2. Definition:
Vulvitis is irritation or inflammation of the vulva, the skin right outside
the vagina.
Note: Usually, vulvitis is not serious, though it may cause persistent
discomfort or pain. Sometimes, vulvitis is a symptom of an underlying
condition that requires treatment, such as a sexually transmitted infection or a
fungal infection. If you have persistent irritation for several days, you should
see your doctor. Treatment depends on the cause of your vulvitis.
Vulvitis
3. Symptoms:
The symptoms of vulvitis vary depending on the cause and how long it has been
affecting you.
Common symptoms include:
• Itching
• Redness
• Swelling
• Soreness
• Pain with sex
• Increased sensitivity when wiping with toilet paper
4. Some infections or allergies that cause vulvitis produce other symptoms as well,
including:
• Thickened or whitish patches
• Fluid-filled, clear blisters that break open and form a crust
• Scaly appearance
• Bumps or warts
• Vaginal discharge
5. Causes and Risk Factors:
Vulvitis can be caused by anything that irritates the vulva. The most common
causes of vulvitis include:
• Infections: Vaginal infections, such as vaginitis, genital herpes, and yeast
infections, often cause vulvitis.
• Irritants: Products made with irritating materials or that contain added dyes or
perfumes can cause vulvitis without an infection. For example, soaps, powders,
sanitary napkins, underwear, pantyhose, and massage oils can all irritate the
skin or cause an allergic reaction.
6. • Medication: Some medications, such as hormone supplements and anti-anxiety
medicines can cause vaginal dryness, increasing susceptibility to vulvitis. Oral
or intravenous antibiotics increase the risk of a vaginal or vulvar fungal
infection, which can cause vulvitis.
• Vaginal douches: Douches change the fluid in and around the vulva, and can
cause dryness and irritation. They also alter the normal bacteria of the vaginal
area, potentially causing a vulvar infection.
( Douching is washing or cleaning out the inside of the vagina with water or other mixtures of fluids.
Most douches are sold in stores as prepackaged mixes of water and vinegar, baking soda, or iodine.)
7. • Hygiene habits: Not changing a pad or underwear, prolonged moisture around the vulva,
and not wiping or drying properly can all lead to vulvitis.
Note:
• Any person can develop vulvitis, but those who are allergy-prone or have sensitive skin may
be particularly at risk. People who have diabetes also have an increased risk of developing
vulvitis because high blood sugar content increases susceptibility to infections.
• perimenopausal or menopause women's are susceptible because decreased amounts of
estrogen associated with these transitions make the vulva thinner, less lubricated, and more
delicate.
• Similarly, female children who have not yet reached puberty are also at risk because they
don't make adult levels of estrogen yet.
8. Diagnosis:
Vulvitis can usually diagnose with
• Suspect the cause of vulvitis
• Perhaps symptoms
• Pelvic examination.
• Several diagnostic tools, such as urinalysis, testing for sexually transmitted
diseases (STDs), and Pap smears,
9. Treatments:
The underlying cause of vulvitis will dictate the treatment.
self-care strategies to reduce irritation and inflammation:
• Discontinue the use of soaps, lotions, bubble bath, and other products that
cause or aggravate your vulvitis.
• Try not to scratch because this can lead to further irritation, as well as cause
bleeding or an infection.
• Wash the area only once daily with warm water. Over-washing can lead to
further irritation.
10. These may be used alone or in conjunction with medication:
• Low-dose hydrocortisone creams may be prescribed for an allergic reaction.
• Anti-fungal creams or antibacterial creams may be needed for an infection.
• Topical estrogen may relieve inflammation and symptoms for people who are
post-menopause.
While they won't resolve the condition, other strategies may be used to ease the
discomfort:
• Taking warm baths, or using a sitz bath
• Applying hot boric acid compresses
• Applying calamine lotion (external areas only)
• Using a hypoallergenic lubricant, particularly before sex
11. Prevention:
As a general rule, keep vaginal and vulvar area clean, dry, and cool, especially during
menstrual periods and after bowel movements. Be sure to gently cleanse the vaginal and
perianal areas, and avoid rubbing with washcloths or towels.
Other ways to prevent vulvitis include:
• Wearing white cotton underpants
• Avoiding excessively tight pants, pantyhose, or any clothes that are abrasive to the vulvar
area or that don't allow for adequate air circulation
• Opting for unscented, white toilet paper and fragrance-free feminine products
• Using fragrance- and dye-free laundry detergent; passing on using fabric softener when
washing underwear
• Avoiding vaginal sprays and powders
• Changing out of wet clothing promptly, such as after a swim or vigorous exercise
• Always using condoms during sexual activities to reduce risk of vulvitis, STDs, and other
vaginal infections.
