VULVITIS

Vulvitis is the medical term used for inflammation of the vulva, the external area outside the opening of the vagina. It affects women of all ages. Redness, burning, itching, thickening or small cracks in the vulvar skin, and changes in vaginal discharge are the most common symptoms.

Possible causes are:

skin disorders like eczema, seborrhea, or chronic dermatitis
allergies to soaps, bubble bath, materials, or fragrances
infections caused by scabies, pediculosis, fungus, or bacteria and
low estrogen levels

Contact vulvitis occurs when there is no skin infection, yet vulvar or vaginal itching and burning exist. Irritation may cause additional symptoms of swelling, redness, rawness, a damp oozing of the irritated skin, and vulvar pain when inserting a tampon or during intercourse.

The treatment for vulvitis is usually pills or creams for the specific cause. Sometimes your partner will also need treatment to prevent passing the infection during intercourse. If no infection or vaginal discharge is present, self-care with an over-the-counter topical cortisone cream may be used 2 or 3 times a day on the affected area for up to 1 week. Always follow the package directions. If discomfort persists, seek medical care.

To help prevent vulvitis do the following:

Make hygiene changes. Bathe daily with a mild soap, wear all-cotton underwear or underwear with cotton crotches, change underwear and pantyhose daily, and avoid wearing tight fitting pants, shorts, pantyhose, or tights, especially in hot, humid weather.
Avoid exposure to common chemical irritants. Use scent-free and deodorant-free white toilet paper, avoid perfumes and dyes, use deodorant-free sanitary pads and tampons, avoid using feminine hygiene sprays, fragrances, and powders in the genital area, avoid bath additives such as bubble baths and oils, and avoid spermicidal foams, gels and creams.
Avoid scratchy, itchy materials such as wool.
Use a barrier contraception, such as a condom, to reduce your risk for infection.

If you have removed all irritation from the area and you still are noticing a problem, you will need to see your healthcare provider to determine the cause of the problem. Your provider will do a health history and examination of the female reproductive organs.

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

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