Treatment of vulvitis in women. Vulvitis in women. Symptoms and treatment. Suppositories, ointments, folk remedies, antibiotics. Use of local drugs

Vulvitis in women is an inflammatory process affecting the external genitalia, called the vulva. This area includes the clitoris, labia (both major and minor), pubis, and the entire hymen (in girls). In addition, the vulva includes the vagina itself, the glands contained in it, and the formation that covers the urinary canal and is located in the labia (bulb).

This disease has an acute and chronic course. If a woman begins to feel the first symptoms of acute vulvitis, then it should be treated immediately so that it does not become chronic.

Causes of the disease

The factors that cause vulvitis are such natural causes as the presence of constant high humidity combined with the high temperature in which the external genital organs are located. In addition, the presence of vulvar folds and increased tissue sensitivity lead to the development of the disease.

The main reasons that cause vulvitis:

• infections (streptococci, various fungi, as well as gonococci, chlamydia and various viruses);
• oral sex;
• long-term use of antibiotics, drugs containing hormones, as well as drugs that suppress the functions of the immune system (immunity will decrease and inflammation of the genital organs may develop). The above agents kill normal microflora and cause dysbacteriosis. It can manifest itself as sexual intercourse;
• other diseases, which include leukemia;
• malignant tumors that arise in the female genital organs;
• other inflammatory diseases - pyosalpinx, or;
• inflammatory processes in the urethra;
• formation of fistulas between the vagina and bladder;
• presence of helminths (worms);
• allergies to various substances that are part of perfumes or cosmetics, toilet paper, soap, deodorants;
• poor adherence to personal hygiene rules (especially for women who are overweight and prone to diaper rash). With insufficient care, inflammation occurs on the external genital organs, which can also spread to the internal genital organs;
• factors of mechanical, chemical type (masturbation, douching with aggressive substances);
• prolonged exposure to damp conditions (bathing).

Vaginitis and vulvitis tend to develop during the period when the female body contains a large amount of the hormone estrogen - in childhood, adolescence or postmenopause. Vulvitis also often develops during pregnancy, which requires close attention from a specialist and special treatment. Only a good specialist should treat him, and all the drugs he will prescribe should not harm the health of the unborn child.

Symptoms

Acute vulvitis characterized by the following symptoms:

• the presence of redness in the vulva area;
• swelling of the labia (major or minor);
• painful sensations that become stronger during walking, urination or sexual intercourse;
• itching and burning sensations in the genital area;
• the presence of bubbles that contain liquid. After some time, they open and then become crusty;
• the presence of plaque, ulcerative formations, plaques (these symptoms are characteristic of a chronic course);
• in some cases – fever and general malaise.

Chronic vulvitis tends to manifest itself in the form of itching in the genitals. Often this disease develops in women with diabetes. If the patient experiences a symptom such as itching, do not aggravate the situation and scratch the genitals, as this can cause tissue infection.

Before contacting a specialist, you should take a warm bath, into which you can pour a decoction of chamomile, calendula or string flowers. It is also worth knowing that you should wipe your vulva carefully, moving from front to back, but not vice versa. The genitals should always be clean and dry. The first symptoms of the disease should be a signal to contact a gynecologist, because it will be more difficult to treat acute vulvitis, which in the future may spread to the vagina and internal genital organs.

Types of disease

The causes of the development of the disease divide the pathology into two types:

• primary type vulvitis– manifests itself in childhood or adolescence against the background of propensities for other diseases;
• secondary type vulvitis– manifests itself when a woman is of reproductive age and has other diseases.

According to the clinical course of the disease, it can be divided into:

• acute vulvitis. This disease has more pronounced symptoms;
• chronic vulvitis. Symptoms are less noticeable. If the disease is not treated, complications will begin to develop in the form of ulcers (ulcerative vulvitis).

Diagnosis of the disease

Vulvitis is easy to diagnose, but the main thing is to start treating it correctly. Usually the reason for visiting a doctor is one or more symptoms of the disease. For example, itching or burning. The doctor, after reviewing the history of life and illnesses, will conclude that there are other diseases that could cause inflammation of the external genitalia. The gynecologist, whom a woman needs to contact in such cases, will carry out a number of necessary diagnostic procedures in order to begin treating inflammation based on the data obtained.

Manipulations performed by a gynecologist:

• examine organs using a magnifying glass. This will allow him to identify areas of inflammation and identify bubbles with liquid;
• will conduct an examination (vaginal, rectal or bimanual);
• will take a smear for cytological examination. It can detect whether there are malignant cells on the external genitalia. The analysis will also identify the causative agent of the disease;
• perform vulvoscopy if necessary;
• will prescribe a stool test to detect helminths.

Treatment of the disease

Treatment of vulvitis consists of eliminating the cause that causes the symptoms of the disease. If a woman has an acute stage of the disease, the gynecologist will recommend that she abstain from sexual activity and undergo treatment in bed. The disease can be treated with special medications that restore the microflora of the genital organs. In addition, the doctor will prescribe the patient to take baths that contain herbal decoctions, as well as solutions of chlorhexidine, potassium permanganate and other medications.

Treatment of vulvitis requires the use of antibacterial drugs (creams, ointments), which are applied to the external genital area and also introduced into the internal organs (vagina). To completely cure a disease means to rid the patient of all unpleasant symptoms. It will be possible to say that a woman is completely healthy only after taking a second smear, in which no pathogens will be detected.

Often, women after menopause develop atrophic vulvitis. This disease is usually diagnosed at an appointment with a gynecologist. In some cases, the woman does not even make any complaints. Treatment of this disease should only be comprehensive - taking vitamins, baths with medicinal herbs, as well as treating the external genitalia with creams and ointments.

Treatment of vulvitis is also carried out with the help of vitamins (group E, C, A). Allergic vulvitis is treated using special antiallergic drugs. Also, in order to properly treat the disease, you need to eliminate allergens. For example, replace intimate hygiene products, soap and other cosmetics. If a woman has been diagnosed with allergic vulvitis, then she needs to choose hypoallergenic hygiene products. It is completely possible to cure this disease both in adolescence and postmenopausal age.

Prevention of the disease

Allergic vulvitis or another type of it can be prevented by following the rules of personal hygiene and also leading a safe sex life. You also need to avoid those factors that are fundamental to this disease. If a woman notices symptoms of vulvitis or vaginitis, she should immediately consult a qualified doctor and undergo adequate treatment.

The term “vulvitis” refers to inflammation of the vulva - the external female genital organs. The main symptoms that make you seek help from a gynecologist are severe itching and discharge of various types. After the first signs of the disease appear, it is necessary to immediately diagnose and begin treatment. Vulvitis in women with an advanced course will lead to the spread of the process in an ascending way to all genital organs. When the vulva and vagina are affected, they speak of the development of vulvovaginitis (colpitis).

Causes and symptoms

In gynecology, there are several forms of vulvitis and vulvovaginitis:

• infectious (caused by fungi and bacteria);
• allergic;
• atrophic (against the background of hormonal changes during menopause).

The type of vulvitis will determine treatment tactics and the choice of medications. Vulvitis during pregnancy deserves special attention. The use of medications during this period is limited due to the high risk of negative consequences for the fetus.

Symptoms:

• hyperemia (redness) and swelling of the skin of the external genitalia in the area of ​​the labia minora and majora, clitoris;
• itching, burning and pain in the vulva;
• pathological discharge;
• plaque on the labia.

In the acute stage, the symptoms will be most pronounced, in the subacute stage they will be smoothed out. In a chronic course, there may be a complete absence of symptoms. If the first signs of vulvitis occur, you should consult a doctor as soon as possible.

Treatment of vulvitis

There are drugs for the treatment of vulvitis in women with local and general use. Traditional medicine is prescribed as additional care. In the acute stage, physical rest and abstinence from sexual activity are important. This is a necessary condition for the patient to avoid mechanical damage to the inflamed vulva.

