What do Vagisil products treat?
Vagisil products are used in women to help reduce itching, irritation, and burning of the external part of the genitals called the vulva. Your vulva can become irritated from many things. Shaving, sweating, or wearing tight clothing or pads can irritate your vulva. An inflammation of the vulva is called vulvitis. Vagisil products for itching are applied topically (to the skin of your vulva).
Vagisil products may contain shea butter, aloe, oatmeal, or vitamin E, which can help soothe skin. Some Vagisil products to help moisturize and prevent itching only contain these types of ingredients. Vagisil products for external itch may also contain one or more of the following types of ingredients to help improve symptoms.
- External topical analgesics (benzocaine, pramoxine) block nerve signals to reduce itching.
- Topical corticosteroid (hydrocortisone) may help reduce itching, swelling, and inflammation by calming down the immune system’s defense cells (white blood cells) and stopping them from releasing substances that cause inflammation.
There are Vagisil products for adults and children as young as 12 years old.
What are the possible side effects of Vagisil products?
Vagisil anti-itch products seem to be well tolerated. Since Vagisil products contain different active ingredients (listed below), review the ingredients in your specific product to understand which side effects you might experience.
- Benzocaine
- Hydrocortisone
- Pramoxine
- Resorcinol
Stop using the product if you develop a rash or hives. Get medical help right away if you have signs of a serious allergic reaction, such as trouble breathing or swelling of the face, lips, or throat.
What should I know before using Vagisil products?
Vagisil products are for external use only. Do not put them inside your vagina, swallow them, or get them in your eyes.
If you will use a Vagisil product that is a wipe, only wipe your external vulvar area from front to back. You do not want to transfer any fecal matter to your vaginal area. Doing so may increase your risk of getting a urinary tract infection. Use each wipe only once. Throw the used wipe away in a trash can. Do not flush a wipe down a toilet.
Do not use a Vagisil product for itch if you also have vaginal discharge without talking to your health care provider. If you have vaginal discharge with itching, your health care provider may want to evaluate you.
If you will use a Vagisil product that contains hydrocortisone, benzocaine, or pramoxine, only use a finger tip amount to the affected area no more than three to four times daily. Using too often or on large areas of skin can increase your risk of side effects.
Local Anesthetic Allergy. Do not use a Vagisil product that contains benzocaine if you have an allergy to local anesthetics, such as benzocaine, butacaine, procaine, or other anesthetics that end in “caine.”
Stop using a Vagisil product for itching if any of the following apply.
- Your external itching gets worse instead of better
- Your external itching lasts longer than seven days
- Your external itching improves but then comes back again within a few days
There may be side effects, additional warnings, and interactions with other medicines that are not listed here. These may vary depending on the combination of ingredients in the specific Vagisil product you are using. Always check the label before using any over-the-counter medicine. Do not use more than is recommended. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about your health conditions and other medicines to help determine which products are safe for you.
Which Vagisil product is right for my symptoms?
Vagisil products that you can apply to a washcloth or your hands to wash your body or use as a moisturizing cream to help prevent itch are available. These products moisturize and soothe itchy, dry skin, including vulvar skin. These Vagisil products do not contain an active ingredient but contain ingredients such as shea butter.
- Vagisil Itch Protect+ Daily Creme Wash
- Vagisil Itch Protect+ Daily Creme
Vagisil products for itching that contain an active ingredient can be used by adults and children as young as 12 years old. The wipes may come individually packaged. This feature may be desired if you may need a product when you are away from your home. Use the table below to help you find the best Vagisil product for you.
| Product | Active Ingredient(s) |
|---|---|
| Vagisil Regular Strength Anti-Itch Creme | benzocaine 5%, resorcinol 2% |
| Vagisil Maximum Strength Anti-Itch Creme | benzocaine 20%, resorcinol 3% |
| Vagisil Sensitive Skin Anti-Itch Creme | hydrocortisone acetate 1% |
| Vagsil Maximum Strength Anti-Itch Wipes | pramoxine 1% |