Patient's question:
Chongqing, how to prevent vulvitis?Doctor's answer:
Hello: Vulvitis refers to inflammatory lesions that occur in the skin or mucosa of the vulva, such as redness, swelling, pain, itching, and erosion. The vulva can develop various diseases due to various bacterial infections, such as leukoplakia of the vulva and vulvar pruritus. For vulvitis, prevention is very important. So, what are the methods to prevent vulvitis? In fact, there are many ways to prevent this disease. Below, experts from Wuxi Maria Hospital introduce several common methods:1. Cutting Off Transmission and Strengthening Health Education
Educate those who enjoy swimming about the importance of hygiene, advocating showering instead of baths, and avoiding sharing towels, shorts, or basins to prevent cross-infection. Eliminate bad habits and actively participate in healthy recreational activities to prevent diseases and promote the health and happiness of every woman.
2. Personal Hygiene Care
Pay attention to personal hygiene, clean the vulva daily, and change shorts. Use towels exclusively for the vulva. After washing towels and changing shorts, sterilize them by boiling in hot water for 30 minutes or more, then expose them to sunlight. Avoid air-drying; if there is no sunlight, hang them in a well-ventilated area to dry. Also, require their husbands to maintain good hygiene. If there is vulvar skin or mucosal itching, pain, burning sensation, local congestion, swelling, or erosion, which worsen during movement, sexual intercourse, urination, or defecation, use a 1:5000 potassium permanganate solution for sitz baths twice daily for 15–30 minutes. After cleaning the vulva, apply an antibiotic ointment locally. Identify the cause, cut off transmission, and provide symptomatic treatment.
3. Care for Those Who Use Sanitary Pads Long-Term
Some patients mistakenly believe that sanitary pads are hygienic and may skip changing shorts or washing the vulva when using them. In reality, they often seek treatment for vulvitis caused by these habits without knowing the root cause. For such patients, explain the advantages and disadvantages of sanitary pads in detail. The disadvantage is poor breathability, and long-term use can lead to local dampness, which is a cause of inflammation. This is especially true for daily use. While sanitary pads are acceptable during menstruation, a few may be allergic to them, experiencing vulvar inflammation and itching during their periods. For these patients, switching to sanitary paper may improve vulvar inflammation.
4. Care for Those with Poor Medication Habits
A small number of patients who previously had vulvitis may have been cured with medication. However, these patients lack health knowledge and believe that long-term medication washing is a form of health care, preventing them from getting vulvitis again. Unaware that long-term medication can irritate the skin and worsen discomfort, they should be advised to stop using medication immediately and not buy or use drugs long-term. Under normal circumstances, simply wash with warm water to keep clean. If symptoms occur, consult a doctor for diagnosis and appropriate medication based on the condition.