlying causes, including infections that require prescription treatment, it's important to speak with a healthcare provider if symptoms persist or worsen.
6. Drink Plenty of Water
Drinking plenty of water may help reduce vaginal burning associated with urinary tract infections (UTIs) and dehydration. Staying well hydrated supports normal urinary function and can help make urination more comfortable when the urinary tract is irritated.
Water helps by increasing urine production, which can assist the body in flushing bacteria and other microorganisms from the urinary tract. While drinking water alone will not cure an infection, proper hydration can support recovery and may help reduce symptoms such as burning during urination. If vaginal burning is caused by a bacterial, fungal, or sexually transmitted infection, medical treatment may still be necessary to address the underlying cause.
Conclusion
While some cases of vaginal burning are easily solved with home remedies, many cases of vaginal burning are linked to underlying infections that typically require medical treatment like antibiotics. Always be sure to speak with your doctor about these symptoms.
When effective home remedies are incorporated along with medical treatment, however, recovery from these types of infections is much faster, and recurring infections are largely prevented.
References
Medical News Today - What causes burning in the vagina? - https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/321104#causes
Center For Disease Control & Prevention – Bacterial Vaginosis - https://www.cdc.gov/std/bv/stdfact-bacterial-vaginosis.htm
European Review for Medical and Pharmacological Sciences - A promising support for acute urinary tract infections in women. https://europeanreview.org/wp/wp-content/uploads/2920-2925-D-mannose-a-promising-support-for-acute-urinary-tract-infections-in-women.-A-pilot-study.pdf
BJU International - Use of D-mannose in prophylaxis of recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs) in women - https://bjui-journals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/bju.12492
Centers for Disease Control & Prevention – Trichomonasias CDC Fact Sheet
https://www.cdc.gov/std/trichomonas/stdfact-trichomoniasis.htm
National Library of Medicine - The Antimicrobial Effect of Boric Acid on Trichomonas Vaginalis https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25581807/
National Library of Medicine - Comparison of Vitex agnus-castus Extracts with Placebo in Reducing Menopausal Symptoms - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6887765/