What causes vulvar pain?
May 08, 2024
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhao Xiaodong
Introduction
Vulvar pain may be caused by allergies, trauma, vulvitis, vaginitis, vulvar eczema, and other conditions. It is recommended to seek medical attention promptly and receive treatment after the underlying cause is identified. In daily life, it is important to develop good living habits, such as going to bed early and waking up early, trying to fall asleep before 11 p.m. each night, avoiding staying up late, and ensuring sufficient sleep. Diet should be light and easily digestible, with increased intake of lean meat, fish, eggs, and similar foods.
Generally, vulvar pain may be caused by allergies, trauma, vulvitis, vaginitis, or vulvar eczema. It is recommended to seek medical attention promptly to determine the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment. Specific causes are analyzed as follows:
1. Allergy
If low-quality sanitary pads are used, they may trigger an allergic reaction in the vulva, leading to pain. It is advisable to switch to higher-quality sanitary pads, maintain proper hygiene, and clean the vulvar area with warm water.
2. Trauma
This is usually caused by straddle injuries or falls, which may result in skin damage to the vulvar region and cause pain. Within the first 24 hours, apply a cold compress using an ice pack or a towel soaked in cold water. After 48 hours, switch to a warm compress using a hot water bottle or a warm towel to help relieve pain.
3. Vulvitis
This is typically caused by bacterial infections such as Staphylococcus or Streptococcus, which may lead to skin lesions in the vulvar area, accompanied by symptoms like itching and redness. Under a doctor's guidance, medications such as amoxicillin-clavulanate potassium tablets, compound huangsong wash solution, or nifuratel tablets may be used for treatment.
4. Vaginitis
This may be caused by bacterial or fungal infections affecting the vaginal mucosa, resulting in vulvar pain along with symptoms such as vaginal odor and abnormal discharge. Treatment under medical supervision may include metronidazole tablets, tinidazole tablets, or levofloxacin hydrochloride capsules.
5. Vulvar Eczema
This may result from prolonged moisture or friction, damaging the vulvar skin and mucosa and causing pain, redness, blisters, and other symptoms. Under a doctor’s guidance, medications such as levocetirizine hydrochloride tablets, ebastine tablets, or compound acetic acid dexamethasone cream may be used for treatment.
In daily life, it is important to develop healthy habits, such as going to bed early and waking up early, aiming to sleep before 11 p.m. each night and avoiding staying up late, to ensure sufficient rest. Diet should be light and easily digestible. Consuming nutrient-rich foods such as lean meat, fish, eggs, milk, and carrots can help enhance immunity.
