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Symptoms And Causes Of Vulvitis: What Is Vulvitis?

Often times, we hear about vaginal yeast infections, but there are other types of vaginal infections women need to know about. Vulvitis is an inflammation of the vulva, which is the visible external genitalia).

Vulvitis is not a condition or a disease. It can result from a number of different causes, including allergies, infections, injuries and other external irritants.

Infections such as vaginitis and herpes are often times accompanied by vulvitis

If you experience a great deal of stress, have a poor diet or poor hygiene habits, you may be more susceptible to vulvitis. There are many different things that my cause vulvitis:

-    oral sex
-    scented or colored toilet tissue
-    bacterial or fungal infections
-    hot tubs and swimming pools
-    horseback riding
-    leaving a wet swimming suit on for a long period of time
-    bicycle riding

Allergic reactions to certain products may also cause vulvitis:

-    soaps
-    shampoos
-    bubble baths
-    powders
-    deodorants
-    sanitary napkins
-    non-cotton underwear
-    pantyhose

Because diabetic women have higher blood sugar, they are at an increased risk for developing vulvitis. Young girls who have not yet reached puberty as well as women going through menopause are also at a higher risk for developing vulvitis.

Symptoms of vulvitis:

-    itching
-    redness
-    swelling
-    fluid-filled, clear blisters that break open and form a crust (much like genital herpes)
-    soreness
-    scaly appearance
-    thickened or whitish patches

If you experience any of these symptoms, do not scratch the irritated area as this can irritate the area further. Also, avoid over-cleaning the infected area. This can make matters worse. Wash only once a day with warm water only when symptoms of vulvitis are present.

Treatment options vary woman to woman. Your doctor will take things into consideration such as your age, general health and overall medical history. The root cause of the symptoms will also be taken into consideration as well as the exact symptoms you’re experiencing. How well you tolerate medications and the severity of your symptoms will also be important to which treatment option you’re given.

Some treatment options you can implement yourself are taking a warm bath with a soothing compound such as Aveeno baths or comfrey tea bath. Keep your vulva clean and dry and remember to wipe from front to back. You can also use hot boric acid compresses or cold compresses filled with plain yogurt or cottage cheese. This may help with irritation and itching. Calamine lotion and sterile non-irritating personal lubricants may also be helpful.