If you have a vulva, you’ve likely experienced some form of itching below the belt. And while it’s common, it isn’t necessarily normal and it’s certainly not something you just have to live with! Here are seven tiny habits you can start today to help stop itching down there and prevent it from happening in the first place.
1. Undies Matter: Choose Breathable Fabrics
The first step in preventing intimate itching is paying attention to your underwear. Opt for breathable fabrics, like cotton, to allow proper airflow. Tight and restrictive fabrics, like spandex, nylon or polyester, can create a warm, moist environment that encourages the growth of bacteria. And where there’s bacteria overgrowth, there’s itching.
2. Keep It Light & Airy: Change Out of Warm, Wet Clothes
You probably know that hanging around in a wet bathing suit is not ideal for intimate health. But it’s not just a summertime rule! All those layers you wear in winter are great for keeping you warm but they also keep your sweet spots warm (and moist) - which spells bacteria. So let your sweet spots breathe! You can try sleeping without underwear in loose, baggy pants or shorts. And be sure to cleanse regularly to get rid of the impurities that can cause itching.
3. Check Your Feminine Wash: Avoid Sulfates & Yeast Triggers
Speaking of cleansing, be sure to look at the ingredients in your feminine wash. Harsh soaps can disrupt the natural pH balance of your vulvovaginal area and lead to more itching. Choose a sulfate-free, pH-optimized wash like SweetSpot Labs Microbiome Balancing Wash, specifically formulated with prebiotics and without common yeast triggers to keep your sweet spots happy and healthy.
4. Promote Healthy Flora: Balance Bacteria & Candida
More often than not, the root cause of itching “down there” is an imbalance of bacteria and/or yeast. SweetSpot Labs Microbiome Balancing Wash & Spray promote healthy flora to prevent itching. In the shower, the wash lifts away impurities and optimizes pH levels. After the shower, the spray neutralizes itch-inducing bacteria and promotes a healthy balance of candida.
5. Mind Your Laundry: Choose Non-Irritating Detergents
The fabrics that come into contact with your intimate areas include not just your underwear but also your everyday clothing and bedsheets. Opt for gentle, fragrance-free detergents when doing your laundry. Fragrances and harsh chemicals in detergents can irritate the skin, potentially leading to itching and discomfort.
6. About Sex: Use More Lube
If you're sexually active, using lubrication can significantly reduce friction, preventing irritation and itching. This might include lubricated condoms, lube, or both. When it comes to lubrication, keep in mind that water-based and silicone lubes are safe to use with any condom but oil can damage latex condoms and cause them to break. So skip the lotion, vaseline or coconut oil!
7. Hydrate: Inside & Out
Adequate hydration is important to your overall health as well as your intimate wellbeing. Water helps keep your skin, including the sensitive skin in your intimate area, hydrated and healthy. For an added boost of hydration, an intimate moisturizer like this one can help replenish your natural moisture and reduce itching.
Your intimate health is an essential part of self-care, and embracing these habits can lead to a happier, more comfortable you in the new year and beyond!