Upon examination, acute and chronic vulvitis do not differ, and in the photo, women can see pronounced swelling of the labia, redness, and discharge. A long-term disease with periods of exacerbation has the same symptoms. It is distinguished by their lesser severity.

Means for local treatment of vulvitis

Ointments, suppositories or creams from the following groups are prescribed as topical preparations:

1. antibiotics;
2. antifungal agents;
3. antiseptics;
4. preparations for normalizing vaginal microflora.

• Polygynax is highly effective due to the combination of an antibiotic and an antifungal substance in one capsule.
• Terzhinan is very similar in composition, but additionally it contains prednisolone to reduce the inflammatory process. It significantly relieves burning sensation when urinating and itching.
• Betadine contains povidone-iodine as the main active ingredient. Thanks to its antimicrobial effect, it is aimed at combating a large number of pathogenic microorganisms.
• The action of Hexicon in vaginal suppositories resolves the inflammatory process provoked by the causative agent of a sexually transmitted disease.
• Pimafucin is effective against thrush and is used for vulvovaginal candidiasis.
• Klion-D 100 and Neo-Penotran forte contain metronidazole, which allows the use of these drugs for anaerobic infections.

You can find out more about the indications and contraindications for each drug in the instructions. During pregnancy, products are selected that are safe for the baby and the expectant mother. Refusal of treatment during this period risks infection of the fetus and infection of the newborn during childbirth during the passage of the birth canal. In the future, the baby may become infected if close contact is inevitable.

The listed suppositories are most often used before bedtime. The required dosage is prescribed by the gynecologist depending on the cause of inflammation of the labia. Treatment of a man (sexual partner) is carried out by a urologist.

To treat the affected areas of the genital organs, a cream or ointment is prescribed. They not only relieve redness, but also moisturize the genital mucosa. Broad-spectrum antibiotics include Synthomycin Liniment and Levomekol. The last remedy differs only in the presence of methyluracil, which accelerates tissue healing.

It is recommended to use Triderm as a complex treatment. It combines an antibiotic (gentamicin), an anti-inflammatory (betamethasone) and an antifungal (clotrimazole). Triderm relieves itching and burning. Thanks to the combination of the main active ingredients, the genitals stop becoming inflamed from vulvitis. This significantly alleviates the patient’s condition in a short time from the start of treatment.

One of the antiseptic solutions for topical use is Miramistin. It is used not only as a treatment, but also as a prevention of sexually transmitted diseases and exacerbation of chronic forms of vulvitis.

At the end of the therapy, an obligatory part is the restoration of the disturbed vaginal microflora. Lactagel copes with this task.

Antibacterial and symptomatic drugs

The drugs are used in acute cases of the process, when not only the labia, but also the vagina, cervix, and uterine cavity can be affected. For the treatment of nonspecific forms of vulvitis, Amoxiclav is chosen. In combination with clavulanic acid, the drug is considered a powerful treatment for the disease.

If vulvitis is caused by another infection, then Trichopolum (), Sumamed and Doxycycline (for gonorrhea), Erythromycin (for chlamydia) are prescribed.

Most often at night, the vulva area begins to itch very much, which is why any girl complains of insomnia. To cope with sleep disorders, B vitamins and magnesium supplements are indicated. Magnesium-B6 or Magnicum is prescribed in solutions or tablets. Immunal, Immunoflazid or Proteflazid are prescribed as means to strengthen the immune system.

Treatment of atrophic vulvitis is complemented by the use of estrogen-containing agents. This therapy is used during the climatic period and can significantly alleviate its course.

Treatment of vulvitis with folk remedies

When a woman experiences itching of the vulva, the necessary treatment with traditional methods is carried out after consultation with a gynecologist. This is due to low effectiveness against microbes, although many products have a good antiseptic effect. Therefore, treating vulvitis at home only with the help of traditional medicine can transform the acute process into a chronic form. The most well-known and effective means are:

• pharmaceutical camomile;
• Oak bark;
• St. John's wort;
• nettle;
• marigold flowers;
• onion peel.

Chamomile infusion is added to water to prepare a sitz bath or as a means of irrigating the external genitalia. The decoction is prepared with 300 ml of hot water, to which 30 g of dry chamomile is added. Then it is filtered and used for its intended purpose. It relieves irritation well, and with constant use, the genital mucosa can no longer become inflamed.

You can prepare a bath using several plants. For a glass of boiling water you will need 20 g of oak bark, the same amount of chamomile and 20-30 g of nettle. After preparing the solution, it is filtered and used. A tablespoon of St. John's wort is poured into 0.5 liters of hot water and left for several hours. After straining, the infusion is used up to 3 times a day.

Onion peels make a good product for irrigating the genitals. For 0.5 liters of water you will need 4 large onions. The resulting mixture must cool, then it is filtered and used for its intended purpose. An infusion of marigolds is prepared in boiling water, into which 1 tablespoon of the dry plant is placed. After the liquid turns golden, the resulting solution is removed from the heat and allowed to cool, then filtered. All prepared infusions are stored in a cool place.

Homeopathic medicines in the treatment of vulvitis are used only to relieve symptoms and in combination with traditional medicine methods. Before using any medicine, you must consult a homeopathic doctor.

Treatment of vulvitis with tampons and medicinal drinks

Pharmacy medications, such as suppositories, ointments and creams, quickly eliminate discomfort in the perineal area. There are methods with local use in the form of tampons soaked in a product that alleviates the symptoms of vulvitis. They use drugs intended for oral administration.

If there is no allergy, then a tampon is soaked in honey or sea buckthorn oil and inserted into the vagina, or the labia can be lubricated with these products. The frequency of treatment is prescribed by the gynecologist.

Strengthens the immune system and eases the course of the disease with a herbal mixture that combines wintergreen leaves, coltsfoot, and sweet clover. All components are poured into 300 ml of hot water and placed in a water bath for up to 20 minutes. The solution is filtered and should be taken orally in a tablespoon no more than 3 times a day.

Treatment of vulvitis in girls

Only after establishing the cause, the gynecologist will tell you how to treat vulvitis in girls. In childhood the following is prescribed:

1. Special powders.
2. Irrigation of the external genitalia with a solution of chamomile, potassium permanganate or furatsilin.
3. For unbearable itching and severe irritation, anesthetics are used.
4. Compresses and lotions with eucalyptus.
5. Before going to bed, use ointments with an antipruritic effect.

The combination of all treatment procedures can alleviate the symptoms of vulvitis in a girl and cure it in a short time. The girl’s future health will depend on compliance with all hygiene standards and doctor’s recommendations.

Timely prescribed therapy allows you to avoid complications, the spread of inflammation to neighboring organs and the transition from acute to chronic. Vulvitis in women is treated comprehensively, so all medications should be used as prescribed by the doctor. It is not advisable to skip medications. This can lead to a protracted course of the disease.

Vulvitis is an inflammation of the external genitalia in women or girls. These include the labia majora and minora, the vestibule of the vagina, the external opening of the urethra, the hymen, Bartholin's glands, the clitoris, the pubis and the perineum. This pathology is diagnosed in adults and children. Girls aged 1–9 years are most susceptible to vulvitis. Inflammation of the genitals if not treated correctly can lead to dangerous consequences, including damage to the uterus, appendages and infertility.

Reasons for the development of vulvitis

In more than half of the cases, the skin and mucous membranes become inflamed due to infection and changes in the normal microflora. The causative agents of the disease are:

1. Fungi.
2. E. coli.
3. Streptococci.
4. Viruses.
5. Trichomonas.
6. Chlamydia.
7. Gonococci.

The allergic form of the disease can be triggered by contact with irritating substances. The latter include food products (chocolate, citrus fruits, nuts, protein), medicines, latex, lubricants, synthetic underwear, pads and tampons with fragrances and intimate hygiene products.

Before puberty in girls, the reaction of the environment in the vagina is neutral or slightly alkaline. This is due to the absence of lactobacilli. Such microflora contributes to a decrease in immunity, which increases the risk of inflammation. The following etiological factors take part in the development of vulvitis:

Often, infection with specific microbes occurs due to frequent changes of sexual partners and commercial sex.

