Sexual Health Reproductive Health Issues Vaginal Health Vulvitis Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention By Tracee Cornforth linkedin Tracee Cornforth is a freelance writer who covers menstruation, menstrual disorders, and other women's health issues. Learn about our editorial process Tracee Cornforth Medically reviewed by Medically reviewed by Anita Sadaty, MD on January 19, 2020 facebook twitter linkedin instagram Anita Sadaty, MD, is a board-certified obstetrician-gynecologist at North Shore University Hospital and founder of Redefining Health Medical. Learn about our Medical Review Board Anita Sadaty, MD Updated on August 23, 2020 Print Table of Contents View All Table of Contents Symptoms Causes and Risk Factors Diagnosis Treatment Prevention A Word From Verywell Vulvitis is irritation or inflammation of the vulva, the skin right outside the vagina. It can be caused by dryness, skin abrasion, an allergy, infection, or injury. Usually, vulvitis is not serious, though it may cause persistent discomfort or pain. Sometimes, vulvitis is a symptom of an underlying condition that requires treatment, such as a sexually transmitted infection or a fungal infection. If you have persistent irritation for several days, you should see your doctor. Treatment depends on the cause of your vulvitis. Cavan Images / Getty Images Symptoms The symptoms of vulvitis vary depending on the cause and how long it has been affecting you. Common symptoms include: Itching Redness Swelling Soreness Pain with sex Increased sensitivity when wiping with toilet paper Some infections or allergies that cause vulvitis produce other symptoms as well, including: Thickened or whitish patches Fluid-filled, clear blisters that break open and form a crust Scaly appearance Bumps or warts Vaginal discharge Causes and Risk Factors Vulvitis can be caused by anything that irritates the vulva. The most common causes of vulvitis include: Infections: Vaginal infections, such as vaginitis, genital herpes, and yeast infections, often cause vulvitis. Irritants: Products made with irritating materials or that contain added dyes or perfumes can cause vulvitis without an infection. For example, soaps, powders, sanitary napkins, underwear, pantyhose, and massage oils can all irritate the skin or cause an allergic reaction. Medication: Some medications, such as hormone supplements and anti-anxiety medicines can cause vaginal dryness, increasing susceptibility to vulvitis. Oral or intravenous antibiotics increase the risk of a vaginal or vulvar fungal infection, which can cause vulvitis. Vaginal douches: Douches change the fluid in and around the vulva, and can cause dryness and irritation. They also alter the normal bacteria of the vaginal area, potentially causing a vulvar infection. Hygiene habits: Not changing a pad or underwear, prolonged moisture around the vulva, and not wiping or drying properly can all lead to vulvitis. Any person with a vulva can develop vulvitis, but those who are allergy-prone or have sensitive skin may be particularly at risk. People who have diabetes also have an increased risk of developing vulvitis because high blood sugar content increases susceptibility to infections. If you are perimenopausal or have gone through menopause you are susceptible because decreased amounts of estrogen associated with these transitions make the vulva thinner, less lubricated, and more delicate. Similarly, female children who have not yet reached puberty are also at risk because they don't make adult levels of estrogen yet. Diagnosis You may already suspect the cause of your vulvitis; perhaps symptoms started after you switched laundry detergents, for example. But sometimes, the cause may not be obvious. Either way, getting a doctor to weigh in is a good idea. Your doctor can usually diagnose vulvitis with a pelvic examination. Several diagnostic tools, such as urinalysis, testing for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), and Pap smears, can help your doctor diagnose the cause of vulvitis if you haven't used a product that directly irritated your skin. Treatments The underlying cause of your vulvitis will dictate the treatment. Your doctor's recommendations may involve these self-care strategies to reduce irritation and inflammation: Discontinue the use of soaps, lotions, bubble bath, and other products that cause or aggravate your vulvitis. Try not to scratch because this can lead to further irritation, as well as cause bleeding or an infection. Wash the area only once daily with warm water. Over-washing can lead to further irritation. These may be used alone or in conjunction with medication: Low-dose hydrocortisone creams may be prescribed for an allergic reaction. Anti-fungal creams or antibacterial creams may be needed for an infection. Topical estrogen may relieve inflammation and symptoms for people who are post-menopause. While they won't resolve the condition, other strategies may be used to ease the discomfort you're experiencing as your vulvitis is addressed: Taking warm baths, or using a sitz bath Applying hot boric acid compresses Applying calamine lotion (external areas only) Using a hypoallergenic lubricant, particularly before sex Prevention As a general rule, keep your vaginal and vulvar area clean, dry, and cool, especially during menstrual periods and after bowel movements. Be sure to gently cleanse the vaginal and perianal areas, and avoid rubbing with washcloths or towels. Other ways to prevent vulvitis include: Wearing white cotton underpants Avoiding excessively tight pants, pantyhose, or any clothes that are abrasive to the vulvar area or that don't allow for adequate air circulation Opting for unscented, white toilet paper and fragrance-free feminine products Using fragrance- and dye-free laundry detergent; passing on using fabric softener when washing underwear Avoiding vaginal sprays and powders Changing out of wet clothing promptly, such as after a swim or vigorous exercise Always using condoms during sexual activities to reduce your risk of vulvitis, STDs, and other vaginal infections (unless you're in a long-term, monogamous relationship) A Word From Verywell Vulvitis is fairly common and usually resolves without complications. Lifestyle adjustments are typically effective unless it is caused by an infection, a medical condition, or a medication. Be sure to listen to your body and don't ignore itching, tenderness, or discomfort of the vulvar area. Vulvitis typically does not go away on its own. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Sign up for our Health Tip of the Day newsletter, and receive daily tips that will help you live your healthiest life. Sign Up You're in! Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. There was an error. Please try again. What are your concerns? Other Inaccurate Hard to Understand Submit Article Sources Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Cleveland Clinic. Vulvitis. Updated March 15, 2018. Johns Hopkins Medicine. Vulvitis. Cleveland Clinic. Vulvitis: Diagnosis and tests. Updated March 15, 2018. Cleveland Clinic. Vulvitis: Prevention. Updated March 15, 2018.