Vulvitis

Vulvitis Treatment

Self-care options may be initiated if no vaginal discharge is present. These include discontinuing the use of any potential irritants, and following the recommendations for preventing vulvitis (see Prevention section). An over-the-counter cortisone cream may be used 2 or 3 times a day on the affected area for up to 1 week. If these measures do not alleviate symptoms, see your physician.

If discharge from a vaginal infection is the cause of vulvitis, the source of the vaginal infection should be treated and concurrent topical cortisone cream may be used to decrease vulvar itching.

Note: If the infection is transmitted sexually, it is very important that your partner(s) receive treatment also, even if there are no symptoms. Many organisms can be harbored without producing symptoms. Failure of the partner(s) to accept treatment can cause continual reinfection that may eventually lead to more extensive problems, possibly limiting future reproductive capacity and affecting overall health.

If treatment of vulvitis is not very effective, further evaluation may include biopsy of the skin to rule out the potential of vulvar dystrophy (a chronic vulvar skin condition) or vulvar dysplasia, a precancerous condition. A biopsy may also be necessary if any skin lesions are present.