Does vulvar eczema belong to vulvitis?

Written by Jia Rui
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Updated on September 25, 2024
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Vulvar eczema and vulvitis are not the same disease; they are different from each other. Vulvar eczema is mainly caused by contact with allergens, such as dampness in the genital area, or new underwear and sanitary napkins, leading to itching and rashes on the vulva. It is an allergic reaction, and the treatment is primarily focused on anti-allergy therapy. On the other hand, vulvitis is caused by bacterial, fungal, or viral infections. The local symptoms of vulvitis can be similar to those of vulvar eczema, but the treatment mainly focuses on anti-infection therapy.

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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.

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Written by Xu Xiao Ming
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Can vulvar inflammatory swellings heal by themselves?

If the vulva has only developed an inflammatory lump, it can be cured because as the inflammation subsides, the lump may gradually shrink and fall off. However, it is crucial to determine whether a vulvar lump is inflammatory or malignant. Therefore, patients with vulvar lumps may need to have a biopsy of the vulvar tissue sent to the pathology department to determine its origin. For inflammatory lumps, topical application of erythromycin ointment can be used; it can heal on its own. (Please use medication under the guidance of a doctor.)

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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 Zhou Yan
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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 Su Wen
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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How many days can vulvitis be cured?

Vulvitis is caused by irritation from menstrual blood and vaginal secretions, or lack of attention to local cleanliness, among other reasons. Additionally, friction of skin and mucous membranes, local moisture, and poor breathability can lead to itching, pain, and burning sensations in the vulvar skin and mucous membranes. In the acute phase, there may be congestion, swelling, and erosion seen in the vulva, sometimes with scratch marks. The general treatment principle is to eliminate the cause, improve local hygiene, and keep the vulvar area clean and dry. Clean the vulva daily and keep the area dry.