Symptoms

Primary and secondary vulvitis proceed in the same way. The main symptoms of the disease are:

• burning;
• pain;
• soreness of the genitals;
• discomfort during sexual intercourse;
• increased body temperature;
• irritability;
• redness;
• swelling;
• tearfulness.

The incubation period ranges from 2 to 10 days. When the vaginal mucosa is involved in the process, pathological discharge appears. They may be greenish-yellow, foamy, and have an unpleasant odor. With a fungal etiology of the disease, a white coating is detected. The discharge may resemble cottage cheese.

In sick girls with acute vulvitis, appetite and sleep are often disturbed. Possible enlargement of the lymph nodes in the groin area. With herpetic etiology of the disease, rashes are found in the genital area. They are represented by small single or grouped bubbles. Their diameter is 2–8 mm. The blisters burst, leaving behind ulcers.

With secondary vulvitis, pain in the lower abdomen may appear against the background of vaginitis or inflammation of the cervical canal. If the cause of genital damage is syphilis, then it occurs. This is a painless erosion or round ulcer about 1 cm in size. The allergic form of inflammation is characterized by severe itching, redness of the genitals and burning. Symptoms subside when taking an antihistamine.

Vulvitis against the background of human papillomavirus infection is characterized by the formation of papillomas (warts) or (painless growths on the stalk) on the skin and mucous membranes. They tend to grow and merge. Condylomas can spread to the perineum and anus. Every gynecologist has seen photos of such patients.

Methods for detecting the disease

Therapy for vulvitis begins after the diagnosis has been clarified and other pathologies have been excluded. For this you will need:

• collection of anamnesis of illness and life;
• gynecological examination on an obstetric chair;
• smear analysis for microflora and STI pathogens;
• rectal examination;
• general blood analysis;
• examination of stool for helminth eggs;
• scraping from the perianal area for enterobiasis;
• Ultrasound of the pelvic organs;
• bacteriological culture;
• polymerase chain reaction;
• linked immunosorbent assay;
• blood chemistry;
• palpation of the abdomen.

When bacteria are detected in a smear of a woman with vulvitis, their sensitivity to antibacterial drugs is determined. This allows the doctor to select the optimal medicine. Diagnosis necessarily includes an assessment of the obstetric and gynecological history. It allows you to identify previous diseases, sexual activity and risk factors for developing vulvitis.

How to treat vulvitis

This inflammatory disease requires an integrated approach to treatment.

Drug therapy

The main aspects of therapy are:

• temporary abstinence from sexual intercourse;
• use of local medications;
• systemic etiotropic therapy;
• elimination of etiological factors;
• increasing immunity;
• physiotherapy;
• good nutrition;
• treatment of sexual partners.

For specific and nonspecific vulvitis, antibiotics are prescribed. For mixed microflora, penicillins or cephalosporins (Amoxiclav, Cefazolin sodium salt, Ceftriaxone Kabi) are indicated. If gonococci are detected in the smear, then the drugs of choice are macrolides, cephalosporins and fluoroquinolones.

Medicines containing metronidazole may be prescribed. The treatment regimen for gonococcal vulvitis includes vaccination and taking immunostimulants (Licopida, Immunorma). For Trichomonas inflammation, the following medications are effective:

• Klion;
• Metrogil;
• Trichopolum;
• Metron;
• Batsimex;
• Metronidazole Nycomed;
• Ornidazole;
• Tiberal;
• Dazolic;
• Gairo;
• Klion.

The gynecologist selects the drug taking into account the age of the patient and contraindications. Many medications are not used during pregnancy. In case of recurrent trichomonas vulvitis, the Solcotrichovac vaccine can be administered. If there are signs of candidiasis of the external genitalia, then antifungal medications are used. These include: Irunin, Levorin, Itrazol, Orungamin, Orungal, Diflucan, Fluconazole, Mikosist and Flucostat. These medications come in the form of capsules and tablets.

Treatment of allergic vulvitis involves stopping contact with the irritant (avoiding synthetic underwear, hyperallergenic products, latex, lubricants and pads with fragrances), taking H1-histamine receptor blockers and corticosteroids. If a herpes simplex virus is detected in the blood, patients are prescribed an antiviral drug (Acyclovir Akrikhin, Zovirax, Valtrex, Famvir).

If there are papillomas or condylomas in the genital area, then Isoprinosine is prescribed. If necessary, growths are removed using cryodestruction (freezing), electro- or laser coagulation. This treatment allows you to eliminate a cosmetic defect. Radical therapy is not mandatory and is carried out at the request of the patient.

Use of local drugs

An important aspect of vulvitis therapy is local treatment. It involves the use of antiseptics, local antifungal, antibacterial or antiviral drugs in the form of ointments, gels, creams, vaginal tablets or solutions. For inflammation of the genitals the following are used:

• Miramistin;
• Chlorhexidine;
• Tantum Rose;
• Sangviritrin;
• Lomexin;
• Polygynax;
• Chlorophyllipt;
• Galenophyllipt;
• Eucalymin;
• Furacillin;
• tetracycline and erythromycin ointments.

For vulvitis, infusions and decoctions based on medicinal plants (oak bark, St. John's wort, calendula, eucalyptus, celandine) help. In the chronic form of the disease with frequent relapses, immunostimulants are indicated (Licopid, Eleutherococcus or ginseng tincture, Panavir, Viferon, Immunal).

For helminthic etiology of the disease, taking an anthelmintic drug (Vermox, Nemozol or Pirantel) is indicated. For vulvitis, enzymes, sedatives and interferon inducers are often used. Sometimes hormonal medications are prescribed. For combined infectious inflammation of the genitals and vagina, eubiotics (Acilact) are indicated.

It is imperative to observe the rules of personal hygiene. They include:

• washing the genitals and perineum from front to back after each visit to the toilet;
• daily change of underwear;
• regular washing of linen and ironing;
• trimming nails (important for enterobiasis);
• use of a separate towel;
• replacing synthetic underwear with cotton;
• limiting the use of soap.

With vulvitis, normalization of the general condition is important. To do this you need:

• carry out sanitation of foci of chronic infection;
• walk in the fresh air more often;
• go to bed earlier;
• organize your working day correctly;
• eliminate stressful situations;
• eat more fruits and vegetables;
• drink vitamins;
• give up alcohol.

Most often, treatment is carried out. If complications develop, hospitalization is required.

Diet

If vulvitis develops, then it is necessary to adhere to proper nutrition. The diet involves:

It is beneficial for patients to eat fish and seafood. In the fungal form of the disease, the nature of nutrition is different. It is necessary to limit the consumption of foods rich in simple carbohydrates (sweets and baked goods).

Complications

If you do not use ointment, systemic medications and do not follow the doctor’s recommendations, the following complications are possible:

• gluing of the vagina and labia;
• formation of adhesions (adhesions);
• inflammation of the urethra and bladder;
• scar formation;
• inflammation of the vagina;
• inflammation of the uterus and its appendages.

The chronic infectious form of vulvitis can cause female infertility.

Preventive measures

There is no specific prevention of the disease. In order to prevent inflammation of the genitals, it is necessary:

• refuse promiscuity;
• use a barrier method of contraception;
• do not overcool;
• do not masturbate;
• quit smoking, alcohol and drugs;
• observe the rules of personal hygiene;
• treat enterobiasis in a timely manner;
• exclude any injuries;
• eat more dairy products, vegetables and fruits;
• normalize hormonal levels;
• visit a gynecologist regularly;
• wash and shower daily;
• wear underwear made of natural fabric.

Allergic vulvitis can be prevented by avoiding contact with irritating substances. To do this, you need to give up lubricants, aromatic pads and certain products.

Vulvitis is an inflammation affecting the external genitalia. The disease occurs in women regardless of age. Girls (from birth to the onset of puberty) and elderly women are more susceptible to the disease. If vulvitis develops, treatment must be carried out immediately.

