Can vaginitis be detected through a vaginal discharge test?

Written by Zhang Xiu Rong
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Updated on September 30, 2024
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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 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 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 Wang Jing Hua
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Treatment methods for vulvitis

Simple vulvitis is not very common, and the occurrence of vulvitis should be based on the type of infection causing it. It is advisable to routinely conduct an examination of secretions, perform bacteriological tests, and classify the inflammation. If there are no symptoms in the vagina and the secretions are normal, simple vulvitis can be alleviated by using cleansing solutions to wash the area. There are various broad-spectrum cleansing solutions to choose from. Additionally, it is important to avoid wearing tight pants that may cause friction and to keep the vulva clean and dry, frequently changing underwear.

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Written by Zhu Hua
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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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 Wang Jing Hua
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Can erythromycin ointment be applied for vulvitis?

Only a few types of vulvitis might be effectively treated with erythromycin ointment application, as the treatment depends on the specific pathogen involved in the vulvitis, and not all inflammations use the same medication. First, a vaginal discharge test must be conducted, as some cases are due to yeast infections, and some are due to trichomoniasis, for which erythromycin ointment is ineffective. For instance, treatment for trichomoniasis requires both partners to simultaneously undergo treatment with oral metronidazole, otherwise, even if only the woman is treated, there is a high chance of recurrence. (Please use medications under the guidance of a doctor.)