Vulvitis | Symptoms & Causes
What are the symptoms of vulvitis?
The experience of vulvitis can differ from woman to woman. Possible symptoms include:
- Redness and swelling of the labia and skin surrounding the vagina
- Excruciating itching or burning
- Clear, fluid-filled blisters
- Sore, scaly, thickened, or whitish patches (more common in chronic vulvitis)
What causes vulvitis?
The irritation of vulvitis can have many causes:
- Allergies or sensitivities to perfumes, soaps, toilet paper, vaginal sprays, laundry detergent, or body washes
- Long-term inflammatory skin conditions, such as dermatitis, seborrhea, or eczema
- Fungal or bacterial infections, scabies, or pubic lice
- Spermicides
- Douches that are too strong or used too frequently
- Hot tub and swimming pool water
- Synthetic undergarments without a cotton crotch
- Rubbing against a bicycle seat
- Wearing a wet bathing suit for a long period of time
- Horseback riding
Vulvitis | Diagnosis & Treatments
How is vulvitis diagnosed?
A physician will do a pelvic exam and may recommend these tests to detect an infection or underlying condition:
- Blood tests
- Urinalysis
- Tests for sexually transmitted diseases
How is vulvitis treated?
Your daughter's specific treatment depends on the cause and severity of her vulvitis.
- She may be advised to avoid external irritants.
- She may use Sitz baths or hydrocortisone cream to help soothe itching.
- When the cause of the vulvitis is identified and treated, the itching may subside within a couple weeks.
How we care for vulvitis
At Boston Children's Hospital. the Division of Gynecology team can help a young woman determine the cause of her vulvitis, help with treatment, and also provide testing to rule out other serious conditions that could be causing the irritation.
