Vulval Irritation

“Sometimes there is a cycle of itch, scratch, skin tearing or splitting and then a secondary infection. Many women are embarrassed to discuss their problem and…”.1

Umbrella
What may the Vulval Irritation Umbrella include?

Depending on the Source (DotS) this Umbrella may include:

  • Genital Itch
  • Vestibulitis
  • Vestibulodynia
  • Vulva/Vulval/Vulvar Discomfort/Irritation/Pain
  • Vulva/Vulval/Vulvar Skin Conditions
  • Vulvar Itching
  • Vulval Vestibulitis
  • Vulvitis
  • Vulvovaginal Discomfort/Pain

Vulva

What is the vulva?

DotS the definition of the vulva may vary. The (Australian) Jean Hailes for Women’s Health’s (JH) definition is:

“Vulva is the general name given to the external parts of the female genitals”.2

Vulval Irritation

What is vulval irritation?

DotS the definition of vulval irritation may vary. In Vulva & Vaginal Irritation: Irritation the JH explain:

“The skin of the vulva is extremely delicate, making it vulnerable to a wide range of conditions.

Vulval irritation and vulvitis (inflammation) are common terms used to describe the irritation. Sometimes part of the vulva, or sometimes the entire vulva, has some of the following:

  • Redness
  • Swelling
  • Burning
  • Itching
  • Skin cracking or splitting (fissuring)
  • Whitening of skin (leukoplakia)
  • Associated vaginal inflammation or discharge”.3

Vulvitis

What is vulvitis?

DotS the definition of vulvitis may vary. In Vulvitis: What Is Vulvitis? the (United States) Cleveland Clinic’s definition is:

“Vulvitis is not a disease, but refers to the inflammation of the soft folds of skin on the outside of the female genitalia, the vulva”.4

Cause

What can cause vulval irritation?

In Vulva & Vaginal Irritation: Causes of Vaginal Irritation the JH note:

Vulval Irritation

“Vulval irritation can be caused by any of the following:

  • Sweating
  • Vaginal secretions
  • Skin conditions such as:
    • Dermatitis
    • Eczema
    • Lichen sclerosus (skin is often pale or whitish)
  • Fungal, bacterial or viral infections such as:
    • Candidiasis (thrush)
    • Trichomonas
    • Genital herpes
  • Some medications, preservatives and local anaesthetics
  • Tight clothing, pantyhose, G-strings
  • Allergies to substances such as:
    • Soaps, bath and hair products
    • Synthetic underwear
    • Feminine hygiene products
    • Perfumes
    • Laundry detergents
    • Scented or coloured toilet paper
    • Wax
    • Spermicides
    • Condoms
    • Lubricants used for intercourse
    • Douches (vaginal irrigation – this is never advised)”.5

Douching

What is douching?

DotS the definition of douching may vary. In Douching: What Is Douching? the Office on Women’s Health, United States Department of Health and Human Services, Womenshealth.gov’s definition is:

“The word “douche” means to wash or soak. Douching is washing or cleaning out the inside of the vagina with water or other mixtures of fluids. Most douches are sold in stores as prepackaged mixes of water and vinegar, baking soda, or iodine. The mixtures usually come in a bottle or bag. You squirt the douche upward through a tube or nozzle into your vagina. The water mixture then comes back out through your vagina”.6

Is douching different from washing the outside of your vagina during a bath or shower?

Yes. Womenshealth.gov explain:

Douching is different from washing the outside of your vagina during a bath or shower. Rinsing the outside of your vagina with warm water will not harm your vagina. But, douching can lead to many different health problems.

Most doctors recommend that women do not douche”.7

Vulval Clinics

Are there clinics specializing in vulval conditions?

DotC (Depending on the Country) there may be clinics specializing in vulval conditions with gynecologists, dermatologists, physiotherapists and other multidisciplinary staff.

These multidisciplinary clinics may be called:

  • Genito-Urinary Medicine Clinics
  • Multidisciplinary Vulva/Vulval/Vulvar Clinics
  • Vulva/Vulval/Vulvar Clinics
  • Vulvovaginal Clinics

Health Care Provider

What if I think I have vulval irritation?

