Vulval Irritation

“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…”.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: Overview – 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. The irritation can be caused by infection, allergic reaction, or injury. The skin of the vulva is especially susceptible to irritation due to its moistness and warmth”.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 Gynecologist: Your Guide To Women’s Health Straight From the Experts
  3. British Society for the Study of Vulval Disease [BSSVD]
  4. British Society for the Study of Vulval Disease [BSSVD]: Clinic Map [United Kingdom]
  5. Candidiasis/Yeast Infection
  6. Caredownthere.com
  7. Causes of Vaginal Itching [+ Images]
  8. Changes In the Vagina and Vulva
  9. Disorders of the Vulva: Common Causes of Vulvar Pain, Burning, and Itching
  10. Douching
  11. Essential Information: Caring for Your Skin Down There
  12. Essential Information: Latex Allergy
  13. Essential Information: See Your Doctor If
  14. Fact Sheets and Downloads: Additional Downloadable Resources – Vaginal Estrogen Therapy
  15. Further Help: Getting Help From Health Professionals
  16. Further Help: Other Helpful Sites
  17. Further Help: Reading and Resources
  18. General Good Advice
  19. Genital Care for Women
  20. Genital Herpes
  21. Genital Herpes
  22. Genital Itch In Women
  23. Glossary
  24. Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month [September, United States]
  25. Gynecologic Cancers: Vaginal and Vulvar Cancers
  26. Gynecologic Cancers: What Is Gynecologic Cancer?
  27. How Do I Deal With Vaginal Atrophy? — Ask Dr Jean
  28. How To Perform Vulval Self-Examination
  29. International Society for the Study of Vulvovaginal Disease: Resource Library – For Patients
  30. International Society for the Study of Women’s Sexual Health
  31. International Society for the Study of Women’s Sexual Health: Find A Provider
  32. Lichen Sclerosus
  33. Managing Common Vulvar Skin Conditions
  34. Medical Advice: Bacterial Vaginosis
  35. Medical Advice: Chronic Thrush (Also Known As Candida)
  36. Medical Advice: Lichen Planus
  37. Medical Advice: Lichen Sclerosus
  38. Medical Advice: Psoriasis
  39. Medical Advice: Treatment
  40. Medical Advice: Vulval Eczema
  41. Medical Advice: Vulval Pain
  42. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: How Safe Is This Product or Practice?
  43. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Menopausal Symptoms: In Depth
  44. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Natural Doesn’t Necessarily Mean Safer, or Better
  45. National Vulvodynia Association: For Patients: How NVA Can Help You
  46. National Vulvodynia Association: Patient Stories
  47. Pain In the Vulva or Pelvis
  48. Patty Brisben Foundation for Women’s Sexual Health
  49. Vulvovaginal Pain Disorders Patty Brisben Foundation for Women’s Sexual Health: Guide To Sexual Health Providers
  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. Vulval Irritation Royal College of Obstetricians & Gynaecologists [United Kingdom]
  57. 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-2021 – Common Issues Surrounding Sexuality and Menopause
  70. Video Series-2021 – Treatment Options for Vaginal Dryness and Urinary Issues
  71. Video Series-2021 – What Women Need To Know About Hormone Therapies
  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. Vulvar Cancer Vulval Pain
  80. Vulvalpainsociety.org [Vulval Pain Society, United Kingdom]
  81. Vulvar Anatomy [+ Images]
  82. Vulvar Cancer
  83. Vulvar Cancer
  84. Vulvar Cancer–Patient Version [+ Image]
  85. Vulvar Care
  86. Vulvar Disorders
  87. Vulvovaginal Pain Log Vulvitis
  88. Vulvitis: Management & Treatment
  89. Vulvitis: Prevention
  90. Vulvodynia
  91. Vulvodynia
  92. Vulvovaginal Health
  93. Vulvovagnal Pain Log
  94. Vulvovaginal Symptoms After Menopause
  95. Vulvovaginitis – Overview
  96. Webinars: Other Webinars – VVA – The Silent Epidemic [Vulvovaginal Atrophy]
  97. What’s Normal: What Is Normal Vulval & Vaginal Anatomy?
  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: Irritation. Last Updated: 12 January 2021 | 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: 22 April 2021
  2. Vulva & Vaginal Irritation. Last Updated: 12 January 2021 | 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: 22 April 2021
  3. Vulva & Vaginal Irritation: Irritation. Last Updated: 12 January 2021 | 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: 22 April 2021
  4. Vulvitis: Overview – 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: 22 April 2021
  5. Vulva & Vaginal Irritation: Causes of Vulval Irritation. Last Updated: 12 January 2021 | 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: 22 April 2021
  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: 22 April 2021
  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: 22 April 2021
  8. Vulva & Vaginal Irritation: Diagnosis. Last Updated: 12 January 2021 | 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: 22 April 2021

Topic Last Updated: 22 April 2021 – Topic Last Reviewed: 22 April 2021
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