The difference between vulvitis and vaginitis

The differences between vulvitis and vaginitis generally lie in the affected areas and symptoms. Vulvitis refers to inflammation of the skin and mucous membranes of the vulva, whereas vaginitis involves inflammation of the vaginal mucosa, so the affected sites are different. Vulvitis typically presents with local symptoms such as itching, redness, swelling, burning sensation, and pain, and often occurs together with vaginitis. In contrast, vaginitis commonly causes abnormal vaginal discharge, accompanied by vulvar itching, among other symptoms. Therefore, the symptoms differ.