What causes vulvitis?

Written by Yan Qiao
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Updated on May 28, 2025
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There are many reasons for the occurrence of vulvitis, mainly including recent sexual intercourse, the use of unclean sanitary pads, wearing tight, non-breathable pants, as well as not paying attention to vulvar hygiene, not cleaning the vulva for a long time, etc. It could also be due to direct contact transmission, such as through sexual activity, or contact with contaminated towels, underwear, swimwear, as well as sharing wash basins, bathtubs, toilet seats, or swimming in public pools, among others.

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Written by Shen Li Wen
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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How to Treat Nonspecific Vulvitis

When women suffer from nonspecific vulvitis, the first step is to identify the causes of the nonspecific vulvitis and provide symptomatic treatment. For example, some women have diabetes, where an increase in local blood sugar levels can lead to this condition, and diabetes should be actively treated. Afterwards, diluted iodine solutions can be used for sitz bath treatments, which not only have a local antibacterial effect but also a local thermotherapy effect, which can promote the absorption of inflammation. Women can also take broad-spectrum antibiotics orally, or apply ointments containing antibiotics locally for treatment. Additionally, women should pay close attention to their clothing; for example, it is best to wear loose, all-cotton underwear to prevent friction and local skin lesions.

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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 Wang Jing Hua
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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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.)

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Written by Jia Rui
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Does vulvar eczema belong to vulvitis?

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 Wang Jing Hua
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Does vulvitis require antibiotics?

Whether to take anti-inflammatory drugs for vulvitis depends on whether it is combined with vaginal inflammation. Simple vulvitis is generally treated with washing or sitz baths, or topical application of medicine to the vulva, and it is not advisable to take anti-inflammatory drugs recklessly. The misuse of anti-inflammatory drugs can have a significant impact on the body, potentially affecting future overall health. The use of anti-inflammatory drugs must be under the guidance of a doctor. For vulvitis, it is common to first conduct an examination of secretions to rule out vaginal inflammation, and generally, local treatment is sufficient. (Specific medication use should be conducted under the guidance of a doctor; do not self-medicate.)