What is vulvitis?

Written by Jia Rui
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Updated on September 03, 2024
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Vulvitis is an inflammation of the vulva caused by various bacteria and pathogens, or adverse irritations such as allergies. It can be due to a local skin infection, or it can be a spread of infection from conditions such as vaginitis, urethritis, or perianal diseases, and it can even be a complication of systemic diseases. Symptoms of vulvitis may include swelling, redness, increased skin temperature, ulceration, pain, and itching in the perineal area. If the condition persists, the skin in the affected area may thicken and become rough, resembling lichenification. Severe cases may lead to labial adhesion or labial abscess formation.

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Written by Zhang Xiu Rong
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Causes of Candidal Vulvovaginitis

Candidal vulvitis is a fungal infection, also known as a yeast infection, generally caused by improper vulvar care. Normally, the vaginal environment is acidic. An overly clean environment caused by excessive use of medications or douching can also lead to a candida infection. Additionally, if vulvar hygiene is neglected and becomes infected with candida, candidal vulvitis can occur. Furthermore, long-term use of high doses of anti-inflammatory drugs can also lead to a disruption of the normal flora, resulting in a candida infection. Also, patients with diabetes who do not control their blood sugar well can develop candidal vulvitis. Therefore, if there is a candida infection, it is essential to visit a hospital for relevant examinations. Treatment should then be based on the examination results using appropriate topical medications. Generally, candida infections can improve significantly after a week of treatment.

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Written by Jia Rui
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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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 Jia Rui
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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How to deal with vulvar inflammation?

When inflammation and swelling of the vulva occur, it is essential to pay attention to personal hygiene and wash with clean water after defecation. The secretions of the vulva are acidic and contain normal flora, which helps prevent bacterial infections. Avoid frequently washing the vulva with medications or other washes. In cases of vulvar inflammation, it is advisable to wear breathable cotton underwear to avoid wearing too tight underwear and to use anti-inflammatory ointments to treat swelling. Furthermore, women experiencing this condition should avoid foods that can cause irritation and inflammation of the genitals, such as soft-shelled turtles, crabs, chicken, goose, lamb, etc., and should also avoid spicy and irritating foods.

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Written by Zhang Xiu Rong
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Can vaginitis be detected through a vaginal discharge test?

Vulvitis can generally be detected by examining the vaginal discharge. Normally, vaginal discharge is clear, transparent, odorless, and minimal which is considered normal. The majority of cases of vulvitis and vaginitis are due to abnormal secretions. At this time, a definitive diagnosis can be made through the analysis of these secretions. Usually, a routine secretion test at a hospital is sufficient. If the secretion is abnormal, treatment can be based on the type of infection indicated by the routine test results. Thus, most cases of vulvitis can be diagnosed through routine vaginal discharge tests. Patients with vulvitis generally improve after a week of treatment and should pay attention to vulvar hygiene after recovery to prevent infection.

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Written by Jia Rui
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Does vulvar eczema belong to vulvitis?

Vulvar eczema and vulvitis are not the same disease; they are different from each other. Vulvar eczema is mainly caused by contact with allergens, such as dampness in the genital area, or new underwear and sanitary napkins, leading to itching and rashes on the vulva. It is an allergic reaction, and the treatment is primarily focused on anti-allergy therapy. On the other hand, vulvitis is caused by bacterial, fungal, or viral infections. The local symptoms of vulvitis can be similar to those of vulvar eczema, but the treatment mainly focuses on anti-infection therapy.