Vulvitis
Key points
- Vulvitis is inflammation of the external female genitalia (vulva).
- These include chronic dermatitis, seborrhea or eczema, and allergies, particularly to soaps, colored toilet paper, vaginal sprays, laundry detergents, bubble bath, or fragrances.
- A pelvic examination often reveals redness and thickening and may reveal cracks or skin lesions on the vulva.
- Self-care options may be initiated if no vaginal discharge is present.
Definition
Vulvitis is inflammation of the external female genitalia (vulva).
Causes, incidence, and risk factors
Vulvitis can be caused by a number of conditions. These include chronic dermatitis, seborrhea or eczema, and allergies, particularly to soaps, colored toilet paper, vaginal sprays, laundry detergents, bubble bath, or fragrances. It can also be caused by infections such as fungal and bacterial infections, pediculosis, or scabies.
Vulvitis can affect women of all ages. In young girls and postmenopausal women, the condition may be caused by low estrogen levels.
Symptoms
- Redness and swelling of the vulvar skin
- Burning or itching of the vulvar skin
- Thickening of the vulvar skin
- Possible small cracks in the vulvar skin
- Possible vaginal discharge
Signs and tests
A pelvic examination often reveals redness and thickening and may reveal cracks or skin lesions on the vulva.
If there is any vaginal discharge, a wet prep inspection may reveal vaginal infection such as vulvovaginitis or vaginitis as the source.
Treatment
Self-care options may be initiated if no vaginal discharge is present. These include discontinuing the use of any potential irritants, and following the recommendations for preventing vulvitis (see Prevention section).
An over-the-counter cortisone cream may be used 2 or 3 times a day on the affected area for up to 1 week. If these measures do not alleviate symptoms, see your physician.
If discharge from a vaginal infection is the cause of vulvitis, the source of the vaginal infection should be treated and concurrent topical cortisone cream may be used to decrease vulvar itching.
Note: If the infection is transmitted sexually, it is very important that your partner(s) receive treatment also, even if they have no symptoms. Many organisms can be harbored without producing symptoms. Failure of the partner(s) to accept treatment can cause continual reinfection that may eventually lead to more extensive problems, possibly limiting your ability to have children and affecting overall health.
If treatment of vulvitis is not very effective, further evaluation may include biopsy of the skin to rule out the potential of vulvar dystrophy (a chronic vulvar skin condition) or vulvar dysplasia, a precancerous condition. A biopsy may also be necessary if any skin lesions are present.
Expectations (prognosis)
Written and revised by
David Cohen, M.D.
Our doctors write and review articles for accuracy and keep them up to date.
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