Without timely treatment, the infection penetrates the internal genital organs, causing dangerous complications. In some cases, it becomes the cause of infertility. Pathology that occurs in girls sometimes leads to fusion of the labia minora.

With this disease, the mucous membranes of the vulva - the female genital organs (labia, clitoris, vagina) become inflamed. In patients during menopause and in childhood, primary vulvitis develops - the infection penetrates into tissue lesions. This happens due to the peculiarities of the anatomical structure of the organs and the reduced amount of sex hormones.

When the concentration of hormones is normal, the microflora of the vulva is acidic. Pathogenic organisms are not able to develop in it. With a deficiency of female hormones, an insufficient amount of beneficial fermented milk bacteria is produced that can destroy pathogenic microbes.

In children, the mucous membranes are thin and tender, they are easily injured. In older women, tissues undergo destructive changes, become thinner, lose moisture and elasticity. For this reason, they are easy to damage.

Women of reproductive age are affected by the secondary form of the disease. The disease is caused by infections that affect the genital organs located inside the body.

The disease occurs in acute and chronic forms. If acute vulvitis is not treated properly, it becomes chronic, often recurs, and causes serious complications.

Causes

Pathology develops if:

• insufficient attention is paid to hygiene procedures;
• mucous membranes are injured (they have scratches, erosions, scratches, ulcers);
• there are diseases of the reproductive system;
• the patient is infected with worms;
• endocrine imbalance has occurred (for example, due to diabetes mellitus).

Symptoms

Main signs of the disease:

• itching and burning of the skin in the groin, vestibule of the vagina, pubis, thighs, labia, clitoris;
• soreness in the vestibule of the vagina;
• swelling of the mucous membranes of the vulva;
• accumulation of pathogenic exudate;
• enlarged lymph nodes;
• sleep disturbance;
• bad feeling;
• irritability.

The nature of leucorrhoea depends on the pathogen that caused the disease. Candida vulvitis is characterized by the appearance of white flakes. With staphylococcal infection, a pyogenic yellowish-white substance is observed. E. coli causes a foul-smelling, greenish-yellow, watery exudate.

The severity of symptoms is influenced by the severity of inflammation and the causes of the pathology. Acute vulvitis in women manifests itself as follows:

• causes discomfort: itching, burning;
• hurts;
• provokes the appearance of edema and hyperemia;
• causes the formation of erosions.

The chronic form of the disease is accompanied by:

• increased itching;
• difficulty urinating;
• painful sexual intercourse;
• redness of epithelial tissues;
• scanty discharge.

Drug therapy

If the disease develops, the problem of how to treat vulvitis is easily solved. Patients are prescribed medications for general and local therapy and are advised to abstain from intimacy.

If vulvitis is caused by sexually transmitted infections, a course of antibiotics is prescribed to both partners. In the secondary form of the disease, the disease that provoked vulvitis is treated.

During treatment, emphasis is placed on hygiene procedures. Women need to wash themselves three times a day using:

• solution of potassium permanganate or furatsilin;
• herbal extracts from chamomile, St. John's wort or calendula (they are also used for douching).

The following drugs are prescribed for the treatment of pathology::

Diet

Patients are advised to adhere to a diet. Baked goods, spicy, smoked, and salty foods are removed from the diet. Fermented milk products, vegetable, fruit and berry dishes are introduced into the diet.

Treatment for girls

• antiallergenic agents;
• medications with calcium.

If the body's defenses are weakened, treatment of vulvitis in girls is carried out using:

• immunomodulators;
• multivitamins.

Treatment during pregnancy

Vulvitis in pregnant women is dangerous because the inflammation is located near the reproductive organ - the uterus. Pathogens penetrate the placenta through the bloodstream, causing the development of congenital anomalies and miscarriage.

It is impossible to hope that vulvitis will disappear spontaneously during pregnancy. To reduce the likelihood of complications, treat the disease with external means. If there is a need to use antibiotics, use Augmentin. Other antibiotic drugs cause many side effects that are undesirable during pregnancy.

In addition, treatment of vulvitis during pregnancy is carried out using traditional methods. Preparations with plant extracts are used after consultation with a gynecologist.

Traditional treatment methods

Treatment of vulvitis at home is carried out not only with medications, but also with folk remedies. For treatment, use prescriptions recommended by your doctor.

When carrying out treatment, several rules should be followed:

• avoid injury;
• avoid maceration of the vulva (for this reason, lotions, compresses, and irrigation with clean water are prohibited);
• for washing and douching it is necessary to use astringent antiseptic solutions;
• After water procedures, the vulva should be blotted with a napkin.

Drink

Patients must maintain a drinking regime. To do this, they are advised to drink plenty of warm fruit drinks and compotes made from:

• currants;
• dried fruits;
• cranberries;
• lingonberries.

Products for baths, douching, irrigation

Therapeutic tampons

Vulvitis in women is effectively treated when tampons soaked in antiseptics are used. The procedures are carried out as follows:

1. The tampon is dipped in liquid honey, allowed to soak and inserted into the vagina. Removed after half a day. They are treated for two weeks.
2. A tampon soaked in sea buckthorn oil is inserted into the vagina before bed. They clean it up in the morning. The oil is also used to treat the labia.
3. Peach oil helps with illness. They make tampons with it and lubricate the vulva.

Herbs for internal use

If vulvitis occurs, treatment at home is carried out using decoctions and infusions taken orally. They strengthen the immune system, suppress inflammation, soothe, relieve itching and burning..

1. When chewing white acacia flowers, a juice is released that can relieve the symptoms of the disease.
2. To eliminate the inflammatory process, use a decoction of viburnum. Place a tablespoon of viburnum leaves in 200 ml of boiling water and simmer for 10 minutes. The cooled and filtered product is consumed in a tablespoon three times a day.
3. Strengthens the immune system, relieves symptoms, a collection prepared from coltsfoot, wintergreen, sweet clover (1:1:1). Add a tablespoon of the mixture to 200 ml of boiling water and simmer for 15 minutes. Cool, filter, consume a tablespoon three times a day.
4. Mix valerian, lemon balm, mantle and nettle in a ratio of 2:2:3:3. Brew 2 tablespoons of herbal mixture in 1 liter of boiling water. After five hours, filter. The entire infusion is drunk per day, consuming 100 ml at a time. For treatment, a fresh infusion is made daily.

If vulvitis occurs, the symptoms and treatment are determined by the gynecologist. Self-medication is not always effective. Sometimes the result is a deterioration of the condition and the development of complications. Complex therapy helps to quickly cope with the disease: the simultaneous use of medicines and folk remedies.

Vulvitis is inflammation in the area of ​​the external genitalia, caused by an infectious process, chemical or mechanical trauma. Vulvitis in girls in the primary stage is diagnosed more often than in women of reproductive age. This is due to changes in vaginal secretions and physiological characteristics. In women during their childbearing years, vulvitis of the secondary type is more common. Treatment of vulvitis should begin only after diagnosis and medical advice.

Forms of vulvitis

The primary form of vulvitis (isolated) occurs mainly in children, because in adult women the mucous membrane is more resistant. This form of vulvitis is diagnosed in girls and elderly females, which is influenced primarily by the anatomical and physiological characteristics of the vulvar mucosa and low hormonal levels. Vulvitis in girls and older women in an isolated form is observed with an insufficient amount of vaginal discharge, resulting in thinning of the mucous membranes and their drying out.

The development of vulvitis in girls can begin due to the activity of pinworms, which cause severe itching. The child develops the habit of scratching the mucous membranes of the vulva, as a result of which the infection enters the body. In some cases, vulvitis may develop in infants. This occurs due to the effects of estrogens that enter the body of children before birth. This condition is not pathological and goes away on its own after some time.

