Vulvitis is irritation and inflammation of the vulva. It can be caused by perfumes or detergents, or by an infection which can be transmitted during sexual intercourse. A common cause of vulvitis is thrush.
Symptoms of vulvitis include vaginal itching and soreness, abnormal vaginal discharge, and thickening of the vulval skin.
Effective treatment can only be prescribed once the exact cause
has been established. If no infection is found, the use of all perfumed products should be stopped, as they may be the cause of the irritation. If condoms are the cause, the individual should not stop using them but should switch to a brand specifically designed
for sensitive skin, and avoid brands containing the spermicide nonoxynol-9.
Vulvitis can be prevented by avoiding sexual or intimate contact with anybody suffering from a genital infection, and avoiding the use of highly perfumed products on the genital area.
