Vulvitis is the irritation of the vulva, the external part of the female genitalia. This irritation can manifest as redness, itching, burning, pain, and even cuts or discharge. If you’re experiencing these symptoms, it’s essential to understand the potential causes and appropriate steps to take.
What Causes Vulvitis?
1. Physical and Chemical Irritation
The most common cause of vulvitis is physical and chemical irritation. This can result from:
- Wrong Products: Using harsh soaps, body washes, or other products not intended for the sensitive vulvar area can cause irritation.
- Tight Clothing: Friction from tight underwear or activities can aggravate the skin.
- Excessive Scrubbing: Overzealous cleaning or scrubbing can also lead to irritation.
2. Idiopathic & autoimmune
There are several types of vulvitis that can appear for reasons we don’t fully understand and therefore called idiopathic or sometimes autoimmune. Those include Zoon’s vulvitis, lichen sclerosus, psoriasis, and seborrheic dermatitis. Those can lead to symptoms similar to irritant or allergic contact vulvitis, such as redness, itching, and burning.
3. Infections
Infections caused by bacteria, fungi, or viruses can lead to vulvitis. Common culprits include yeast infections, bacterial vaginosis, and herpes simplex virus. These infections need to be identified and treated properly to alleviate symptoms.
4. Vulvitis Impostors
Sometimes, conditions that resemble vulvitis aren’t actually vulvitis. For instance:
- Skin Cancer: Certain types of skin cancer, such as squamous cell carcinoma or Paget’s disease, can mimic vulvitis symptoms.
- Other Medical Conditions: Always consult a dermatologist to rule out other conditions.
What to Do About Vulvitis
1. Avoid Irritants
- Hot Water: Avoid washing the area with water above 140°F (60°C).
- Harsh Products: Stay away from strong detergents, soaps, and cleansers unless specifically prescribed.
- Physical Abrasives: Refrain from scrubbing or exfoliating the area.
2. Don’t Overdo Disinfection
Using disinfectants like alcohol or hydrogen peroxide can further irritate the area. Such products are often too harsh and can exacerbate the problem. As a general rule, if you are not certain of the efficacy and appropriateness of a treatment, no matter how harmless it may seem theoretically, avoid using it unless prescribed by your doctor.
3. Be Cautious with Treatments
Avoid using over-the-counter antifungals or antibacterials unless advised by a healthcare professional. These treatments can sometimes worsen the irritation if not used correctly.
4. Seek Professional Advice
Consult a board-certified dermatologist to properly diagnose and treat vulvitis. They can determine if the cause is irritant-related, allergic, infectious, or something else entirely. Treatments may include prescription medications, topical treatments, or lifestyle changes to address the root cause of the irritation.
5. Follow Up
If treatment doesn’t lead to significant improvement within the expected time frame, further investigation may be needed. Your dermatologist might recommend additional tests, such as cultures or biopsies, to refine the diagnosis and treatment plan.
Conclusion
Addressing vulvitis involves understanding its causes and avoiding further irritation. By following proper care guidelines and seeking professional advice, you can manage and potentially resolve this uncomfortable condition.
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Thanks for reading and God bless.
Yuval Bibi, MD/PhD - Board Certified Dermatologist
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