If you think you have vulval irritation, it may be in your best interest to choose to talk to your health care provider about this. The JH encourage us to seek help and explain:

“Sometimes there is a cycle of itch, scratch, skin tearing or splitting and then a secondary infection. Many women are embarrassed to discuss their problem and symptoms can occur for many years before seeking help.

Rather than try to treat the problem yourself, it is important to see your doctor”.8

Health Topics A-Z

Where may I find Health Topics related to the Vulval Irritation?

In Health Topics A-Z you may find:

Health Topics A-Z

Where may I find Links related to Vulval Irritation?

Your Country may have Links similar to:

Links

This Links List to third party websites is neither comprehensive nor exhaustive. Inclusion on this Links List does not imply endorsement or recommendation. Non-inclusion on this Links List does not imply non-endorsement or non-recommendation. Third party websites are not under the control of Meno Martha International Menopause Directory. Third party websites may contain explicit medical images and/or sexual references. Please read Meno Martha International Menopause Directory’s Links Policy before proceeding to a Link. Please contact Webmaster if you experience a problem with a Link.

  1. Advice and Self-Help
  2. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
  3. Australian and New Zealand Vulvovaginal Society
  4. Being Positive About Sexual Wellbeing After Menopause
  5. British Society for the Study of Vulval Disease [BSSVD]
  6. British Society for the Study of Vulval Disease [BSSVD]: Clinic Map [United Kingdom]
  7. Candidiasis/Yeast Infection
  8. Caredownthere.com
  9. Causes of Vaginal Itching [+ Images]
  10. Changes In the Vagina and Vulva
  11. Check Your Vulva
  12. Disorders of the Vulva: Common Causes of Vulvar Pain, Burning, and Itching: FAQs
  13. Douching
  14. Essential Information: Caring for Your Skin Down There
  15. Essential Information: Latex Allergy
  16. Essential Information: See Your Doctor If
  17. Fact Sheets and Downloads: Additional Downloadable Resources – Vaginal Estrogen Therapy
  18. Further Help: Getting Help From Health Professionals
  19. Further Help: Other Helpful Sites
  20. Further Help: Reading and Resources
  21. General Good Advice
  22. Genital Care for Women
  23. Genital Herpes
  24. Genital Herpes
  25. Genital Itch In Women
  26. Glossary
  27. Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month [September, United States] Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month
  28. Gynecologic Cancers: Vaginal and Vulvar Cancers
  29. Gynecologic Cancers: What Is Gynecologic Cancer?
  30. How To Perform Vulval Self-Examination
  31. International Society for the Study of Vulvovaginal Disease: Resource Library – For Patients
  32. Lichen Sclerosus
  33. Lichensclerosis.org [Association for Lichen Sclerosus & Vulval Health]
  34. Lichensclerosis.org [Association for Lichen Sclerosus & Vulval Health]: Finding Doctors
  35. Medical Advice: Bacterial Vaginosis
  36. Medical Advice: Chronic Thrush (Also Known As Candida)
  37. Medical Advice: Lichen Planus
  38. Medical Advice: Lichen Sclerosus
  39. Medical Advice: Psoriasis
  40. Medical Advice: Treatment
  41. Medical Advice: Vulval Eczema
  42. Medical Advice: Vulval Pain
  43. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: How Safe Is This Product or Practice?
  44. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Menopausal Symptoms: In Depth
  45. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Natural Doesn’t Necessarily Mean Safer, or Better
  46. National Vulvodynia Association: For Patients: How NVA Can Help You
  47. National Vulvodynia Association: Patient Stories
  48. Pain In the Vulva or Pelvis
  49. Patient Information About Vulval Diseases
  50. Pelvic Exam
  51. Pelvicpain.org.uk [Pain Support Network, United Kingdom]
  52. Pelvicpain.org.uk [Pain Support Network, United Kingdom]: Resources and Clinics
  53. Pudendal Neuralgia Symptoms
  54. Pudendalhope.info [Health Organization for Pudendal Education]
  55. Related Topics
  56. Royal College of Obstetricians & Gynaecologists [United Kingdom]
  57. Vulval Irritation The Normal Vulva
  58. The Vulva: Irritation, Diagnosis & Treatment – Booklet
  59. Uklp.org.uk [Lichen Planus [United Kingdom]
  60. Urogenital Atrophy Explained – A British Menopause Society Video
  61. Urogenital Problems
  62. Vaco.co.uk [Vulva Awareness Campaign Organisation]
  63. Vaginal & Vulval Pain: Know the Different Causes and When To Seek Help
  64. Vaginal Dryness
  65. Vaginal Dryness
  66. Vaginal Dryness Alternative Treatments
  67. Vaginal and Vulvar Cancers
  68. Vaginitis
  69. Video Series-2019 – Talking To Your Clinician About Sexual Health Concerns
  70. Video Series-2020 – How To Talk To Your Primary Care Clinician About Your Overall Health
  71. Video Series-2020 – How To Talk To Your Primary Care Clinician About Your Overall Health
  72. Vulva & Vaginal Irritation
  73. Vulva & Vaginal Irritation: Management & Treatment [+ Video]
  74. Vulva [Image]
  75. Vulva and Vaginal Health: Getting the Right Advice
  76. Vulva, Vagina, Ovaries & Uterus
  77. Vulva, Vagina, Ovaries & Uterus
  78. Vulval Cancer
  79. Vulval Pain [+ Image]
  80. Vulvalpainsociety.org [Vulval Pain Society, United Kingdom]
  81. Vulvar Anatomy [+ Images]
  82. Vulvar Cancer
  83. Vulvar Cancer Vulvar Cancer
  84. Vulvar Cancer–Patient Version [+ Image]
  85. Vulvar Care
  86. Vulvar Disorders
  87. Vulvitis
  88. Vulvitis: Management & Treatment
  89. Vulvitis: Prevention
  90. Vulvodynia
  91. Vulvodynia: FAQs
  92. Vulvovaginal Health: FAQs
  93. Vulvovaginal Symptoms After Menopause
  94. Vulvovaginitis – Overview
  95. What’s Normal: What Is Normal Vulval & Vaginal Anatomy?
  96. Women Can Breathe Sigh of Relief When Using Vaginal Estrogen To Treat Menopause Symptoms
  97. Women – Do You Have Unexplained Genital Pain?
  98. Women’s Wellness: Signs and Symptoms of Vaginal Health Problems

