What are the symptoms of vulvitis?

Written by Yan Qiao
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Updated on September 25, 2024
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Vulvitis primarily manifests as itching, pain, and a burning sensation in the vulvar skin. After activities, sexual intercourse, urination, and defecation, symptoms can worsen. During the acute inflammatory phase, one might observe that the vulva is congested, swollen, and eroded, often showing scratch marks, and in severe cases, ulcers or eczema may form. In chronic inflammation, examination may reveal thickened, rough, and cracked vulvar skin, which might even undergo lichen-like changes. Vulvitis may be caused by pathogens or by non-infectious factors such as physical or chemical agents leading to inflammation of the vulvar skin or mucous membrane. If the condition is caused by pathogens, active anti-inflammatory treatment is necessary. However, if it is triggered by non-infectious factors, one should actively identify and eliminate the underlying cause and improve local hygiene. For instance, in the case of diabetic patients, it is crucial to treat the condition promptly and control blood sugar levels. If there is fistula formation, such as urinary or fecal fistulas, timely repair should be done to eliminate the cause of the disease, allowing it to naturally heal on its own.

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Candidal vulvovaginitis is caused by what?

Streptococcal vulvitis is an inflammation of the vulva caused by streptococci. The primary reasons for this condition are as follows: Firstly, inadequate hygiene; secondly, improper use of antibiotics, such as overuse, long-term use, or use of cleansers; thirdly, transmission through sexual activity, such as when one partner in a couple has a streptococcal vulvitis infection and transmits it to the other; fourthly, a decrease in immune resistance, such as in patients with diabetes or those undergoing chemotherapy for cancer; and fifthly, in patients with injuries to the vulva.

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What is the best treatment for vulvitis?

Simple vulvitis requires attention to personal hygiene. Use gynecological antipyretic and dampness-clearing washes for local cleansing to achieve a cleaning and disinfection effect. Also, wear loose, breathable, cotton underwear, and avoid wearing tight outer clothing. If it is during the menstrual period, change sanitary napkins frequently. Avoid intercourse during the illness. Generally, with active treatment, it can be cured. If the vulvitis is accompanied by other conditions such as vaginitis, urethritis, perianal abscess, or perianal diseases, then active treatment of the primary disease is required while treating the vulvitis.

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How can women determine if they have vulvitis?

To determine if they have vulvitis, women mainly rely on their own symptoms. Common symptoms of vulvitis include itching around the vulva, stinging pain, significant discomfort when urinating that irritates the skin of the vulva, increased vaginal discharge often accompanied by an unusual odor, and possible swelling and pain of the vulvar skin. If one suspects they have vulvitis, they can generally feel the discomfort themselves. To prevent vulvitis, it is important to maintain cleanliness and dryness of the vulvar area. Regularly changing underwear, wearing loose cotton underwear, and avoiding non-breathable synthetic fabrics are advisable. If there is noticeable itching or pain in the vulva, or if the skin in the area feels damp, it is important to seek medical advice promptly for appropriate treatment.

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Does vulvitis require antibiotics?

Whether to take anti-inflammatory drugs for vulvitis depends on whether it is combined with vaginal inflammation. Simple vulvitis is generally treated with washing or sitz baths, or topical application of medicine to the vulva, and it is not advisable to take anti-inflammatory drugs recklessly. The misuse of anti-inflammatory drugs can have a significant impact on the body, potentially affecting future overall health. The use of anti-inflammatory drugs must be under the guidance of a doctor. For vulvitis, it is common to first conduct an examination of secretions to rule out vaginal inflammation, and generally, local treatment is sufficient. (Specific medication use should be conducted under the guidance of a doctor; do not self-medicate.)

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What are the symptoms of vulvitis?

When women experience inflammation of the vulva, the clinical symptoms are generally similar. Firstly, we may observe some abnormal secretions in the vulvar area, such as purulent secretions with a foul smell, accompanied by local itching. Furthermore, when the inflammation in the female vulvar area is severe, it can lead to local skin mucosa congestion, edema, and reduced elasticity. This can cause severe pain during walking due to friction, or during intercourse due to mechanical irritation, and may even lead to painful bleeding. Additionally, in some women, the inflammation may be intense enough to form small abscesses locally, meaning small lumps may appear or small white pus spots may be present on the local area.