Patient's question:
Female, I went through menopause two years ago, but recently I've been experiencing intense itching in my outer labia and vaginal opening, and the discharge also has a strong odor. Please ask: What are the symptoms of simple vulvitis?Doctor's answer:
Clinical manifestations. In the acute phase, the external genitalia show swelling, congestion, and erosion, sometimes forming ulcers or extensive eczema. Patients experience burning, itching, or pain in the external genital area, especially during urination. In severe cases, inguinal lymphadenopathy with tenderness may occur, and body temperature may slightly decrease with leukocytosis. In diabetic vulvitis, the external genital skin becomes red, thickened, and often brown, with scratch marks. Due to the presence of urinary glucose, which promotes the growth and adaptation of molds, it is often a secondary infection with Candida albicans. In chronic inflammation, the external genital area itches and may develop into lichenification. Diagnosis. A detailed medical history should be taken, including the amount and characteristics of secretions, as well as any special contributing factors.