Sources

Where may I find the Sources quoted?

You may find the Sources quoted at:

Sources

  1. Vulva & Vaginal Irritation: Diagnosis. Last Updated: 17 July 2020 | Last Reviewed 24 February 2014. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/vulva-vagina-ovaries-uterus/vulva-vaginal-irritation Accessed: 17 July 2020
  2. Vulva & Vaginal Irritation. Last Updated: 17 July 2020 | Last Reviewed 24 February 2014. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/vulva-vagina-ovaries-uterus/vulva-vaginal-irritation Accessed: 17 July 2020
  3. Vulva & Vaginal Irritation: Irritation. Last Updated: 17 July 2020 | Last Reviewed 24 February 2014. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/vulva-vagina-ovaries-uterus/vulva-vaginal-irritation Accessed: 17 July 2020
  4. Vulvitis: What Is Vulvitis? Last Reviewed By A Cleveland Clinic Medical Professional on: 15 March 2018. Cleveland Clinic https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15175-vulvitis Accessed: 17 July 2020
  5. Vulva & Vaginal Irritation: Causes of Vulval Irritation. Last Updated: 17 July 2020 | Last Reviewed 24 February 2014. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/vulva-vagina-ovaries-uterus/vulva-vaginal-irritation Accessed: 17 July 2020
  6. Douching: What Is Douching? Medical Review In 2014. Page Last Updated: 01 April 2019. Office on Women’s Health, United States Department of Health and Human Services, Womenshealth.gov https://www.womenshealth.gov/a-z-topics/douching Accessed: 17 July 2020
  7. Douching: What Is Douching? Medical Review In 2014. Page Last Updated: 01 April 2019. Office on Women’s Health, United States Department of Health and Human Services, Womenshealth.gov https://www.womenshealth.gov/a-z-topics/douching Accessed: 17 July 2020
  8. Vulva & Vaginal Irritation: Diagnosis. Last Updated: 17 July 2020 | Last Reviewed 24 February 2014. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/vulva-vagina-ovaries-uterus/vulva-vaginal-irritation Accessed: 17 July 2020

Topic Last Updated: 17 July 2020 – Topic Last Reviewed: 17 July 2020
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