Vulvitis is caused by what?

Written by Li Lin
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Updated on September 15, 2024
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Vulvitis is one of the most common infectious diseases in gynecology, affecting women of all ages. Since the vulva is adjacent to the urethra, vagina, and anus and the area is moist, it is prone to contamination and thus inflammation. Women of childbearing age, due to more frequent sexual activity and the vagina being a necessary passage for childbirth procedures, are susceptible to injuries and external pathogenic infections. Postmenopausal women and infants, due to low estrogen levels and consequently lower local resistance, are also prone to vulvitis.

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Written by Shen Li Wen
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Why does vulvitis keep recurring?

Women frequently experience recurrent episodes of vulvitis for various reasons. A common issue is that during treatment, the medication used is not suitable for their condition as they do not get their secretions tested before starting medication. Additionally, even if the medication is appropriate, some women do not complete the full course of treatment and stop taking the medicine once symptoms improve, which can lead to recurrence. Furthermore, some women have lower resistance around their menstrual period or during menstruation, making them more susceptible to recurrent episodes. Another factor contributing to recurrent vulvitis includes untreated underlying causes such as diabetes, urinary incontinence, or fecal fistula. Some women do not frequently change their underwear or pay attention to the cleanliness of the vulvar area, which can also lead to recurrent inflammation. (Please use medication under the guidance of a professional physician and do not self-medicate.)

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Written by Jia Rui
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Can vulvitis heal itself?

Generally, vulvitis cannot be cured. Vulvitis is a common gynecological condition. Following vaginitis, symptoms include vulva swelling, pain, erosion, and itching, causing significant discomfort to the female body and potentially leading to other types of complications. Vulvitis is caused by infections of bacteria or viruses and requires medical treatment and care, usually not healing on its own. The treatment principle should focus on treating the primary disease, keeping the vulva clean and dry, and avoiding harmful irritations. Women with vulvitis are advised to wash the vulva daily with clean water to ensure cleanliness, wear loose cotton underwear, change and clean them regularly, and use appropriate medication for anti-inflammatory treatment.

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Written by Sun Shan Shan
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Can you eat seafood with vulvitis?

There are many causes of vulvitis. One cause is an increase in vaginal discharge due to vaginitis or cervicitis, which stimulates the vulvar tissue leading to vulvitis. Another cause is related to allergic constitution, manifesting as itching, swelling, and other inflammatory symptoms of the vulva. If the vulvitis is due to an allergy, it is advised not to consume seafood, as it may aggravate the condition. Therefore, it's important to seek timely medical attention at a hospital if vulvitis occurs. This includes routine examination of secretions and endoscopic examination of the vagina. Treatment should be promptly administered based on the examination results. Additionally, individuals with low immunity might display white lesions on the vulva, which could also be a sign of vulvitis. Regular cleansing of the vulva, avoiding cold and fatigue, and enhancing the immune system are recommended.

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Written by Wang Jing Hua
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Can erythromycin ointment be applied for vulvitis?

Only a few types of vulvitis might be effectively treated with erythromycin ointment application, as the treatment depends on the specific pathogen involved in the vulvitis, and not all inflammations use the same medication. First, a vaginal discharge test must be conducted, as some cases are due to yeast infections, and some are due to trichomoniasis, for which erythromycin ointment is ineffective. For instance, treatment for trichomoniasis requires both partners to simultaneously undergo treatment with oral metronidazole, otherwise, even if only the woman is treated, there is a high chance of recurrence. (Please use medications under the guidance of a doctor.)

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What are the symptoms of vulvitis?

Patients with vulvitis mainly exhibit symptoms such as itching, pain, or a burning sensation, along with swelling and bleeding of the vulva. If not treated promptly, it can lead to erosion or extensive eczema. Additionally, vulvitis can cause intense pain and urinary pain after sexual intercourse. Patients should use antibacterial and anti-inflammatory medications for treatment. Furthermore, choosing cleansing solutions to maintain cleanliness of the affected area and avoiding spicy and irritating foods in daily life is advisable.