What is vulvitis?

Written by Jia Rui

Obstetrics and Gynecology

Updated on September 03, 2024

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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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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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Written by Jia Rui

Obstetrics and Gynecology

54sec

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Can vulvitis heal itself?

Generally, vulvitis cannot be cured. Vulvitis is a common gynecological condition. Following vaginitis, symptoms include vulva swelling, pain, erosion, and itching, causing significant discomfort to the female body and potentially leading to other types of complications. Vulvitis is caused by infections of bacteria or viruses and requires medical treatment and care, usually not healing on its own. The treatment principle should focus on treating the primary disease, keeping the vulva clean and dry, and avoiding harmful irritations. Women with vulvitis are advised to wash the vulva daily with clean water to ensure cleanliness, wear loose cotton underwear, change and clean them regularly, and use appropriate medication for anti-inflammatory treatment.

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Written by Zhang Xiu Rong

Obstetrics and Gynecology

1min 11sec

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Does vulvitis cause an abnormal odor in vaginal discharge?

Vulvitis generally results in abnormal vaginal discharge, primarily characterized by abnormal secretions causing itching and odor in the vulva. Normally, vaginal discharge in women is clear, transparent, odorless, and minimal, which is considered normal. If the discharge has an odor, it most commonly suggests a bacterial infection or a trichomonas infection. In cases of trichomonas infection, the discharge typically has a fishy smell, is watery, and accompanied by itching, leading to vulvitis reactions. At this point, a secretion test at the hospital can be conducted, followed by targeted treatment based on the test results. Furthermore, bacterial vaginitis can also present with odorous discharge. This condition typically involves yellow, thick, abundant discharge, and vulval itching. Treatment can then be tailored based on examination results, selecting appropriate topical medications. (Medication should be used under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Shen Li Wen

Obstetrics and Gynecology

1min 4sec

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Why does vulvitis keep recurring?

Women frequently experience recurrent episodes of vulvitis for various reasons. A common issue is that during treatment, the medication used is not suitable for their condition as they do not get their secretions tested before starting medication. Additionally, even if the medication is appropriate, some women do not complete the full course of treatment and stop taking the medicine once symptoms improve, which can lead to recurrence. Furthermore, some women have lower resistance around their menstrual period or during menstruation, making them more susceptible to recurrent episodes. Another factor contributing to recurrent vulvitis includes untreated underlying causes such as diabetes, urinary incontinence, or fecal fistula. Some women do not frequently change their underwear or pay attention to the cleanliness of the vulvar area, which can also lead to recurrent inflammation. (Please use medication under the guidance of a professional physician and do not self-medicate.)

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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.