Swollen Vulva - Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment

Introduction:

The vulva is the soft folds of skin outside the vagina. When this vulva gets inflamed, the condition is referred to as vulvitis. Vulvitis is not a disease but rather a symptom. When both the vulva and the vagina get inflamed, the condition is known as vulvovaginitis. It is a common condition that can affect women and girls of any age. Various factors can cause vulvovaginitis. This article will take you through useful information about vulvitis and vulvovaginitis, their causes, symptoms, and treatment.

What Is Vulvitis?

Vulvitis means inflammation of the soft folds of the skin outside the female genitalia. The skin of the vulva is highly susceptible to infection because of its moistness and warmth. There are various causes for vulvitis. It does not cause any long-term complications. Rather, it creates some discomfort. The symptoms can vary from woman to woman, depending on the severity of the infection.

What Are the Causes of Vulvitis?

Vulvitis is caused by a number of factors such as:

• Allergy to certain products:

• Using perfumed toilet paper.

• Use of harsh soaps or vaginal sprays.

• Wearing synthetic underwear or wearing a wet bathing suit for a prolonged period of time.

• Certain sanitary napkins.

• Topical creams or medications.

• Spermicides.

• Bubble bath.

• Swimming in chlorinated water.

• Bike or horse riding.

• Other causes such as:

• Yeast infection.

• Infestation with pubic lice.

• Diabetes.

• Skin conditions like eczema and contact dermatitis.

• Bacterial infections such as scabies.

• Viral infections such as herpes.

Who Is More Likely to Develop Vulvitis?

• Postmenopausal women - Postmenopause, the estrogen level drops, and the vulvar tissue becomes thinner and drier, making menopausal women more susceptible to vulvitis.

• People with diabetes are at higher risk of developing the infection as a high blood sugar level increases the susceptibility to infections.

• Female children who have not reached puberty (prepubescent girls) are also at risk of developing vulvitis as they do not have adult estrogen levels.

• Women with certain allergies or sensitivities.

What Symptoms Does Vulvitis Cause?

The symptoms of vulvitis manifest in the following ways. Some of the common symptoms include:

• Itching.

• Redness.

• Burning sensation.

• Swelling.

• Soreness.

• Vaginal discharge.

Symptoms of vulvitis on skin:

• Thickened or white patches.

• Fluid-filled blisters.

• Scaly appearance.

• Small cracks.

• Small blisters on the vulva.

How Is Vulvitis Diagnosed?

Doctors record the complete medical history and perform a physical and pelvic examination. To confirm the diagnosis, a few other tests are recommended. Some of which includes:

• Blood tests: Blood tests are performed to determine the underlying cause of the condition.

• Urine tests: Urine samples are collected for analysis to rule out the cause of the condition.

• Pap tests: Pap tests are done by collecting the cells from the cervix to determine the changes in the cells that can be linked to infection, inflammation, and cancer.

• Other tests for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).

How Is Vulvitis Treated

The treatment depends on factors such as:

• Age.

• The underlying cause for the disease.

• Type and severity of the symptoms.

• General health - if the person has any other medical condition.

The treatment includes:

• Avoid the irritants that are causing the infection.

• Apply Cortisone creams.

• You can also apply Estrogen creams.

• Sitz baths help to control the itchiness.

Vulvovaginitis:

Vulvovaginitis refers to the inflammation of the vagina and the vulva. Vulvovaginitis is a common condition seen in women of all ages. It has a number of causes. Some of the causes of vulvovaginitis include:

• Bacteria:

Among the different types of bacteria, Gardnerella is the most commonly seen bacteria in the vagina. When there is an extra growth of this bacteria, it can result in vulvovaginitis. Even streptococcus and staphylococcus are present, but they do not result or cause any infection.

• Yeast:

Candida albicans cause yeast infection resulting in genital itching and vaginal discharge.

• Viruses:

The viruses that generally cause vulvovaginitis are sexually transmitted. Some sexually transmitted viruses include herpes and human papillomavirus (HPV).

• Trichomoniasis.

• Poor hygiene.

• Certain chemicals such as soaps, sprays, perfumes, etc.

What Are the Common Signs And Symptoms of Vulvovaginitis?

• Genital itching.

• Irritation in the genital area.

• Strong-smelling vaginal discharge.

• Pain while urinating.

How Is Vulvovaginitis Diagnosed?

Vulvovaginitis is diagnosed by discussing the symptoms reported by the patient. A pelvic examination is performed to identify the cause of the infection. The doctor may also collect the sample of vaginal discharge for testing.

The doctor may also recommend a biopsy, but it happens only in rare cases.

How Is Vulvovaginitis Treated?

After the doctor diagnoses the underlying cause, the treatment is planned. Medications are suggested depending on the type of organism that is causing vulvovaginitis. Some of the commonly recommended medications include:

• Oral antibiotics.

• Antibiotic topical creams.

• Antibacterial creams.

• Antifungal creams.

• Oral antihistamines if an allergic reaction is a cause.

• Estrogen creams.

It varies according to the type of organism that is responsible for the infection.

Can Vulvitis And Vulvovaginitis Be Prevented?

Following a personal hygiene routine helps heal the infection and also prevents the infection from recurring.

• Wipe properly after using the toilet from front to back.

• Wear loose and cotton underwear to allow free air circulation and to reduce moisture in the area.

• Or you can also remove underwear at bedtime.

• Avoid using bubble baths, perfumed soaps, and washing powders.

• Use emollients on the toilet paper to help avoid irritation.

Conclusion:

In most cases, vulvovaginitis heals better when adequately treated. A personal hygiene routine also helps better healing of the infections, and it also prevents them from recurring. Children can also develop vulvovaginitis. So it is important to teach and educate the children about proper bathroom hygiene. Adopting a healthy lifestyle that includes a healthy diet helps prevent this condition from recurring. You need to contact your doctor if your condition is not improving within a week.