What is vulvitis?
Vulvitis is an inflammation of the vulva (the visible external genitalia). Vulvitis is not a condition or disease; it is a symptom that results from a number of different causes including allergies, infections, injuries, and other external irritants. Other infections such as vaginitis or herpes often accompany vulvitis. Women who experience excessive stress, whose nutrition is poor, or whose hygiene is poor may be more susceptible to vulvitis.What causes vulvitis?
Several factors may contribute to the development of vulvitis:- Oral
sex.
- Scented
or colored toilet tissue.
- Bacterial
or fungal infection.
- Hot
tubs and swimming pools.
- Horseback
riding.
- Leaving
a wet swimming suit on for a long period.
- Bicycle
riding.
- Allergic
reactions to products such as:
- soaps,
- shampoos,
- bubble baths,
- powders,
- deodorants,
- sanitary napkins,
- non-cotton underwear,
- pantyhose,
- vaginal douches,
- topical medications.
Who is at risk for vulvitis?
Diabetic women face increased risk of developing vulvitis because the high sugar content of their cells increases susceptibility to infections. As hormone levels drop during menopause, vulvar tissues become thinner, drier, and less elastic increasing a woman's chance of developing vulvitis, or other infections such as vaginitis. Young girls who have not yet reached puberty are also at possible risk due to the fact that adequate hormone levels have not yet been reached. Any woman who is allergy-prone, has sensitive skin, or who has other infections or diseases can develop vulvitis.What are the symptoms of vulvitis?
While each woman may experience vulvitis symptoms differently, some of the most common symptoms are:- Itching.
- Redness.
- Swelling.
- Fluid-filled,
clear blisters that break open, and form a crust
(sometimes mistaken for herpes).
- Soreness.
- Scaly
appearance.
- Thickened or whitish patches.
It's important for women with these symptoms to remember not to scratch as this can lead to further irritation and/or infection. Although it may seem like a good idea to clean yourself repeatedly over the day, the fact is that over-cleaning of the affected area can lead to further irritation. It's best to wash just once a day with warm water only when symptoms of vulvitis are present.
Utilizing several diagnostic tools such as blood tests, urinalysis, tests for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), and the Pap smear helps the clinician diagnose vulvitis.
