Vulvitis: first symptoms, causes and treatment
Vulvitis is a relatively harmless, but still unpleasant and very common disease of the genital organs, which is characterized by inflammation of the vaginal mucosa. Many women do not pay enough attention to the first symptoms, attributing everything to hypothermia. However, it is not worth delaying treatment, except for discomfort and discomfort, you can "earn" chronic vulvitis, which is somewhat more difficult to eliminate, and the treatment is less gentle.
Causes of vulvitis
Some experts associate the development of vulvitis with the manifestation of other diseases of the genital organs, for example, vaginitis or herpes, but according to statistics, the cause is most often a change in the bacterial flora of the vagina.
This pathology is most common among women undergoing strong hormonal changes, and these are women during menopause, teenage girls and newborn children. This is associated with the level of female sex hormones - estrogens, under the influence of which lactic acid is formed in the vaginal mucosa and allows maintaining a suitable acidic environment in which many pathogenic bacteria simply cannot live.
When these processes slow down, the body's defenses are also weakened, the immune system cannot cope with the attack of numerous viruses and infections. The situation is aggravated by an improper lifestyle, alcohol abuse, high humidity in combination with high temperature, overweight (presence of folds), sweating and increased sensitive skin.
Other causes of vulvitis:
- genital infections and fungi;
- taking antibiotics or hormonal drugs that adversely affect the immune system and intestinal microflora - as a result of this, dysbiosis develops, which manifests itself, among other things, with vaginitis;
- anal sex;
- diabetes;
- blood diseases;
- other inflammatory processes of the genital organs, for example, endometritis;
- neoplasms, malignant and benign;
- diseases of the urethra;
- allergy to cosmetics and "chemistry";
- the presence of parasites in the body;
- dermatological diseases (psoriasis, eczema);
- tight synthetic underwear;
- abrasions, scratches and scratches;
- frequent douching.
Vulvitis symptoms
Experts distinguish between three main types of vulvitis:
- Primary vulvitis mainly occurs in young girls and girls due to microtraumas of the delicate mucous membrane of the vagina due to wearing uncomfortable underwear. The situation is aggravated by insufficient measures to maintain the purity of the genitals, therefore it is necessary to regularly wash yourself using decoctions of herbs with an antiseptic effect, for example, chamomile.
- Secondary or candidal vulvitis occurs in women of more mature age, a bacterial infection or fungus becomes its causative agent.
- Vulvitis in children is a consequence of the development of an infectious disease, so parents should carefully monitor the cleanliness of their child's hands and genitals.
The main signs of the development of vulvitis:
- itching and burning in the genital area, swelling, redness;
- pulling pains in the groin area, especially felt when urinating;
- various discharge - curdled, bloody, purulent, watery, depending on the causative agent of the disease;
- one of the types of complications is the fusion of the labia;
- minor erosion of the external genital organs;
- high temperature;
- general malaise.
Like most pathologies, vulvitis has two forms of the course of the disease. In acute, all symptoms are pronounced, there is severe redness, swelling of the labia and clitoris, purulent discharge with a pungent odor. In the chronic form, all signs of the disease are somewhat blurred. The woman experiences constant discomfort, itching, discomfort when washing. For a while, the symptoms subside, but reappear against the background of taking antibiotics or weakening the immune system. 
Vulvitis treatment
Treatment of vulvitis is a complex therapy, including the use of antimicrobial and restorative drugs, as well as the elimination of concomitant pathologies.
- Drugs that fight pathogenic microflora, antifungal drugs and broad-spectrum antibiotics (Sumamed, Erythromycin).
- Tablets and injections aimed at strengthening the body's defenses and increasing immunity (Cycloferon).
- Antiallergic drugs (Suprastin, Tavegil).
- Therapy aimed at restoring the intestinal microflora (Bifidumbacterin, Hilak-Forte).
- Special baths and douching to relieve irritation and eliminate bacterial flora.
- Ointments and suppositories to destroy the viral pathogen (Pimafucin, Nystatitis).
- Hormonal agents.
- Anesthetic creams and ointments.
Vulvitis in a child
Vulvitis is a fairly common occurrence in pediatrics, even in newborn babies. It happens that the baby does not have time to be born, as itching and burning sensation in the vagina begins to bother her, the child becomes whiny and restless. The thing is that in infants the flora is not yet inhabited by lactobacilli and inflammation occurs with any negative impact.
One of the reasons for the development of the disease is considered to be insufficient adherence to the rules of hygiene - the remains of feces and other impurities fall on the delicate mucous membrane of the vagina, thereby irritating it and causing inflammation. The causative agent of the disease can also be an allergy to chemical cleansers, powders that contain aggressive dyes and fragrances. 
A factor provoking the development of vulvitis can also be: diseases of the thyroid gland, acute respiratory infections, weakened immunity, intestinal parasites and infectious pathologies.
It is quite difficult to diagnose the disease on her own, because the girl will not always be able to tell about the symptoms that bother her, and they are often itching, burning, discomfort in the groin area (aggravated by urinating and walking), a little later, as a rule, fever, weakness are added, discharge. Externally, the labia look reddened, swollen.
If you notice the characteristic signs of vulvitis in your child, immediately consult a doctor and start treatment, because a common complication is the splicing of the labia minora.
