1. Frequent washing with strong soaps
Many of us commonly feel that the area ‘down below’ is dirty and hence it is only right to wash and scrub it thoroughly. Better still, to use a disinfecting soap for washing.
This is a big NO NO! and it could be the reason why your vaginal itch and irritation symptoms do not seem to go away.
This is because the skin around our vaginal area is very sensitive. Frequent washing or the use of strong soaps will dry out the skin around the area, worsening your symptoms of itch and discomfort.
2. Use of feminine wash
Did you know that the vagina is a self-cleansing organ? Hence, there is no need for the use of special soaps or washes for cleaning the vagina.
The use of perfumed over-the-counter feminine wash or soaps can destroy the natural pH and balance of healthy bacteria in the vagina.
This will lead to an increased risk of abnormal discharge, itch and irritation!
3. Vaginal douching
Many articles online talk about vaginal douching with strong substances such as vinegar as a good way to cleanse any bacteria down there.
The truth is: vinegar is a very strong irritant that is more likely to cause vaginal irritation than clean it. Douching will also disrupt the natural balance of healthy bacteria and pH in the vagina.
4. Wearing tight jeans, shorts or exercise tights
Tight jeans, shorts or tights worsen your vaginal irritation due to the constant friction and close contact of the area down there. Tight clothing also traps moisture which promotes the growth of bacteria.
5. Wiping from back to front
This is a very common bad habit! The correct way of wiping yourself after using the bathroom is from front to back.
Wiping from back to front encourages bacteria from the bacteria-rich area around the back passage to move to the vaginal and urethral area (your pee hole). This will increase your risk of vaginal and urinary infections.
6. Daily pantyliner
Many people have the habit of wearing pantyliners daily, even when they are not having their menses, for hygiene purposes.
Ironically however, this common habit is also a common culprit for vaginal itch, irritation and discharge.
This is because the vaginal area is a sensitive area, and prolonged exposure and contact to pantyliners daily will lead to irritation. This is even more likely for scented pantyliners.
7. Tight underwear or disposable underwear
Wearing excessively tight underwear can cause a lot of discomforts and result in itching or discomfort down below. Additionally, disposable underwear is commonly made from cheap and coarse materials that will certainly cause discomfort.
Choose underwear that is made of cotton that fits appropriately to avoid facing such problems.
8. Repeated scratching
This is the most important rule to remember!
You need to exercise as much self-control as possible when it comes to scratching that itch.
Persistent and repeated scratching will not only worsen your condition, it will make treatment more difficult and the chance of recurrence much higher.
