Does vulvar eczema belong to vulvitis?

Written by Jia Rui
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Updated on September 25, 2024
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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.

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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.

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Written by Jia Rui
Obstetrics and Gynecology
50sec home-news-image

What is vulvitis?

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 Wang Jing Hua
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Treatment methods for vulvitis

Simple vulvitis is not very common, and the occurrence of vulvitis should be based on the type of infection causing it. It is advisable to routinely conduct an examination of secretions, perform bacteriological tests, and classify the inflammation. If there are no symptoms in the vagina and the secretions are normal, simple vulvitis can be alleviated by using cleansing solutions to wash the area. There are various broad-spectrum cleansing solutions to choose from. Additionally, it is important to avoid wearing tight pants that may cause friction and to keep the vulva clean and dry, frequently changing underwear.

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Written by Yan Qiao
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Complications of vulvitis

For patients with vulvitis, the main complications are the formation of vulvar ulcers or eczema. In chronic inflammation, the skin of the vulva may become thickened, rough, or cracked, and even undergo lichen-like changes. In severe cases, the condition may cause fever and other systemic symptoms, and even lead to enlargement of the inguinal lymph nodes. Furthermore, vulvitis and its pathogens might spread upwards, causing an onset of pelvic inflammatory disease.

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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.)