Ointments for vaginal itching, such as miconazole, nystatin or isoconazole, may be recommended by the gynecologist for the treatment of vaginal candidiasis, helping to relieve intense itching, irritation and white discharge.
However, depending on its cause, other ointments may be recommended, such as dexamethasone, metronidazole or estrogen, to relieve vaginal itching due to vulvovaginitis, bacterial vaginosis or atrophic vaginitis, for example.
Read too: 6 gynecological ointments (how to use and care)
It is important that ointments for vaginal itching are recommended by the gynecologist according to the cause of the itching and used for the duration of treatment recommended by the doctor, and should not be used during pregnancy unless recommended by the obstetrician. See the main causes of itchy vagina.
Main ointments for itchy vagina
The main ointments for itching in the vagina that may be recommended by a gynecologist are:
1. Miconazole
Miconazole is an antifungal ointment indicated for the treatment of candidiasis, as it acts by eliminating the Candida albicans of the genital region, relieving symptoms of intense itching, redness and white discharge. Know how to identify the symptoms of vaginal candidiasis.
This ointment can be found in its generic form under the name “miconazole nitrate”, containing 14 vaginal applicators.
Furthermore, miconazole can also be found in combination with tinidazole, another antifungal, under the names Crevagin or Amplium G, to be used for 7 days.
How to use: Apply miconazole nitrate vaginal ointment, using the applicator provided in the package, once a day, preferably at night, for 14 consecutive days. You must place the ointment in the applicator, and insert it as deeply as possible into the vaginal canal. Discard the applicator after use.
2. Nystatin
Nystatin vaginal itching ointment stops the growth and multiplication of the Candida albicansbeing indicated for vulvovaginal candidiasis, relieving symptoms of intense itching, vaginal irritation and white discharge.
This ointment can be found in pharmacies or drugstores under the trade name Micostatin or in generic form as “nystatin”, containing 10 or 14 vaginal applicators.
How to use: Place the ointment inside the applicator provided in the packaging and apply deeply into the vaginal canal, once a day, preferably at night, for 10 to 14 days, as recommended by your doctor. The use of this ointment should not be stopped during menstruation. If the symptoms do not disappear within 14 days, you should return to the doctor. See more details on how to use nystatin.
3. Isoconazol
Isoconazole vaginal itching ointment works by eliminating the fungus that causes candidiasis, helping to relieve symptoms of itching, redness or vaginal discharge.
This ointment can be found under the trade name Gyno-Icaden, or in generic form under the name “isoconazole nitrate”, containing 7 vaginal applicators.
How to use: Apply isoconazole vaginal ointment, as deep as possible into the vagina, using the applicator, once a day, preferably at night, for 7 consecutive days. This ointment may reduce the effectiveness of the condom or diaphragm and may not be effective in preventing pregnancy or protecting against sexually transmitted diseases.
4. Clotrimazole
Clotrimazole vaginal itching ointment is indicated for candidiasis as it acts by inhibiting the growth of the fungus Candida albicansrelieving intense itching and other symptoms such as irritation, redness and discharge in the genital region.
This ointment can be found under the trade names Gino-canesten or Lomecan vaginal cream or under the generic name “clotrimazole”, containing 3 or 6 vaginal applicators.
How to use: apply clotrimazole vaginal ointment once a day, preferably at night, for 3 or 6 days, according to medical advice. This ointment should not be used during menstruation. Furthermore, it is recommended to avoid sexual intercourse during treatment, as candidiasis can be transmitted to the partner and clotrimazole vaginal cream can reduce the effectiveness of the condom or diaphragm. See other ways to use clotrimazole for candidiasis.
5. Tioconazol + tinidazol
Tioconazole and tinidazole vaginal itching ointment is indicated for the treatment of candidiasis or gardnerella, or the sexually transmitted infection, trichomoniasis.
This ointment can be found in generic form as Tioconazole + Tinidazole, or under the trade names Gynomax or Gynben, in packages containing 7 vaginal applicators.
How to use: Apply the ointment deeply into the vaginal canal, using the applicator, once a day, at night, for 7 days, preferably at night and outside the menstrual period. In some cases, the doctor may recommend using the ointment twice a day for 3 days.
6. Lactic acid and glycogen
Lactic acid and glycogen ointment is indicated for the treatment of bacterial vaginosis, caused by the bacteria Gardnerella vaginalis which lives naturally in the vagina, but which, due to imbalances in the vaginal microbiota, can proliferate.
This ointment helps balance the pH and vaginal microbiota, relieving the symptoms of bacterial vaginosis such as intense itching, redness and discharge that smells like rotten fish. See other symptoms of bacterial vaginosis.
The lactic acid and glycogen ointment can be found under the name Gino-Canesten Balance, containing 7 applicator tubes for a single daily dose.
How to use: break the cap of the applicator tube and insert it into the vaginal canal, squeezing the tube to release the ointment. The application must be done once a day, preferably at night, for 7 days in a row. Discard the applicator tube after use.
7. Benzalkonium chloride
Benzalkonium chloride vaginal itching ointment is generally associated with nystatin and benzoylmetronidazole, and is indicated for the treatment of fungal, bacterial or protozoan infections, such as candidiasis, bacterial vaginosis, and trichomoniasis.
