Vulvitis is an inflammation of the vulva, the external female genitalia. This condition is common and typically treatable, often presenting with symptoms like itching, burning, and redness in the affected area. Understanding the triggers, immediate relief measures, and long-term habits is key to resolving this uncomfortable issue.
Identifying Common Causes of Vulvitis
Vulvitis inflammation is frequently a reaction to direct contact with irritating or allergenic substances. Triggers include many common household and personal care products. Scented soaps, bubble baths, body washes, and feminine hygiene sprays often contain chemical components that disrupt sensitive vulvar skin. Laundry detergents and fabric softeners, especially those with strong perfumes, can leave irritating residues on clothing.
Infections are another major cause, which can be fungal, bacterial, or parasitic. Common examples include yeast infections (caused by an overgrowth of Candida albicans) or bacterial vaginosis (resulting from an imbalance of naturally occurring bacteria). Parasites like pubic lice or scabies mites can also lead to inflammation and itching.
Physical factors also contribute by creating an environment conducive to irritation and infection. This includes friction from activities like cycling or horseback riding, which can abrade the skin. Tight-fitting clothing or synthetic undergarments trap heat and moisture, encouraging the growth of microorganisms and breaking down the skin barrier. Effective treatment relies on accurately identifying and eliminating the specific underlying cause.
Immediate Soothing and At-Home Care
For immediate relief from the burning and intense itching, adopt a gentle cleansing routine. Clean the vulva using only warm water or a mild, non-soap cleanser, as traditional soaps strip the skin’s natural protective oils. Avoid any form of internal cleansing, such as douching, which worsens inflammation and disrupts the body’s natural balance.
Applying a cool compress or an ice pack wrapped in a clean cloth to the inflamed area helps reduce swelling and numb discomfort. A sitz bath, where the hips and buttocks are soaked in a shallow basin of warm water, can also soothe the tissue. Adding a quarter cup of baking soda to the bathwater may provide temporary anti-itch relief.
To protect irritated skin from further friction and moisture, apply a thin layer of a protective barrier. Plain petroleum jelly or a zinc oxide ointment creates a physical shield over the vulva, helping to lock in moisture and promote healing. This barrier is particularly helpful in preventing irritation from urine or minor discharge.
Modifying clothing is an effective way to manage symptoms and allow the skin to breathe. Switching to loose-fitting clothes and wearing only white, 100% cotton underwear is recommended because cotton is a naturally breathable fabric. This choice helps decrease the accumulation of heat and moisture, reducing the environment where irritants and microbes thrive. The most important self-care action is the immediate elimination of all potential irritants, including scented products, feminine sprays, and harsh soaps.
Professional Diagnosis and Medical Treatments
If at-home care does not provide relief within a few days, or if symptoms rapidly worsen, consult a healthcare provider. Persistent or severe inflammation often indicates an underlying condition requiring specific medical intervention. A professional typically begins with a detailed medical history and a physical examination to look for signs like blisters, fissures, or unusual discharge.
To accurately determine the cause, the provider may perform diagnostic tests, such as swabbing the vulvar or vaginal discharge. This sample is examined to identify specific organisms, such as Candida for a yeast infection, or to assess the bacterial balance for conditions like bacterial vaginosis. Blood tests or tests for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) may also be ordered to rule out other potential causes.
Medical treatment is targeted specifically to the confirmed diagnosis. For cases caused by contact irritation or allergy, a healthcare provider may prescribe a short course of a topical corticosteroid cream. These anti-inflammatory creams rapidly calm the immune response in the skin, reducing redness, swelling, and itching.
If an infection is identified, the treatment will involve specific anti-infective medications. A fungal infection, such as a yeast infection, is treated with oral or topical antifungal medications. A bacterial infection, like bacterial vaginosis, requires oral or vaginal antibiotics to restore the normal microbial flora. When decreased estrogen levels are a factor (such as in post-menopausal individuals), a low-dose topical estrogen cream may be prescribed to help thicken and strengthen the vulvar tissue.
Strategies for Long-Term Prevention
Once the acute episode of vulvitis has resolved, maintaining new habits is necessary to prevent recurrence. A sustained adjustment involves choosing hypoallergenic and unscented laundry products for washing all clothing that contacts the vulva. This minimizes the risk of detergent residue triggering a future allergic reaction.
Consistently wearing loose, breathable cotton undergarments and changing out of wet swimwear or sweaty workout clothes immediately helps maintain a dry environment. Excessive moisture creates an ideal breeding ground for yeast and bacteria, destabilizing the skin’s protective barrier. Avoiding douching is equally important, as this action disrupts the delicate balance of the vaginal microbiome, making the area susceptible to infection and inflammation.