How to deal with the recurrent episodes of vulvitis?
Vulvitis is one of the common gynecological inflammations in women, and its common symptoms include itching, burning sensation, and pain in the vulvar skin, which worsen during activities, sexual intercourse, and urination. In the acute stage, redness, swelling, and hyperemia occur, along with scratch marks. Chronic inflammation causes pain and itching, leading to cracking and lichenification of the vulva. Some patients experience swelling, hyperemia, erosion, and eczema in patches on the inner side of the labia minora.
Gynecological experts introduce: The treatment of vulvitis is not very difficult, but it tends to recur, causing great distress to women's lives and physical health. Therefore, preventing the recurrence of vulvitis is the key to staying away from it and restoring women's health.
So, how to prevent the recurrence of vulvitis?
Experts point out: Preventing the recurrence of vulvitis starts from the following six points.
[1] Remove the cause: For recurring cases, the cause should be examined, such as whether there is diabetes, use of antibiotics, estrogen or steroid hormones, wearing tight synthetic underwear, or local drug irritation. These inducements should be controlled or eliminated as much as possible.
[2] Thorough treatment for first-time sufferers: Medication should be taken correctly according to the doctor's requirements and consolidated treatment is needed. Incomplete treatment is one of the reasons for the recurrence and difficulty in treating vulvitis. The standard for a complete cure is three consecutive menstrual cycles with negative leukorrhea tests.
[3] Pay attention to personal hygiene: Keep the vulva clean and dry, change underwear frequently, and use dedicated items for the vulva. Used underwear, towels, and basins should be boiled in hot water. When going to public places like public toilets, swimming pools, and baths, take precautions against cross-infection.
[4] Treat partners simultaneously: Vulvar vaginitis is often a sexually transmitted disease. The foreskin folds, urethra, and prostate of the husband of an infected woman may harbor pathogens. If only the woman is treated, the man can become the source of infection, leading to recurrence. Using condoms simultaneously can reduce mutual infection between partners.
[5] Enhance the body's resistance: Strengthen nutrition, exercise regularly, and improve the body's immunity to reduce the chances of opportunistic pathogenic bacteria infections.
[6] Eat less spicy and seafood-based foods, as seafood can easily cause vaginal infections.
Experts remind: Patients with vulvitis should pay attention to keeping the vulva clean and dry, especially during menstruation, pregnancy, and the postpartum period. Wash the vulva daily and change underwear; do not wear synthetic or tight underwear, choose cotton underwear; avoid using irritating soaps, drugs, or too cold or too hot water to wash the vulva; use antibiotics reasonably to avoid disrupting the acid-base balance of the vagina.
This article is excerpted from: Changchun Gynecology Hospital Official Website. Original address: http://www.tjfk999.com/waiyinyan/201104202310.html. For more information about gynecological diseases, please visit the official website of Changchun Gynecology Hospital.