This ointment can be found under the trade name Bio-Vagin, containing 1.25 mg of benzalkonium chloride, 62.5 mg of benzoylmetronidazole and 25,000 IU of nystatin, with 10 applicators.
How to use: the ointment must be placed inside the applicator and inserted deeply into the vaginal canal, once a day, preferably at night, for 10 days of treatment.
8. Dexamethasone
Dexamethasone vaginal itching ointment is generally found in combination with nystatin, neomycin, thyrothricin and boric acid, and is indicated for the treatment of candidiasis or bacterial vulvovaginitis.
This ointment has antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and antibacterial properties, which helps eliminate the Candida albicans fungus, or bacteria such as Gardnerella vaginalis, Mycoplasma hominis or A woman’s mobile phonerelieving symptoms of vaginal itching, redness or irritation of the vulva and vagina.
The dexamethasone, nystatin, neomycin, thyrothricin and boric acid ointment can be found under the trade names Gynax N or Trivagel-N, containing 10 vaginal applicators.
How to use: insert the ointment into the applicator and insert it deeply into the vaginal canal to release the ointment, once a day for 7 to 10 days of treatment, as per medical advice. Discard the applicator after use.
9. Estrogen
Estrogen ointment is indicated for atrophic vaginitis caused by menopause, due to the decrease in the estrogen hormone in the body, which causes the vaginal wall to become thinner and drier, leading to itching, vaginal infections or pain during intimate contact. See other symptoms of atrophic vaginitis.
This ointment can be found under the name Estriol Vaginal Cream, containing 1 vaginal applicator, and should not be used unless recommended by a gynecologist, as it is contraindicated for women with a history of breast or uterine cancer, liver problems , or have or have had a problem caused by blood clots.
How to use: Place the ointment in the applicator and insert it deeply into the vaginal canal to release the ointment. The normally recommended dose is 1 application per day, during the first weeks, as per medical advice. This application can be reduced by the doctor to 1 application twice a week. The applicator must be washed with warm water and neutral soap after use.
10. Polyglyceryl methacrylate
Polyglyceryl methacrylate ointment, associated with borage oil, bisabolol and protective polymer, helps to moisturize and relieve itching and irritation in the vulva, caused by vulvar irritation or dryness.
This ointment can be found under the name Isdin Woman Vulvar Moisturizer, to be used in the vulva region, which is the external region of the vagina, formed by the labia minora and majora.
How to use: apply the ointment externally to the vulva region, twice a day, morning and night, for the treatment time advised by the gynecologist. Excessive use can cause irritation to the vulva, in addition, this ointment should not be applied inside the vaginal canal.
How to apply the ointments
To apply ointments for vaginal itching, which come with an applicator, you must pull the applicator plunger all the way, remove the ointment cap and fit the applicator onto the nozzle of the ointment tube, screwing it on so that it is firm. Squeeze the ointment tube to fill the applicator and, when it is full, unscrew the tube and cap the ointment.
Lie down with your legs bent and slightly open and carefully insert the applicator full of ointment into the vaginal canal, pushing the plunger all the way. Then remove the applicator and discard it.
In the case of estrogen ointment, which comes with only 1 applicator, you must wash it in warm water and neutral soap, drying well with a clean, dry towel after use.
Care when using ointments
Some precautions are important when using ointments for vaginal itching, such as:
- Wash your hands before and after applying the ointment;
- Perform intimate hygiene before applying the ointment;
- Carry out the treatment for the time determined by the gynecologist;
- Do not stop treatment on your own, even if symptoms disappear quickly;
- Apply the ointment preferably at night;
- Remove traces of the ointment the morning after application;
- Keep the intimate area clean and dry;
- Wear loose cotton clothing;
- Drink plenty of fluids;
- Avoid the consumption of alcohol, sugar and fatty foods;
- Do not use tampons, vaginal douches or spermicides during treatment.
Furthermore, it is recommended to avoid sexual intercourse during treatment, as some vaginal infections can be transmitted to the partner and some ointments can reduce the effectiveness of the condom or diaphragm. In cases of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), the partner must also be treated. See the main STIs and treatment.
Some ointments should also not be used during the menstrual period, so medical advice should be taken on how to use them and the duration of treatment.
Who shouldn’t use
Vaginal itching ointments should not be used by children or women who are allergic to any of the ointment’s components.
During pregnancy or breastfeeding, these ointments should only be used if recommended by your doctor.
Furthermore, vaginal ointments are not recommended for women who experience symptoms such as fever, abdominal or back pain, nausea or vaginal bleeding. In these cases, you should consult your gynecologist.
When to go to the doctor
It is important to consult a gynecologist whenever itching appears in the vagina or is accompanied by other symptoms, such as:
- Intense itching;
- White, gray, yellow or greenish vaginal discharge;
- Bad-smelling discharge;
- Thin and liquid vaginal discharge like water;
- Redness in the vulva and/or vagina;
- Vaginal irritation;
- Burning sensation in the intimate region;
- Swelling in the vulva and/or vagina;
- Pain or discomfort when urinating;
- Pain, discomfort or bleeding during intimate contact;
- Frequent urge to urinate;
- Feeling of heaviness in the intimate region;
- Vaginal dryness.
These symptoms must be evaluated by the gynecologist, to identify the cause of vaginal itching, and thus, recommend the best ointment or other treatments, according to its cause.