Secondary vulvitis is a pathological condition that is diagnosed much more often than primary vulvitis. Such vulvitis in girls and in older women is formed when the external genitalia are irritated by factors such as infected discharge from the cervical canal and vagina. Urinary tract diseases can also trigger the development of a pathological condition.

Patients of reproductive age can also develop a chronic form of the disease, which is called ulcerative vulvitis. In this case, the symptoms are the formation of plaque in the area of ​​the external genitalia, after removal of which ulcers form on the mucous membrane.

Types of vulvitis

In accordance with the type of pathogen in children, young females and the elderly, there are several characteristic types of the disease, among which the following can be distinguished:

Reasons for the development of vulvitis

The appearance of vulvitis in girls and women differs in symptoms from other pathological processes that develop in the area of ​​the external genitalia and are infectious in nature, for example, colpitis. Candidiasis vulvitis develops in conditions of infection with fungi of the genus Candida. The pathological process affects the area of ​​the child’s labia majora and minora, the vestibule of the vagina and the clitoris.

The bacterial type of pathological process is a condition provoked by opportunistic microflora or infections. Pathogenic microorganisms such as:

The bacterial process of vulvitis in a girl or pregnant woman can develop due to a decrease in the body’s defenses, as well as after a staphylococcal infection enters the body. Excess weight and diabetes can also trigger the appearance of this type of disease.

The allergic process in the area of ​​the external genitalia is the main cause of vulvitis in children and women. The development of atrophic vulvitis occurs when the mucous membrane in the vulva area thins, which is typical for women in the post-menopausal period. Treatment of atrophic lesions of the mucous membrane is carried out using hormone replacement therapy. Otherwise, the disease progresses and leads to the development of painful erosions.

Symptoms of vulvitis

Symptoms of vulvitis depend on the form and type of disease and can differ significantly in women and children:

Diagnosis of the disease

Diagnosis of vulvitis should be made through a thorough examination of the child. A gynecologist can determine vulvitis in girls by examining the child’s external genitalia, as well as comparing the symptoms of the disease. In girls, a characteristic pathological picture is observed: traces of scratching and hyperemia, a coating of discharge, microhemorrhages. The nature of the discharge depends on the etiology of the inflammatory process. If girls have cheesy white discharge, then the cause of the disease is a fungal infection that causes the candidiasis type of disease. In the presence of purulent discharge, the pathological process has developed due to the impact of infection on the body.

In order to identify the allergic type of disease, one should compare the symptoms and the results of the tests obtained (studies of mucous membrane discharge).

Treatment of various forms and types of vulvitis

Treatment of vulvitis in girls, infants and women is carried out in strict accordance with the diagnosis made by a specialist. It is not recommended to treat the disease at home, because this can lead to a number of serious complications and may result in impaired reproductive functions for the child. Treatment of vulvitis at home should be carried out only after consultation with a specialist, and this is important not only for children, but also for adults.

Allergic and candidal vulvitis in girls can be eliminated using Levomekol ointment, which contains an antibiotic and an immunostimulant. With the help of this external drug, candidiasis and allergic vulvitis in girls and women can be cured quite quickly. The ointment effectively eliminates the symptoms and causes of the disease thanks to its antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and regenerative effects.

The drug Levomekol is active against almost all gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria, chlamydia, rickettsia and spirochetes. Symptoms of vulvitis are eliminated when the ointment is applied externally due to inhibition of protein biosynthesis in the cells of the pathogenic microorganism. The antimicrobial effect of Levomekol ointment does not decrease even in the presence of pus and a large amount of dead tissue.

For the treatment of infants and small children, it is recommended to use Levomekol ointment. Treatment of girls and women is carried out using a form of the drug such as suppositories.

Levomekol suppositories and ointment help eliminate vulvitis in girls and women caused by gram-negative and gram-positive microorganisms. Treatment should be carried out in accordance with the dosages recommended by the doctor.

Disease prevention

In order to avoid the development of a disease such as vulvitis in girls, preventive measures should be followed. Treatment of candidal vulvitis and other types of this disease should be carried out in a timely manner, and it is also necessary to sanitize inflammatory foci, if any.

Vulvitis in girls should be treated only under the supervision of a specialist. Acute vulvitis is more difficult to treat, so measures should be taken in a timely manner at the first signs of the development of a pathological process.

You can prevent the appearance of a disease such as candidal vulvitis and its other forms by following the rules of intimate hygiene. The occurrence of vulvitis in a girl can also be a consequence of wearing tight underwear and poor nutrition.

You can protect an infant or older child from this disease by strengthening his immunity. It is important for women to use personal protective equipment during casual sexual contact.

Thus, diseases such as candidal, allergic, bacterial and atopic vulvitis are accompanied by certain symptoms characteristic of each type. Its effectiveness depends on the timeliness of treatment. If such a pathology occurs in an infant or small child, you should definitely consult a doctor.

Helpful information

Vulvitis

Mechanism of disease development

According to statistics, such pathology of the external genitalia in the vast majority of cases occurs in old age after menopause, in newborn girls and adolescents before the onset of menstruation. This is due to the level of female hormones, estrogens. The fact is that under the influence of these biologically active substances, lactobacilli, called Doderlein bacilli, develop in the mucous membrane covering the vagina and the inner surface of the labia. Their function is to convert glycogen (a substance formed under the influence of progesterone) into lactic acid.

Thus, a constant acidic environment is maintained in the vagina, which is destructive for many pathogenic microorganisms. In children and women after 45 years of age, these processes slow down due to a lower concentration of estrogen than in reproductive age. Therefore, their external genitalia are susceptible to the development of an inflammatory process. The causative agent of the disease can be a mixed flora of staphylococci, streptococci, enterococci, E. coli, fungi, etc. In this case, we are talking about a nonspecific form of pathology of the female external genitalia. Sometimes the cause is infections that are transmitted through sex (gonorrhea, chlamydia, trichomoniasis), mycobacterium tuberculosis; in gynecology, this type of disease is called specific vaginitis.

With the development of bacterial microflora on the mucous membrane, a response from the body occurs. It consists in the release of inflammatory mediators that act on cellular receptors and cause itching, redness and other clinical signs of pathology. The disease can be primary, that is, it occurs on its own. If symptoms develop against the background of other genital diseases, then doctors talk about secondary vulvitis.

Etiological factors

One of the main causes of vulvitis, especially in girls and women under 45 years of age, is the weakening of the body's defenses. Decreased immunity may be a consequence of a systemic bacterial or viral disease, long-term use of certain drugs (glucocorticoids, cytostatics), or a deficiency of essential vitamins in the diet. The risk of inflammation of the external genitalia increases with alcohol abuse and drug use. Other causes of vulvitis are:

The risk of developing inflammation increases in the presence of concomitant diseases of the reproductive and endocrine systems (colpitis, vaginitis, diabetes mellitus). The occurrence of chronic or acute vulvitis is facilitated by disruption of the vaginal microflora. A similar situation can occur against the background of pregnancy, long-term treatment with antibiotics, taking incorrectly selected oral contraceptives, gynecological diseases accompanied by a decrease in estrogen production. Depending on the cause of the symptoms of vulvitis in women, gynecology distinguishes the following forms of the disease:

A bacterial form of inflammation is also isolated, which occurs under the influence of pathogenic microflora. It can also be caused by internal infections of the excretory system (cystitis, urethritis), fistulas between the bladder and vagina. Depending on the form of vaginitis in a woman, the gynecologist selects the appropriate treatment. It consists of using drugs for both local and systemic use.

Clinical picture

On the Internet you can easily find a photo of what vulvitis looks like. First of all, redness and swelling of the labia and vestibule of the vagina are noted. Severe itching and burning are also disturbing. In addition, doctors describe the following symptoms of vulvitis in women:

Subacute vulvitis is somewhat different in symptoms. The signs are not as pronounced. The chronic form of the disease is accompanied by a blurred clinical picture. Itching, burning and pain may disappear for a while, and then, under the influence of some factors or against the background of a weakened immune system, appear again.

