Vulvitis is caused by what?

Written by Li Lin
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Updated on September 15, 2024
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Vulvitis is one of the most common infectious diseases in gynecology, affecting women of all ages. Since the vulva is adjacent to the urethra, vagina, and anus and the area is moist, it is prone to contamination and thus inflammation. Women of childbearing age, due to more frequent sexual activity and the vagina being a necessary passage for childbirth procedures, are susceptible to injuries and external pathogenic infections. Postmenopausal women and infants, due to low estrogen levels and consequently lower local resistance, are also prone to vulvitis.

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Written by Zhao Li Li
Obstetrics
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Does vulvitis affect pregnancy?

If inflammation of the vulva is found after pregnancy, it generally does not affect the normal pregnancy and the development of the embryo. Vulvar inflammation is often caused by long-term stimulation by excessive vaginal secretions. In such cases, it is necessary to promptly and thoroughly wash and care for the vulvar area, or take sitz baths to alleviate symptoms. It is also important to keep the vulvar area clean and dry, avoid using panty liners, wear cotton underwear, and maintain personal hygiene to reduce the occurrence of vulvar inflammation.

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Written by Jia Rui
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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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 Zhou Yan
Geriatrics
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How to treat senile vulvitis

Senile vulvitis refers to an inflammatory disease of the vulva in elderly women caused by decreased hormone levels. Common symptoms include itching or discomfort of the vulva, increased skin folds in the vulva, reduced sebaceous glands, and hair loss or thinning of the skin. For treatment, certain estrogens can be administered to increase resistance. Additionally, treatments that inhibit bacterial growth and local use of antibiotics can be provided. (Specific medications should be used under the guidance of a physician.)

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Written by Yan Qiao
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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What are the symptoms of vulvitis?

Vulvitis primarily manifests as itching, pain, and a burning sensation in the vulvar skin. After activities, sexual intercourse, urination, and defecation, symptoms can worsen. During the acute inflammatory phase, one might observe that the vulva is congested, swollen, and eroded, often showing scratch marks, and in severe cases, ulcers or eczema may form. In chronic inflammation, examination may reveal thickened, rough, and cracked vulvar skin, which might even undergo lichen-like changes. Vulvitis may be caused by pathogens or by non-infectious factors such as physical or chemical agents leading to inflammation of the vulvar skin or mucous membrane. If the condition is caused by pathogens, active anti-inflammatory treatment is necessary. However, if it is triggered by non-infectious factors, one should actively identify and eliminate the underlying cause and improve local hygiene. For instance, in the case of diabetic patients, it is crucial to treat the condition promptly and control blood sugar levels. If there is fistula formation, such as urinary or fecal fistulas, timely repair should be done to eliminate the cause of the disease, allowing it to naturally heal on its own.

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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.