Vulvitis

Vulvitis is inflammation in your vulva. Your vulva is the outer part of your genitals. It includes the folds of skin around your vagina — the labia majora (outer folds), labia minora (inner lips) and the clitoris. Things like infection, allergic reactions and injuries can irritate your skin and cause your vulva to become inflamed.

Symptoms of vulvitis

Symptoms of vulvitis may include:

• Itching
• Burning
• Irregular vaginal discharge
• Small cracks on the skin of your vulva
• Blisters on your vulva that may burst, ooze and form a crust
• Redness and swelling on your inner and outer vagina lips
• Thick, whitish patches of skin on your vulva that feel scaly

These symptoms are also symptoms of other disorders and diseases that affect your genitals. Talk to your healthcare provider if you notice these symptoms.

Vulvitis causes

Infections, allergies, irritants and injuries can all cause inflammation in your vulva. Vulvitis isn’t a sexually transmitted infection (STI).

Any of the following can cause vulvitis:

• Harsh or scented products like toilet paper, soaps, pads and detergents
• Wet bathing suits or damp, sweaty clothing
• Chlorinated water from pools or hot tubs
• Non-breathable underwear that traps moisture
• Injury from activities like cycling or horseback riding
• Spermicides that trigger an allergic reaction
• Skin conditions like eczema or dermatitis
• Fungal infections like yeast infection
• Bacterial infections like bacterial vaginitis
• Viral infections like genital herpes
• Dry, thin vaginal tissue due to menopause

Risk factors

Anyone with a vulva can have vulvitis. It’s more common in children and those who’ve gone through menopause. Other factors that increase risk are:

• Using scented products or products containing harsh ingredients
• Wearing wet or tight clothing
• Having certain infections or skin conditions
• Engaging in activities that cause rubbing or friction

How to lower your risk

Some causes of vulvitis are harder to avoid than others. But these habits can lower your risk of getting vulvitis:

• Use mild, unscented soaps and warm water to clean your genitals, or just use warm water.
• Avoid douching and using fragranced soaps, detergents, tampons, pads and pantyliners.
• Change into clean, dry clothes right after swimming or exercising.
• Wear cotton underwear.
• Practice safe sex.

Complications of vulvitis

Complications depend on how long you’ve had symptoms, the cause and whether you’ve had treatment. Some complications are:

• Chronic pain that affects your quality of life or causes emotional distress
• Infections from bacteria getting into wounds or sores on your vulva
• Inflammation spreading to your vagina (vulvovaginitis)
• Pain during sex
• Skin scarring, thickening or severe dryness

How doctors diagnose vulvitis

Your healthcare provider will review your medical history and ask about your symptoms and habits. They’ll do a physical exam and a pelvic exam. They’ll look for skin changes that may indicate vulvitis, like redness, blisters or lesions. They may also check your vaginal fluid for signs of an infection.

They could order these tests:

• Urine tests
• Blood tests
• STI tests
• Pap smear
• Biopsy

Vulvitis can happen for many reasons, and the symptoms often look the same. Your provider will figure out what’s causing the inflammation and suggest the best treatment.

How is it treated?

Treatment for vulvitis depends on the cause. Often, protecting your vulva from irritants and practicing good vulvar care can relieve vulvitis. Your provider may recommend that you:

• Avoid vulvar irritation: Stop using any products that irritate your vulva. Wear loose-fitting, breathable cotton undergarments.
• Try provider-recommended creams: Your healthcare provider may prescribe an over-the-counter (OTC) hydrocortisone ointment to reduce the irritation and itching. They may also prescribe a topical estrogen cream to help with itching and dryness.
• Take regular sitz baths: These can help relieve itching and burning caused by vulvitis.
• Take medication: They’ll prescribe medication if an infection is the cause.

Your provider might order additional tests to rule out rarer, more serious conditions that may be causing vulvitis if these treatments don’t help.

Don’t attempt to self-diagnose vulvitis. Many people purchase over-the-counter anti-itch products to ease their symptoms, but this is a mistake. Using the wrong treatment may worsen your symptoms and make the itching and irritation last longer.

When should I see my healthcare provider?

Schedule a visit with your provider if you notice signs of vulvitis. Without treatment, vulvar inflammation can progress to an infection.

What can I expect if I have vulvitis?

Vulvitis is common, and many experience it at some point in their lives. Fortunately, it gets better with proper care and/or treatment from your provider. Most people notice their symptoms easing within a few weeks. To help prevent it from coming back, avoid harsh or scented products, wear breathable underwear, and keep the vulvar area clean and dry.