How can women determine if they have vulvitis?

Written by Luo Chun Yan
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Updated on April 05, 2025
00:00
00:00

To determine if they have vulvitis, women mainly rely on their own symptoms. Common symptoms of vulvitis include itching around the vulva, stinging pain, significant discomfort when urinating that irritates the skin of the vulva, increased vaginal discharge often accompanied by an unusual odor, and possible swelling and pain of the vulvar skin. If one suspects they have vulvitis, they can generally feel the discomfort themselves. To prevent vulvitis, it is important to maintain cleanliness and dryness of the vulvar area. Regularly changing underwear, wearing loose cotton underwear, and avoiding non-breathable synthetic fabrics are advisable. If there is noticeable itching or pain in the vulva, or if the skin in the area feels damp, it is important to seek medical advice promptly for appropriate treatment.

Other Voices

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Jia Rui
Obstetrics and Gynecology
39sec home-news-image

What are the symptoms of vulvitis?

Patients with vulvitis mainly exhibit symptoms such as itching, pain, or a burning sensation, along with swelling and bleeding of the vulva. If not treated promptly, it can lead to erosion or extensive eczema. Additionally, vulvitis can cause intense pain and urinary pain after sexual intercourse. Patients should use antibacterial and anti-inflammatory medications for treatment. Furthermore, choosing cleansing solutions to maintain cleanliness of the affected area and avoiding spicy and irritating foods in daily life is advisable.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Wang Jing Hua
Obstetrics and Gynecology
45sec home-news-image

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.)

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Zhou Yan
Geriatrics
37sec home-news-image

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.)

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Zhao Li Li
Obstetrics
40sec home-news-image

Does vulvitis affect pregnancy?

If inflammation of the vulva is found after pregnancy, it generally does not affect the normal pregnancy and the development of the embryo. Vulvar inflammation is often caused by long-term stimulation by excessive vaginal secretions. In such cases, it is necessary to promptly and thoroughly wash and care for the vulvar area, or take sitz baths to alleviate symptoms. It is also important to keep the vulvar area clean and dry, avoid using panty liners, wear cotton underwear, and maintain personal hygiene to reduce the occurrence of vulvar inflammation.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Zhang Xiu Rong
Obstetrics and Gynecology
1min 5sec home-news-image

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.