Does vulvitis require antibiotics?

Written by Wang Jing Hua
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Updated on September 05, 2024
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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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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 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.

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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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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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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.)