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Vaginal Chafing: Causes, Symptoms and Home Remedies

By on December 18, 2017

An uncomfortable experience for any women is vaginal chafing. Although chafing may appear on different parts of the body, for example, inner thighs, armpits, nipples but when vagina and vulva is affected, it is the most unpleasant experience.

What is Vaginal Chafing

Chafing is rubbing the skin against clothing or other irritable materials. The irritation caused due to this unwanted activity causes the skin to inflame, burn and sting. When the vagina is affected, it is known as vaginal chafing.

Vaginal Chafing

Vaginal Chafing

What are the Causes of Vaginal Chafing

The most common cause of vaginal chaffing is wearing tight underclothes, rough sexual intercourse, intensive rubbing during masturbation and use of sanitary napkins. Sweating in excess worsens the symptoms and make your problem worse.

causes of vaginal chafing

causes of vaginal chafing

Other contributing factors for vaginal chafing are obesity, vaginal dryness after menopause, shaving, waxing, lack of hygiene and use of harsh vaginal cosmetics such as soaps or perfumes. Activities such as riding bike or exercise may also cause vaginal chafing.

What are the Symptoms of Vaginal Chafing

The signs of vaginal chafing include irritation, pain, redness, itch, raised, cracked and peeling of skin.

How is Vaginal Chafing Treated

There are creams available in the market to get rid of vaginal chafing. But as the vagina is a sensitive part of the female body we suggest you try home remedies for vaginal chafing as they are not only effective but also skin friendly and free from any side effects.

Home Remedies for Vaginal Chafing

Aloe vera-

Aloe vera has medicinal properties. It has soothing and antimicrobial properties. Extract the gel of fresh aloe vera leaf and apply it to the affected area two times in a day for a few days.

Aloe vera

Aloe vera

2. Basil leave and coconut oil-

Basil leaves and coconut oil is antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and have healing properties. Crush a few basil leaves and add coconut oil to it. Mix both the ingredients and apply to your intimate area before sleeping. You may also add ghee or clarified butter instead of coconut oil as clarified butter also have healing properties and treats infection and irritation. Also, it makes skin soft and smooth.

3. Turmeric-

Turmeric is antiseptic. It is a natural home remedy to treat some infections. Add water to turmeric powder to make a paste and apply it to the vaginal area. Repeat this two times in a day.

Turmeric

Turmeric

4. Honey-

Honey has soothing, antibacterial and humectant properties. It prevents infection and treats dryness. It relieves irritation and makes the skin soft. Also honey has anti-allergic and rich in healing properties. Apply honey directly to the intimate area before sleeping and in the morning wash it off with warm water and then dry.

Honey

Honey

5. Oatmeal-

Oatmeal relieves the itch. You can make a homemade ointment with oatmeal and olive oil to treat vaginal chafing. Mix both the ingredients and apply the paste to the affected area. Leave it for half an hour, wash it and dry the intimate area. Repeat this two times in a day.

Oatmeal

Oatmeal

6. Tea tree oil-

Tea tree oil is the most potent home remedy for chafing. It is a natural antibacterial and antifungal. The oil is so potent that you should not apply it directly to the skin or it may cause irritation. Add 2-3 drops of tea tree oil to a teaspoon of coconut oil. Mix well and apply it to the affected area once or twice in a few days.

Tea tree oil

Tea tree oil

Beside the home remedies also try some ways to prevent vaginal chafing. Wear loose cotton under clothes for proper air circulation. Apply talcum powder to the affected area. Use a water-based lubricant while having sex or masturbating. Use cotton pads. Maintain hygiene, avoid using harsh vaginal cosmetics. Drink lots of water to keep yourself hydrated. Before shaving vaginal area soften the hair by using lubricant. Better shave after a shower to open hair follicles.

Dr. Ritu Kumari Gupta
Dr. Ritu Kumari Gupta:  Professionally a homeopathic doctor and a dietician Dr. Ritu Kumari Gupta is passionate about writing health and parenting blogs. She believes in holistic approach towards health and well being.
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