Secondary vulvitis is manifested by signs of concomitant diseases. If it is vaginitis or colpitis, then characteristic purulent vaginal discharge with an unpleasant odor appears. When the upper structures of the reproductive system (uterus, fallopian tubes or ovaries) are affected, pain in the lower abdomen, painful and heavy periods, menstrual disorders, and fever appear. Based on the symptoms of specific vaginitis, one can assume its causative agent. Various sexually transmitted infections are characterized by vaginal discharge and plaque on the mucous membrane.

Methods for detecting the disease

For vulvitis, diagnosis begins with interviewing the patient. The diagnosis can be assumed based on the described clinical signs. This is followed by a mandatory examination in a gynecological chair. The doctor notes reddened and swollen external genitalia, pays attention to the condition of the skin of the perineum, vaginal discharge, its color, consistency and smell.

Further diagnosis of vulvitis is aimed at identifying its cause and possible concomitant diseases. For this purpose, a vaginal smear is taken from women and sent to the laboratory for bacterial culture and determination of the sensitivity of microorganisms to antibiotics. A urine test is also necessary to rule out kidney damage. If the nature of the discharge indicates a sexually transmitted infection, you need to donate blood for testing using the PCR (polymerase chain reaction) method to identify its causative agent.

Vulvitis

Vulvitis is an inflammatory process of the external genitalia.

There are: primary vulvitis (causes: poor hygiene; diaper rash due to obesity; genitourinary fistulas; cystitis, helminthiasis, endocrine diseases; chemical, thermal and mechanical effects; irrational use of antibiotics and other drugs); secondary vulvitis (a consequence of inflammatory processes of the internal genital organs - colpitis, endocervicitis, etc.).

Etiology of vulvitis. nonspecific opportunistic microflora, trichomonas, yeast-like fungi, viruses (herpes simplex, human papilloma, molluscum contagiosum).

Clinically distinguished: Acute vulvitis and chronic vulvitis

Symptoms of vulvitis

Symptoms of acute vulvitis: Complaints of pain, burning sensation and itching in the vulva area, aggravated by walking and urinating; copious discharge; general malaise; increase in body temperature.

Objectively: swelling of the external genitalia; hyperemia of the labia minora and majora of a diffuse nature or in the form of separate areas; minor erosions of the external genitalia with purulent discharge; general malaise, increased body temperature; sometimes the inguinal lymph nodes may be enlarged.

Chronic vulvitis - these symptoms are less pronounced.

Examination for vulvitis

4. Smear of vaginal discharge for flora.

Treatment of vulvitis

I. Abstinence from sexual activity.

P. Local treatment of vulvitis (described in detail in the section “Colpitis”):

1. Vaginal baths and treatment of the external genitalia with a 0.5% solution of chlorhexidine or decamethoxin.

2. Treatment of the vagina and vulva with betadine, vocadine, citeal, miramistin, instillagel.

3. Introduction of vaginal balls, tablets and tampons with ointments containing etiotropic drugs:

a) for nonspecific coccal flora - terms, polygynax, meratin-combi, mycogynax, betadine;

b) with Gardnellers - Ung. Dalacini 2%, metronidazole (flagyl, trichopolum, efloran, nidazole), ginalgin, meratincombi, terzhinan, Klion - D;

c) for trichomoniasis (general and local treatment should be carried out 10 days after menstruation for 3 cycles) - tablets of trichopolum, tinidazole (fazyzhin); Klion D, meratin-combi, terzhinan, trichomonacid, neo-penotran, hexicon;

d) for yeast-like fungi - polyene drugs: nystatin, levorin, natamycin, pimafucort; imidazal drugs: ketoconazole, clotrimazole, canesten, miconazole, bifonazole, ginesol, ginalgin, isoconazole, econazole, batrafen; complex preparations: cecamin, polygynax and clotrimazole complex, terzhinan;

e) for genital herpes - drugs with direct antiviral action: ointments with acyclovir (Zovirax, Virolex, Gerpevir); balls with interferons: a-interferon, viferon; ointments with antiviral drugs of plant origin: alpizarin, megosin.

4. Drying agents:

Rp. Camphorae 0.5

M.D.S. Sprinkle the surface of the vulva.

5. Antipruritics:

Vaginitis

Vaginitis (colpitis), vulvitis, vulvovaginitis - all these diseases are inflammation of the female genital organs. Vaginitis is inflammation of the vagina. Another name for vaginitis is colpitis.

The term "vulvovaginitis" refers to inflammation of the vagina and external genitalia. Vulvitis is an inflammation of the external genitalia (from the term “vulva,” which in medicine usually refers to the external female genitalia). Statistics show that vulvovaginitis and vulvitis more often affect girls, and colpitis in most cases is diagnosed in young women of childbearing age.

All three diseases - colpitis (vaginitis), vulvitis, vulvovaginitis - are included in the group of diseases of the lower genital organs of an inflammatory nature. Among all gynecological pathologies, vulvovaginitis accounts for approximately 60-65 % cases.

All diseases of the lower genital organs of an inflammatory nature, depending on what pathogen caused them, are divided into two groups:

Before starting therapy, it is imperative to exclude all serious diseases that could lead to vulvitis. Drugs for treatment should be selected taking into account the etiology and the presence of concomitant pathology. It is very important to consider which microorganisms cause the disease. For a bacterial infection, antibiotics are indicated; for a viral infection, antiviral and immunomodulatory agents are indicated; a fungal infection should be treated with agents like Fluconazole. However, this is not the end of the cure for vulvitis in women. Lotions and baths with solutions of chlorhexidine or decamethoxin help well. The external genitalia are washed with betadine and miramistin - this also helps get rid of the infection. Some ointments and creams for vulvitis are widely known. It is advisable to prescribe vitamin therapy or drugs to strengthen the immune system - they will increase the body's resistance and prevent relapse of the disease or its transition to a chronic form.

What antibiotics are used for vulvitis?

The disease can have a different nature. Depending on the pathogen, the following types of vulvitis are distinguished:

There is also spicy. subacute and chronic vulvitis. Antibiotics are only used if the infection is caused by bacteria. This must always be remembered, because antibiotics for vulvitis of fungal or viral etiology will not only not help, but will even do harm. They will aggravate dysbiosis, making recovery much more difficult.

The doctor should select antibacterial drugs, taking into account the etiology of the disease. For diagnosis, you need to take a smear for flora.

The most commonly used antibiotic tablets for vulvitis are:

Metronidazole is often prescribed as part of the drug Trichopolum for vulvitis. In addition to trichomoniasis, this remedy is effective against gardnerellosis, ureaplasmosis, gonorrhea, and chlamydia. Trichopolum also affects a large number of bacteroids. However, the drug is ineffective against viruses and fungi.

The widely known combination drug Terzhinan. It contains ternidazole, neomycin sulfate, nystatin and prednisolone sodium metasulfobenzoate. The product is effective for nonspecific, bacterial, fungal and mixed vulvitis. Terzhinan is quite often used in gynecology, since it has practically no such effects or contraindications (the exception is individual intolerance to the components).

Systemic antibacterial drugs can only be taken with the permission of a doctor. This will not only help you recover faster, but will also protect you from chronic disease. In addition, improper antibiotic therapy can cause the development of resistance in microorganisms, and then it will become even more difficult to recover.

Treatment of vulvitis with drugs

In addition to tablets for vulvitis, there are many other effective methods of therapy. These include antibacterial suppositories:

They should be inserted into the vagina after washing thoroughly, preferably at night. The duration of treatment depends on the severity of symptoms and is 7-10 days.

Antiseptic solutions have proven themselves well. These drugs for vulvitis in women help to quickly relieve itching, swelling and discomfort. They also have a weak antibacterial effect, which greatly helps in treatment and protects against secondary infection. The most famous of them:

As alternative treatment methods, you can use baths, douches and lotions using decoctions and infusions of oak bark or some herbs (chamomile, calendula, sage).

