Vaginal burning: what's going on and what to do first

A burning feeling around the vulva or inside the vagina is uncomfortable and scary, but it’s a very common symptom. It can come on suddenly or slowly, and the cause could be an infection, a reaction to a product, hormonal change, or skin irritation. The good news: many causes are treatable and some simple steps at home can ease symptoms while you figure out what's happening.

What might be causing the burning?

Here are the usual suspects so you know what to consider:

• Yeast infection — itching, thick white discharge, and burning are typical. Over-the-counter antifungal creams often help if this is the cause.
• Bacterial vaginosis (BV) — usually causes a thin, fishy-smelling discharge and sometimes burning. BV often follows antibiotic use or changes in vaginal bacteria.
• Sexually transmitted infections — chlamydia, gonorrhea, trichomoniasis and others can cause burning. These need testing and prescription treatment.
• Contact irritation or allergy — soaps, scented wipes, laundry detergents, latex condoms, or spermicides can inflame skin and mucosa.
• Hormonal changes — low estrogen (after childbirth or during menopause) can thin and dry vaginal tissue, causing burning and pain.
• Skin conditions — eczema, lichen sclerosus or psoriasis can affect the vulva and cause persistent burning.

What to do now: safe first steps

Start with simple, low-risk moves that often help quickly:

• Stop using scented soaps, feminine sprays, and harsh washes. Clean with warm water only.
• Wear loose cotton underwear and avoid tight pants until things calm down.
• Take a sitz bath or rinse with plain warm water to soothe the area.
• Avoid sex until you know the cause — sex can worsen irritation and spread infections.
• If you have a classic yeast infection (itching + thick white discharge), an OTC antifungal cream or suppository may help. If symptoms return or don’t improve in a few days, see a clinician.

Call your healthcare provider right away if you have fever, severe pain, heavy or abnormal bleeding, a new strong-smelling discharge, sores, or if you’re pregnant. Those signs need testing and sometimes prescription treatment. If you’re unsure what’s causing the burning, a simple exam and a swab or urine test can quickly identify infections and guide treatment. Don’t guess — treating the wrong issue can make things worse.

Prevention tips: skip douching, choose unscented detergents, use lubrication if sex is painful, and talk to your provider about vaginal moisturizers or low-dose estrogen if dryness is a recurring problem. Small changes often stop the cycle of irritation.

If you want, I can help you pick questions to ask your clinician, suggest what to avoid while you wait for an appointment, or point to reliable resources about specific causes like yeast infection or BV.