Vulvitis is inflammation of the vulva which is characterized by itching and burning in the female genital area. The vulva is a fold of skin located on the outermost part of the female sex organs, but is often mistaken for the layman as the vagina.
Vulvitis is generally not a serious condition and can be experienced by women of all ages. It can also occur as a sign of illness or other medical conditions, such as infection and irritation.
The vulva is different from the vagina. Vagina is a hole or channel that is located deeper and is located after the vulva. The vulva consists of 2 labia (lips) majora, 2 labia minora, and the clitoris.
Causes of Vulvitis
Vulvitis is quite common and is generally harmless. This inflammation of the vulva can be caused by a number of conditions, such as:
1. Infection
Any part of the genitals can be infected, including the vulva. The vulva can become infected with bacteria, viruses, or fungi. Some examples of infectious diseases that can occur in the vulva are genital herpes, genital warts, vulvovaginal candidiasis, scabies, and pubic lice infections.
2. Irritation
Some products used in the genital area, such as toilet paper, bath soap containing perfume, spermicide, or sex spray, can also cause irritation and cause inflammation of the vulva.
Irritation can also occur due to the use of underwear that is not made of cotton, or after certain activities, such as swimming in public facilities that contain chlorine, cycling, and horseback riding.
3. Skin disease
Skin diseases can also attack the vulva and cause vulvitis. Examples of such skin diseases are psoriasis,lichen sclerosus, and lichen planus,.
4. Low Estrogen
Vulvitis can occur due to low estrogen levels. This condition is generally experienced by girls who have not experienced puberty and women postmenopause. At that age, women tend to have low levels of the hormone estrogen, so the vulvar tissue becomes drier and thinner.
5. Vulvodynia
Suffering woman vulvodynia You will experience discomfort or pain, such as stinging or burning, in the vaginal and vulvar area. These complaints are long-term (chronic) and often occur without a clear cause.
6. Vulvar cancer
Vulvar cancer is a fairly rare condition. Generally, vulvar cancer attacks women aged over 60 years. Vulvar cancer can begin with lumps, sores, and inflammation of the vulva.
7. Use of drugs
Certain medications, such as hormone supplements and antianxiety medications, can cause vaginal dryness that can trigger vulvitis. Meanwhile, the use of antibiotics in the long term can increase the risk of infection in the vagina or vulva.
8. Vulva is not clean
The habit of not maintaining the cleanliness of the skin in the vulva and surrounding areas, such as not changing pads or underwear regularly, and leaving the vulva in humid conditions for too long without drying or wiping it, can also cause vulvitis.
Vulvitis Risk Factors
Vulvitis can occur in any woman at any age. However, the risk of developing vulvitis is higher in women who have the following conditions:
- Sensitive skin
- Diabetes
- Immunodeficiency disorders or a weak immune system
- Urinary incontinence
- Approaching menopause
- Adolescents who have not yet experienced puberty
- Certain diseases can cause itching (pruritus), such as liver disease or lymphoma
- Mental disorders
Symptoms of Vulvitis
Symptoms of vulvitis vary widely. Keep in mind that vulvitis can be a symptom or symptom of another medical condition. Symptoms that can appear when someone has vulvitis are:
- Very itchy feeling in the genitals
- vaginal discharge
- Burning and cracked skin around the vulva
- The vulvar skin is scaly and thickened
- Swelling and redness on the labia and vulva
- Fluid filled lumps (blister) on the vulva
When to go to the doctor
Check with your doctor if you experience any of the symptoms mentioned above. Keep in mind that these symptoms can be caused by diseases other than vulvitis. For this reason, it is advisable to consult a doctor to confirm the diagnosis.
Vulvitis Diagnosis
The diagnosis of vulvitis begins with asking questions regarding the symptoms or complaints experienced, as well as the patient's medical history.
Next, the doctor will examine the patient's pelvic and genital area, to look for signs that indicate vulvitis, such as red, swollen, fluid-filled lumps (blister), or sores, on the vulva. In addition, the doctor will also check for vaginal discharge as a sign of infection.
If needed, the doctor will also perform blood tests, urine tests, and PAP smear to detect more serious causes, such as inflammation, infection, or signs of cancer.
In some cases, a biopsy may be required. This examination is done by taking a sample of vulvar tissue to be examined under a microscope. Usually this examination is done if the vulvitis does not improve after treatment.
Vulvitis Treatment
Treatment of vulvitis depends on the underlying condition. The form of treatment will also be determined based on the patient's age, health condition, disease history, and the patient's body response to certain drugs or medical procedures.
Home remedies
Lifestyle changes are generally quite effective for treating vulvitis. Some treatments that can be done independently at home to relieve irritation and swelling caused by vulvitis are:
- Stop using products that can cause irritation, such as products that contain perfume
- Clean the female area with warm water and immediately wipe it so it doesn't get damp
- Using loose and cotton underwear
- Do not scratch the itchy part because it can aggravate irritation and can trigger infection
Hospital treatment
If your vulvitis is caused by an infection, your doctor will prescribe antibiotics or antifungals. If it's not caused by an infection, your doctor may prescribe a corticosteroid ointment to relieve inflammation and reduce itching. This ointment can be used several times a day.
In addition to corticosteroids, emollient creams and antihistamine tablets can also be used to reduce itching.
Doctors may also recommend the use of vaginal creams or tablets that contain the hormone estrogen, if vulvitis is caused by low levels of the hormone estrogen. For sufferers vulvodynia, local anesthetic cream and surgery can also be a form of treatment suggested by the doctor.
Complications of Vulvitis
Vulvitis that is not treated properly can lead to complications, such as:
- Sleep disturbances due to itching in the female sex organs at night
- Psychosexual disorders due to anxiety and other psychological disorders
Vulvitis Prevention
Vulvitis can be prevented by avoiding factors that can increase the risk of developing this condition, such as those mentioned above. Therefore, prevention of vulvitis depends on whether these factors can be prevented or not.
Even so, there are several steps that can be applied to help prevent vulvitis, namely:
- Keeps the vagina and vulva dry, clean, and cool, especially during menstruation and after defecation
- Clean and dry the area around the vagina and perianal (around the anus) gently, which is enough by gently patting it with a clean towel and not rubbing it roughly
- Use cotton underwear and avoid using clothes that have rough and tight basic materials
- Do not wash intimate organs with soap or solutions containing perfume
- Using laundry soap or fabric softener that is free of perfume and dyes
- Do not use spermicide-lubricated condoms