For allergic vulvitis, as well as to relieve itching in its other forms, antihistamines are sometimes used:

It should be noted that treatment of vulvitis with tablets is justified only if the inflammation of the external genital organs was caused by a serious cause of a systemic nature. If the disease is caused by failure to comply with hygiene standards or wearing tight clothing, the tablets are strictly contraindicated. Only topical products can be used. Therefore, if it is possible to avoid taking pills, do so. Local treatment is just as effective and, moreover, has far fewer side effects.

Boosting immunity also plays a role in the treatment of vulvitis. Vitamins and immunomodulators (Viferon, Genferon, Cycloferon) are excellent for this purpose. By increasing the body's nonspecific resistance, they help it overcome infection and resist it in the future. The most commonly used vitamins are A and E for vulvitis. The instructions are as follows: moisten a cotton swab with an oil solution and treat the external genitalia several times a day. This is great for relieving itching and discomfort. Vitamins are also taken orally. Immunomodulators are used in the form of rectal suppositories. The most famous means:

They cause minimal side effects in women, so they are prescribed most often. For vaginal administration, interferons are used in the preparations Giaferon or Kipferon.

Drug treatment of vulvitis using creams, ointments, gels

In most cases, local remedies are sufficient to get rid of the disease. Bed rest, a hypoallergenic diet, ointment or cream - and you will be healthy after a couple of days.

The advantages of drugs for topical use are that they act locally, directly on the source of infection, without affecting other organs and systems. If systemic antibiotics cause intestinal dysbiosis and many other complications, then such effects are not characteristic of these drugs.

What ointments are most often used for vulvitis?

Their list is quite large, but you need to choose, again, depending on the etiology. These products should be used after thoroughly washing the external genitalia. For this purpose, you can use a solution of chlorhexidine or miramistin. Dry the perineum with a soft towel, carefully so as not to irritate the skin and prevent additional damage. Then you need to insert a tampon with ointment applied to it into the vagina. For vulvitis in women, the method has received simply wonderful reviews, as it quickly and effectively eliminates unpleasant symptoms. And after a few days the disease disappears completely. Some of these ointments are also prescribed for vulvitis in girls.

Antifungal ointments are used for diseases caused by the proliferation of opportunistic fungi of the genus Candida:

Antiseptic ointments for vulvitis in women are used not only for bacterial infections, but also for many others. They have a disinfecting effect and serve to prevent the addition of a secondary infection.

It should be said that one of the most versatile ointments for vulvitis among all the above-mentioned drugs is Betadine. The active ingredient of the ointment is povidone-iodine, which has a fairly wide spectrum of action. Being an antiseptic, it affects fungi, viruses and bacteria, therefore it is effective in the treatment of nonspecific inflammation (bacterial vaginosis), candidiasis, including those caused by Candida albicans, trichomoniasis, genital herpes, infections caused by protozoa, etc.

Another widely used ointment for vulvitis for women and children is Hexicon. The product is based on chlorhexidine digluconate, therefore it is also an antiseptic. Affects many microorganisms, with the exception of viruses, fungi and acid-fast bacteria. Also used in complex treatment and for the prevention of syphilis, gonorrhea, ureaplasmosis, chlamydia, trichomoniasis.

Vulvit - gels and creams for topical use

These drugs have a similar mechanism of action. By contacting the inflamed mucous membrane, they relieve itching, swelling and redness, and promote rapid recovery. Like ointments, creams and gels are divided depending on which microorganisms they target.

Gels and creams with antimycotic activity:

• Lomexin.
• Ifenek.
• Ginofort.
• Dafnedzhin.

Antibacterial medications for vulvitis:

• Clindamycin.
• Clindacin.
• Dalatsin.

Antiviral creams and gels:

• Zovirax;
• Viru-Merz Serol.

Note that most of the above products are also available in the form of vaginal suppositories or tablets. Therefore, you can choose the most convenient method of application for yourself.

Vulvitis - drug treatment in children

Unfortunately, this disease occurs no less often in girls than in adult women. Most often it is caused by non-compliance with hygiene standards, contamination of the external genital area with feces or transplacental infection (we are talking about intrauterine infections). The etiological factor can be both specific and nonspecific microflora. All this leads to vulvitis in girls. Ointments to combat the disease are used most often in this case, since almost all systemic antibiotics are contraindicated for children, especially newborns. However, in some cases (specific infections) they are still prescribed.

In girls, sitz herbal baths are often used to treat pathology (calendula, chamomile or St. John's wort are suitable). The genitals are washed with antiseptic solutions (furacilin or potassium permanganate). To combat discomfort and itching, ointments are used for vulvitis in children. Anesthetics and antihistamines are also indicated to reduce pain. Immunomodulators, multivitamins and eubiotics have a general strengthening effect, thus helping to fight infection.

Only comprehensive treatment will help get rid of the problem once and for all and avoid its recurrence in the future.

Treatment of vulvitis

Vulvitis is an inflammatory process localized on the female external genitalia. There is a difference between primary vulvitis, which is an independent disease, and secondary, that is, developing against the background of another disease, mainly inflammatory processes of the internal genital organs. The different features in the etiology and course of primary and secondary vulvitis form the basis of treatment tactics.

To the causes of vulvitis include:

• violation of the rules of intimate hygiene, in particular during menstruation;
• mechanical damage to the surface of the external genitalia, for example, when wearing tight or rough clothes and underwear, during sexual intercourse, etc.;
• irritation of the external genitalia (usually in childhood) due to scratching during vegetative neurosis, helminthiasis, excessive sweating;
• allergic reaction to the use of scented intimate hygiene products or contraception;
• irritation and maceration of the mucous membrane of the genital organs (including external ones) with infectious secretions, urine, chemicals, etc.;
• hormonal and metabolic disorders, for example, ovarian hypofunction, PCOS, diabetes mellitus, etc.;
• weakening of local and general immunity, deficiency of vitamins and minerals;
• excessive or uncontrolled use of medications, antibiotics in particular;
• the presence of fistulas from the intestines, urinary tract.

Girls and women during menopause are more prone to vulvitis. It is then that the genitals become more sensitive and susceptible to external and internal factors in the development of inflammation. In adult women of reproductive age, the mucous epithelium of the vulva is resistant to infections due to the predominance of fermented milk microflora here, with normal hormonal background and acidity of the secretion.

In girls, the skin and mucous membranes are thin and tender; they are more susceptible to injury and irritation, which is aggravated by not always strengthened immunity. In the microflora of the genital organs in girls, coccal forms predominate and there are no Doderlein bacilli, and in newborns, vaginal discharge can be provoked by maternal hormones. Vulvitis in childhood can self-destruct, however, consultations with a pediatric gynecologist exclude its pathological and progressive course, which is also possible, up to fusion of the labia due to vulvitis in early childhood.

In women of mature age, with the onset of menopause, there is a decrease in the level of estrogen in the blood, which is often combined with atrophic changes in the mucous membrane of the genital organs and a decrease in the amount of vaginal discharge, leading to thinning of the mucosa. Such circumstances increase the risk of developing infection and inflammation of the internal and external genital organs.

Symptoms of vulvitis includes:

• swelling of the labia and clitoris;
• redness of the labia and clitoris;
• the formation of ulcerations and erosions is likely;
• visual changes may extend to the inguinal folds and thighs;
• itching and burning in the intimate area;
• pain when moving, touching, urinating, sexual intercourse;
• formation of leucorrhoea localized on the labia;
• occasionally severe course with enlarged inguinal lymph nodes and increased body temperature.

How to treat vulvitis?

Treatment of vulvitis determined by a qualified specialist, usually preceded by a detailed diagnosis in order to determine the cause and causative agent of the disease. The effectiveness of treatment will be maximum if it is possible to identify the cause of the disease and use specific drugs.

