Why does vulvitis keep recurring?

Written by Shen Li Wen
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Updated on September 28, 2024
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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 Zhang Xiu Rong
Obstetrics and Gynecology
1min 11sec home-news-image

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 Zhu Hua
Obstetrics and Gynecology
1min 6sec home-news-image

How to treat vulvar ulceration caused by fungal vaginitis?

Candidal vulvovaginitis is caused by Candida albicans. When it occurs, it can cause edema of the vulvar and vaginal mucosa. Gynecological examinations can also reveal hyperemia and edema of the vulva. However, the main symptoms of candidal vulvovaginitis are itching and burning pain. When the itching and burning pain are severe, scratching may occur, and in serious cases, you can see cracked skin, forming some acute erosions and superficial ulcers. When encountering vulvar ulcers, do not panic. You can use traditional Chinese medicine washes for external cleansing, which helps in anti-inflammatory and disinfection. At the same time, use antifungal ointment for external application; after a period, the ulcerated area will gradually improve.

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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 Li Lin
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Vulvitis is caused by what?

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.