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Vulvitis - Vulvitis symptom, treatment, causes

Vulvitis is inflammation of the skin of the vulva (female external genitals). which causes itching, soreness, redness, swelling and sometimes weeping. Small, painful splits and ulcers may develop in the inflamed skin, causing it to sting when wet by washing or urine. Itching of the external genitals is particularly miserable and trying because of social taboos on scratching these parts. Scratching is also more likely to be harmful here than on less delicate skin, and the more you scratch. the worse things become.

Vulvitis is inflammation of the external female genitalia (vulva). This is not a condition but rather a symptom that results from a host of diseases, infections, injuries, allergies, and other irritants. Other infections such as vaginitis or herpes often accompany vulvitis. Women who experience excessive stress , whose nutrition is poor, or whose hygiene is poor may be more susceptible to vulvitis.

Symptoms of Vulvitis

Some common Symptoms of Vulvitis :

• Itchy vulva.
• Possible vaginal discharge.
• Excruciating itching.
• Redness of the vulvar skin.
• Swelling of the vulvar skin.
• Possible small cracks in the vulvar skin.
• Clear, fluid-filled blisters (present when the vulva is particularly irritated).
• Sore, scaly, thickened, or whitish patches (more prevalent in chronic vulvitis) on the vulva.

Cause of Vulvitis

Vulvitis and vulval itch may becaused by, local infection, allergy, physical or chemical injury, or lack of oestrogen. Or it may be part of generalised skin inflammations such as ECZEMA and HIVES. Vulvitis due to CANDIDIASIS (thrush) and TRICHOMONIASIS is often associated with VAGINITIS (inflammation of the vagina) from these causes, when both vagina and vulva are affected the condition is called vulvo vaginitis. Other infections that may cause vulval itch include pubic lice. the early and healing stages of genital HERPESSIMPIEX, and occasionally genital warts. Lack of oestrogen after the menopause can lead to atrophic vulvitus (thinning, drying and inflammation of genital skin), which causes relentless itching and makes the vulval skin more susceptible to infection. Allergy should always be suspected when there is no evidence of infection or atrophy. Causes include feminine hygiene products (including douches), soap ingredients, bubble baths, bath salts and oils, laundry detergents, spermicides, condom rubber or lubricants, and even the dye from coloured toilet paper. Foods and drugs that bring out allergic rashes can also affect genital skin. Chafing from pantyhose, panty girdles, tight trousers and sanitary pads may cause vulvitis and itch. The common Causes of Vulvitis :

• Excess moisture in the genital area
• Horseback riding.
• Synthetic undergarments without a cotton crotch.
• Allergy to a vaginal spray, laundry detergents, soaps, colored toilet paper, bubble bath and fragrances
• Bacterial infection.
• Scented or colored toilet paper.
• Rubbing against a bicycle seat.
• Medication.
• pediculosis.
• Fungal infection.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Vulvitis

The doctor's first job is to discover the cause. Swabs will identify infectious causes, which are treated with appropriate antibiotics. The history and microscopic appearance of cells wiped from the surface of the skin and vagina will reveal any oestrogen deficiency, which is treated by local or systemic oestrogens. Occasionally biopsy is advised Finding the cause of allergic or other inflammation may involve very careful history-taking and testing to discover possible aller-gens or irritants, which must be eliminated while the patient is waiting for the inflammation to subside, the itch can be relieved by bathing with cool boracic acid solution (I tablespoon to a litre of water). Use only plain water for washing and wear loose cotton underwear. Your doctor may suggest applying corticosteroid cream to help clear up non-infectious inflammation more quickly. In severe allergic inflammations, antihistamines by mouth may be needed.

• Self-help measures (i.e., avoiding external irritants known to provoke vulvitis).
• Estrogen cream.
• Sitz baths with soothing compounds (to help control the itching).
• Hydrocortisone creams.