Vulvitis – is an inflammation of the vulva, that is, the outer part of the female genitalia. The reasons that can determine the onset of vulvitis are various. Given its anatomical position, the vulva can be involved in the inflammatory process originating from the genital tract, urinary tract and skin.
Among the predisposing factors for vulvitis are infections, allergic reactions, and traumatic injuries. . In addition, the mucous membrane of the vulva is particularly susceptible to irritation due to moisture and local heat. Among the predisposing factors for vulvitis are infections, allergic reactions, and traumatic injuries. In addition, the vulvar mucosa is particularly prone to irritation due to moisture and local heat.
The symptomatology of vulvitis is essentially represented by redness, itching, swelling, burning and soreness. Irritation of the vulva can be aggravated by sexual intercourse and the habit of excessive intimate hygiene. In addition, vulvitis often coexists in parallel with vaginitis, in which case we are dealing with vulvovaginitis.
Contingent of risk
Vulvit can affect women of any age. Girls who have not yet reached puberty and older women are even more prone to develop the disorder. After menopause, a marked decrease in estrogen levels causes a progressive thinning of the mucous membranes of the vulva and vagina. This phenomenon often provokes some inflammatory processes of the genital area.
Vulvitis in children
In childhood and adolescence, inflammation of the vulva is mainly determined by allergic reactions, contact dermatitis and infectious processes.
In newborns, vulvitis occurs due to the fact that the nappy in which the girl was for a long period of time is not replaced in time for the child. In older children, vulvitis is mainly due to exposure to an irritant, such as a detergent for linen or personal hygiene.
Pinworms, candida, , streptococci may be responsible for infectious vulvitis. Another common cause of vulvitis in children is sclerotic lichen. The disorder appears with skin cracks, plaques, excoriation, and itching around the anus and vulva. If vulvitis is not treated properly, it can go into the chronic phase, complicated by adhesions at the level of the vagina and urethra.
If vulvitis is not treated properly, it can go into the chronic phase, complicated by adhesions at the level of the vagina and urethra.
Diagnostics
Vulvit is diagnosed on the basis of signs that occur during the collection of anamnestic data and gynecological examination. On examination, discharge, cracks and vesicles can be detected. Microscopic examination of the discharge can provide information on the etiology of the disease.
How to treat vulvitis
In the case of a bacterial infection, therapy involves the use of antibiotics. In the presence of mycosis - antifungal drugs are used. For moderate symptoms, antiseptic and anti-inflammatory drugs can be prescribed. To relieve itching - – local corticosteroids.
