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 Li Lin

Obstetrics and Gynecology

41sec

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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.

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Written by Wang Jing Hua

Obstetrics and Gynecology

49sec

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Can erythromycin be applied to vulvitis?

Only a minority of vulvitis cases are effectively treated with erythromycin ointment. Most cases of vulvitis are not treated with erythromycin ointment. This is because it is essential to first identify which type of infection is causing the vulvitis. Most cases of vulvitis also involve vaginitis and require initial bacteriological examination to classify the inflammation. Treatment should be selected based on this classification and target the specific type of infection. For instance, if the inflammation is due to trichomoniasis, both partners need to take oral metronidazole. If it is a fungal vaginitis, drugs like clotrimazole should be chosen. (Specific drug use should be under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Zhang Xiu Rong

Obstetrics and Gynecology

55sec

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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 Zhu Hua

Obstetrics and Gynecology

1min 6sec

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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 Jia Rui

Obstetrics and Gynecology

50sec

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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.