Especially women, who have experienced itching, swelling, and other discomforts in your sex organs? Beware, it may be symptoms of vulvitis. Vulvitis is not a disease, this condition is a symptom of a disease that affects a woman's sex organs.
Vulvitis is an infection or inflammation that occurs in the female external sex organs called the vulva. The vulva itself includes the labia, clitoris, and entrance (vestibulum) to the vagina. Because moist, the vulva skin is very susceptible to irritation. And irritation can be caused by infection, allergic reactions, or injury. Women of all ages can experience vulvitis. Girls who have not reached puberty or postmenopausal women have a higher risk of developing vulvitis. Lower estrogen levels can make them more susceptible to this condition due to thinner vulva drying tissue.
Recognize the Causes of Vulvitis
Vulvitis can be caused by many factors, including:
- Fungal, bacterial, viral infections such as genital herpes, genital warts due to HPV (Human Papillomavirus), or lice such as scabies or pubic lice.
- Sexually transmitted disease.
- Having certain skin conditions, such as eczema or dermatitis.
- Low estrogen levels.
- Suffered from vulva cancer.
- Use colored toilet paper or an air freshener.
- Irritant reaction to soap used to clean your intimate area.
- Procedure for cleaning or vaginal douching.
- Irritation by pool water containing chlorine.
- An allergic reaction to spermicides and sanitary napkins.
- Wear synthetic underwear that does not use cotton on the crotch.
- Wear a wet swimsuit for a long time
- Frequent biking or riding horses
Symptoms of vulvitis can vary according to the cause, but generally include:
- Painful sensation in the vulva area.
- Pain during intercourse and urination.
- Severe and persistent itching.
- Leucorrhoea
- There is a small broken skin on the vulva skin.
- Redness and swelling of the vulva and labia (vaginal lips).
- Blister vulva.
- White patches on the vulva
In vulvitis due to fungal infections, symptoms can be severe itching and vaginal discharge with thick yellowish white mucus like cheese, whereas bacterial infections can cause pain or itching of the genitals accompanied by grayish-white discharge that smells fishy. Viral infections such as herpes can cause pain due to sores and blisters appear on the genitals filled with fluid.
To determine the diagnosis, you need to consult a doctor. The doctor will trace the history of illness and complaints, physical examination to see if there is inflammation, sores, or blisters in the vagina, see the type of vaginal discharge and take vaginal fluid samples for further examination if needed. The doctor may also do a urine test to assess whether there is a urinary tract infection. Sometimes the doctor will do a biopsy or IVA if there is suspected vulva or cervical cancer.
Vulvitis Treatments You Need To Know
There are various ways to deal with the symptoms of vulvitis, both medical drugs and natural methods, including:
- Stop using products that cause irritation or allergies
- Use cotton underwear that is comfortable and not too tight
- Your doctor may also prescribe cortisone ointment in an area affected by irritation several times a day. This can help reduce irritation and itching.
- The use of topical estrogen creams can also overcome the itching and other symptoms of vulvitis.
- Antifungal creams such as butoconazole, clotrimazole, miconazole, and diconazole. Oral antifungal agents for vaginal fungus and vulvitis include fluconazole.
- Antivirals such as acyclovir if vulvitis is caused by genital herpes.
- Antibiotics to treat bacterial infections.
- If itching is very severe, then your doctor may recommend that you take antihistamine tablets to reduce itching. But this type of drug can cause drowsiness and increase blood pressure. You should consult if you have a history of high blood pressure before.
- If the cause of your vulvitis is low estrogen levels, giving vaginal tablets containing the hormone estrogen can be a solution that helps to overcome vulvitis.
Basically, the treatment of vulvitis is tailored to the underlying cause or condition. In addition to treatment, you also need to maintain your female area so that it is always clean, dry, and avoid using cleaning products for the female area or douching because it can upset the balance of good bacteria in the vagina.
There are many different conditions that can affect the vulva, from minor infections to skin diseases and even cancer. This can cause very different symptoms, including itching, bleeding, rashes, or lumps. It is important for you to recognize the symptoms that arise around the vulva. Symptoms of vulvitis can also be a sign of abnormalities or other diseases of the genitals. If you experience these symptoms, immediately consult a doctor to conduct an examination and to get a more appropriate treatment.
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