Treatment of vulvitis. like most gynecological diseases, it is a complex procedure that combines etiotropic, symptomatic, and immune-restoring components. Drugs are selected for both oral and local use. These are usually antibiotics, since the inflammation is caused by a bacterial agent. However, antibiotics will be absolutely useless, and often aggravate the disease (they allow natural microflora) if vulvitis is fungal or allergic in nature. Antibacterial agents are prescribed taking into account the sensitivity of the identified pathogen to them.

One way or another, the effect on the body of anti-inflammatory drugs cannot be considered effective without due attention to the cause of the disease. If vulvitis is a consequence of another disease, then the main efforts should be directed specifically at overcoming the latter.

Local treatment of the external genitalia, most popular in the treatment of vulvitis, involves:

• lotions, cold compresses;
• sitz baths with a warm solution, herbal infusions (calendula, chamomile, string, eucalyptus);
• toilet of the external genitalia with medicinal solutions;
• douching with antiseptic solutions,
• use of anti-inflammatory and bactericidal suppositories.

All water procedures must be completed by drying, but not rubbing with a towel. On the recommendation of a doctor, you can use streptocidal or similar powder.

Physiological therapy is also advisable, in this case it is:

• UV radiation of the external genitalia;
• electrophoresis on the area of ​​the external genitalia (with a 1% solution of novocaine or a 10% solution of calcium chloride).

Allergic vulvitis is treated with antihistamines and a diet excluding sweet, spicy and salty foods.

Diseases associated with vulvitis (hormonal and metabolic disorders, chronic infections) are subject to treatment. It is important to strengthen the immune system, and for this purpose it is recommended to take general strengthening medications - vitamins, immunostimulants, dietary supplements.

What diseases can it be associated with?

Vulvitis can develop independently or concomitant with the underlying disease. Both primary and secondary vulvitis, in the absence of necessary and unique treatment, entail a number of complications:

• vulvovaginitis - inflammation that spreads to both the vulva and vagina;
• colpitis - inflammation of the vaginal mucosa;
• endocervicitis - inflammation of the inner mucous membrane of the cervix
• cervicitis - inflammation of the cervix;
• synechia of the labia minora is a pathology of the external genitalia, consisting in their fusion.

Secondary vulvitis may fundamentally contain some of the diseases listed below, without treatment of which specific therapy for vulvitis will not be fully effective. The causes of vulvitis and the diseases against which it can develop include:

Treatment of vulvitis at home

Treatment of vulvitis usually occurs at home, there are usually no indications for hospitalization. Treatment should be carried out in accordance with the course determined by a professional gynecologist after a face-to-face consultation with the patient. Self-medication cannot be considered effective, and in certain cases contributes to the deterioration of the condition. For example, uncontrolled douching can lead to the washing out of normal microflora or the spread of infection deeper into the body.

The implementation of medical prescriptions at home should be accompanied by a temporary cessation of sexual activity and alcohol consumption. Careful hygiene and exclusion of other disease-determining factors speeds up the healing process.

What medications are used to treat vulvitis?

The duration of the treatment course and dosage of drugs is determined by the attending physician. Preference is given to local therapy, but oral administration of drugs is not excluded. Whether it will be ointments for treating the external genitalia or suppositories for insertion into the vagina will again be determined by the doctor.

Etiotropic treatment

The choice of drugs for etiotropic treatment is determined by the cause of vulvitis:

Vitamin therapy in appropriate dosages has a general strengthening effect and promotes faster recovery.

• Aevit - 1 capsule 2-3 times a day;
• vitamin C and tocopherol acetate - 1 capsule three times a day (200 grams of vitamin and 100 grams of tocopherol acetate);
• riboflavin - 0.005 grams twice a day;
• thiamine chloride - 0.002 grams three times a day.

Treatment of vulvitis with traditional methods

Traditional medicine methods are taken into account in the treatment of vulvitis. They can be combined with methods of traditional medicine, or they can be used independently, but they still require preliminary discussion with a specialist who will mark the most appropriate ones. The choice can be directed to the following recipes:

• Oak bark- 2 tbsp. pour the crushed raw materials into 2 liters of water, put on low heat and boil for 10 minutes; use for baths and rinses twice a day in a warm form;
• roots of perstacha erecta- 1 tbsp. chop the roots, pour in a glass of water, put on low heat, let stand for 5 minutes, remove, cool, strain; Dilute the resulting broth with boiling water to a volume of one liter; use warm twice a day to wash the genitals;
• chamomile flowers- 1 tbsp. pour dried flowers with a liter of boiling water, cover with a napkin, leave for 1-1.5 hours, strain; use warm for washing, and if necessary (as prescribed by a doctor), then for douching;
• horse alum root- 1 tbsp. pour the crushed root into a liter of boiling water, leave until cool, strain; use warm twice a day to wash the genitals;
• herbal tea - combine oak bark, chamomile, nettle leaves and knotweed grass in a ratio of 1:1:3:5; 2 tbsp. Brew the resulting mixture with a glass of boiling water, use warm for washing;
• herbal tea- combine marshmallow root, oregano herb, oak bark in a ratio of 1:4:6; 4 tbsp. Place the resulting collection in a thermos, pour a liter of boiling water, leave for 12 hours, strain; take half a glass during the day; the next day prepare a fresh infusion;
• herbal tea- combine valerian officinalis root, lemon balm leaves, mantle herb and stinging nettle herb in a ratio of 2:2:3:3; 2 tbsp. pour a liter of boiling water over the collection, leave for 5 hours, strain; take half a glass during the day; the next day prepare a fresh infusion.

Treatment of vulvitis during pregnancy

During pregnancy, the female body is most susceptible to infectious and inflammatory processes, as hormonal changes occur and often weakening of immune properties. At this time, a woman should be as attentive as possible to the health of the whole body and the reproductive system in particular.

The inflammatory process of the external genitalia in expectant mothers is diagnosed very often and should be overcome as quickly as possible. It is noteworthy that therapeutic tactics are limited by the delicacy of the woman’s position. The prescription of therapeutic therapy, as well as a thorough diagnosis, should be carried out exclusively by a qualified professional, to whom the pregnant woman comes both for regular examinations and unscheduled for any discomfort and symptoms.

It is impossible to ignore the symptoms of vulvitis during pregnancy, since the body is in a position where the risk of infection spreading deep into the genital organs is especially high, and the inflammation itself not only causes discomfort to the expectant mother, but also threatens the health of the newborn, who is exposed to a high risk of infection during childbirth.

Therapeutic tactics are determined only after a thorough diagnosis and final diagnosis; as a rule, the basis of treatment is antibiotics, immunomodulators and physiotherapy.

The use of antibacterial therapy is significantly limited for a pregnant woman, but the doctor’s function is to select the safest and at the same time effective means. The latter, for example, include Pimafucin, Terzhinan, Vagotil, but the appropriateness of any drug is determined solely by the doctor during a face-to-face consultation.

It would be preferable to have a local effect on pathogens, the use of ointments, vaginal baths and applications. The use of traditional methods is also advisable, but should be a topic for discussion with your doctor. It must be borne in mind that some of the medicinal plants are contraindicated during pregnancy, and some can cause allergies.

During pregnancy, as well as at other times, it is easier to prevent vulvitis than to treat it. Therefore, women are advised to carefully observe intimate hygiene, avoid chemically and mechanically irritating products and accessories, controllable consumption of medications, and strengthen the immune system.

Which doctors should you contact if you have vulvitis?

Diagnosing vulvitis is not particularly difficult for a professional doctor, and special techniques are rather aimed at identifying the causative agent for further narrowly targeted fight against it. Usually, if vulvitis is suspected, the patient is offered the following types of examinations:

• general blood analysis;
• general urine analysis;
• blood test for HIV and syphilis;
• smear of vaginal discharge for flora;
• sowing vaginal discharge for microflora and determining sensitivity to antibiotics;
• examination for human papillomavirus, molluscum contagiosum virus, Trichomonas, gonococcus, Candida albicans (if necessary);

Laboratory tests are preceded by a medical history (to understand the primary or secondary nature of vulvitis) and a gynecological examination of the patient.