How to Use Vagisil

Download Article

Co-authored by Carrie Noriega, MD and Bailey Cho

Last Updated: January 23, 2026 Fact Checked

Download Article

Using Vagisil

|

Knowing When to Seek Help

|

Video

|

Expert Q&A

|

Tips

|

Warnings

Vagisil is a commercial, over-the-counter topical cream that relieves vaginal itching. Vagisil is available as a regular-strength or maximum-strength cream. It is easy to use, but there are a few precautions to keep in mind. Vagisil is for external use outside of the skin, just outside of the vagina and around the anus, and should not be used for more than 7 days or if you experience skin irritation or other side effects.^{[1]
X
Research source}

Part 1

Part 1 of 2:

Using Vagisil

Download Article

Using too much Vagisil can lead to severe side effects, so only apply a small amount. For adults and children 2 years and older, use a fingertip amount (approximately 1-inch strip) to the affected area.^{[2]
X
Research source}
2
Apply Vagisil to the outside of your genitals (vulva) only. Do not insert Vagisil into your vagina. Only use it on the skin just outside of your vagina and around the anus. Use your finger to apply the cream to the affected area as needed, 3 to 4 times a day.^{[3]
X
Research source}
- Do not apply Vagisil to large areas of your body. Applying Vagisil to large areas of your body may cause severe side effects, so only use it on the affected areas of your vagina. If your itching extends beyond the area that a small amount of Vagisil will cover, then call your doctor or gynecologist.
Advertisement
3
Allow your skin to absorb the Vagisil cream. Vagisil medicated creme contains the active ingredient lidocaine, which works below the skin’s surface to relieve itching and irritation and reduce the urge to scratch. It provides prompt relief from the discomfort of minor itching and irritation of the skin just outside of the vagina and around the anus.^{[4]
X
Research source}
- Vagisil regular strength anti-itch creme and Vagisil maximum strength anti-itch creme contain benzocaine, which works by blocking nerve signals in your body to help reduce pain or discomfort.^{[5]
  X
  Research source}
You should not use Vagisil more than four times per day. If your condition worsens or you still have symptoms for more than 7 days, contact your doctor or gynecologist.^{[6]
X
Research source} You may require a prescription-strength medication.

Part 2

Part 2 of 2:

Knowing When to Seek Help

Download Article

1
Seek immediate medical attention for serious side effects. The active medicine in Vagisil (lidocaine) can cause some severe side effects, but only when used in the mouth; however, contact your doctor or pharmacist if you experience any of the following symptoms:^{[7]
X
Research source}
- Blurred vision
- Dizziness or drowsiness
- Difficulty breathing
- Trembling, chest pain, or an irregular heartbeat
- Numbness of the throat
- Nausea
- Sickness or stomach upset
2
Watch for signs of an allergic reaction. Like all medicines, Vagisil can cause a skin reaction in some people. Stop using Vagisil and call your doctor if you notice:^{[8]
X
Research source}
- Reddening of the skin
- Minor swelling
- Blistering
- An intensification of the itch
- Irritation
3
Look for less serious side effects. Some side effects are normal, so do not panic if you notice some mild ones from using Vagisil. Less serious side effects of Vagisil include:^{[9]
X
Research source}
- Skin irritation
- Itching
- Redness
- Pain
4
Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve. Vagisil is meant for temporary, short-term use only. If your symptoms last for more than seven days, your condition or symptoms worsen, your symptoms return after going away with treatment, or you experience swelling or a rash, stop using the medicine and talk to a doctor.https://www.singlecare.com/prescription/vagisil
- Vagisil is not designed to treat itching caused by an infection. If you have an unusual vaginal discharge, odor, open sores, or other signs of a vaginal bacterial infection, talk to a doctor instead of using Vagisil.

Expert Q&A

Search

Add New Question

Question

Can you use it for chafing?

Carrie Noriega, MD
Board Certified Obstetrician & Gynecologist
Dr. Noriega is a Board Certified Obstetrician & Gynecologist and medical writer in Colorado. She specializes in women’s health, rheumatology, pulmonology, infectious disease, and gastroenterology. She received her MD from the Creighton School of Medicine in Omaha, Nebraska and completed her residency at the University of Missouri - Kansas City in 2005.

Carrie Noriega, MD

Board Certified Obstetrician & Gynecologist

Expert Answer

You can use it for chafing but a product like A&D ointment, designed for irritation in this area, will probably work better.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 9 Helpful 18
Question

I had swelling and itchiness when I applied Vagisil the last time. The only way to get the swelling down was to put ice on it with a small towel. What does this mean?

Carrie Noriega, MD
Board Certified Obstetrician & Gynecologist
Dr. Noriega is a Board Certified Obstetrician & Gynecologist and medical writer in Colorado. She specializes in women’s health, rheumatology, pulmonology, infectious disease, and gastroenterology. She received her MD from the Creighton School of Medicine in Omaha, Nebraska and completed her residency at the University of Missouri - Kansas City in 2005.

Carrie Noriega, MD

Board Certified Obstetrician & Gynecologist

Expert Answer

If Vagisil caused swelling and itching, you should not use it again. You are most likely allergic to something in the cream. If the symptoms went away when you iced the area then you don't need to do anything else. If this did not improve the symptoms you need to see a doctor for additional treatment.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 13 Helpful 16

Ask a Question

200 characters left

Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.

Submit

Did this article help you? Say thanks with a small tip.

$1

$3

$5

Leave a Tip

Support our mission to help everyone in the world learn how to do anything.

Video

Tips

Store Vagisil at room temperature (at or below 25°C).^{[10]
X
Research source}

Thanks
Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

Submit a Tip

All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published

Name

Please provide your name and last initial

Submit

Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

Warnings

Do not use Vagisil after the expiration date, which is stated on the packaging and on the seal of the tube.

Thanks
Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
Keep Vagisil out of the reach and sight of children. Do not use Vagisil if you are allergic to lidocaine or any other ingredients of Vagisil, or if you are under 12 years of age.^{[11]
X
Research source}

Thanks
Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
Talk to a doctor before using Vagisil if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking other medications, or have unusual vaginal discharge, odor, open sores, or other signs of a vaginal bacterial infection.^{[12]
X
Research source}

Thanks
Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0