Vulvitis: Causes, Symptoms & How to Care for Your Vulval Health

13 min read
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Vulval itching, burning, redness or irritation can be uncomfortable, particularly when you're not sure what's causing it. These symptoms are often described as vulvitis, a general term for inflammation of the vulva, the external genital area surrounding the vaginal opening.

Vulvitis can have several causes, including irritation from everyday products, friction, infections, hormonal changes and skin conditions. Some causes are relatively straightforward to manage, while others need medical treatment.

Understanding what may be irritating your vulval skin can help you make more comfortable choices and recognise when it's time to seek medical advice.

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What is vulvitis?

Vulvitis refers to inflammation of the vulva, which includes the labia (inner and outer folds of skin), clitoris and the tissues surrounding the vaginal and urethral openings.

Unlike the vagina, which is an internal muscular canal, the vulva is made up of external skin and delicate tissues that can be affected by friction, moisture, allergens, infections and skin conditions.

Vulvitis isn't a single disease or diagnosis. It's a description of inflammation that can develop for different reasons. Anyone with a vulva can experience it, including children, adults and people who have gone through menopause.

For a closer look at the structures involved, explore our guide to reproductive anatomy.

What are the symptoms of vulvitis?

Symptoms can vary depending on what's causing the inflammation and which areas of the vulva are affected.

Common symptoms include:

  • Itching, burning or stinging around the vulva
  • Redness or changes in skin colour
  • Swelling, tenderness or sensitivity to touch
  • Dryness, roughness or flaky skin
  • Chafing or discomfort during exercise or sexual activity
  • Stinging when urine comes into contact with irritated skin
  • Small cracks, splits or sore patches
  • Changes in skin texture, including thickened or unusually pale areas

These symptoms can occur with several different conditions. While mild irritation may settle after removing a trigger, persistent itching, skin changes or pain should be assessed rather than assumed to be a temporary sensitivity.

What causes vulvitis?

Vulval inflammation can develop from one cause or a combination of factors. The skin in this area is exposed to moisture, friction and products that may affect its protective barrier.

Irritants and allergic reactions

Contact dermatitis is a common cause of vulval irritation. It occurs when the skin reacts to something it comes into contact with, either through direct irritation or an allergic response.

Possible triggers include:

  • Scented soaps, body washes and bubble baths
  • Intimate deodorants, fragranced wipes or cleansing products
  • Laundry detergents and fabric softeners
  • Menstrual pads, liners or other products containing irritating materials or additives
  • Certain lubricants, spermicides or condom materials
  • Shaving products, waxing and hair removal creams
  • Repeated washing or vigorous rubbing of the skin

Even products marketed as gentle, natural or designed for intimate use can cause irritation in some people. What matters most is how your own skin responds.

Infections

Some infections can cause inflammation of the vulva, including:

  • Vaginal thrush: Candida yeast infections can cause vulval itching, redness, swelling and discomfort, sometimes alongside vaginal discharge.
  • Sexually transmitted infections: Conditions such as genital herpes can cause painful sores or irritation.
  • Bacterial skin infections: Infections affecting the skin or hair follicles can cause localised redness, swelling and tenderness.

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) primarily affects the vaginal bacterial environment rather than the vulval skin. However, vaginal discharge associated with BV or other conditions may sometimes contribute to external irritation.

Because symptoms can overlap, itching or redness doesn't necessarily mean you have thrush. Treatment depends on identifying the cause.

Hormonal changes and dryness

Lower oestrogen levels can affect the moisture, elasticity and resilience of vulval and vaginal tissues.

These changes are particularly common during perimenopause and after menopause, but can also occur while breastfeeding or during certain medical treatments.

Dryness and increased sensitivity may contribute to:

  • Burning or irritation
  • Discomfort from clothing or friction
  • Small splits or tears in delicate skin
  • Pain during sexual activity

When these symptoms are related to menopause, they may be part of genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM), which can affect both the vulva and vagina.

Friction, moisture and clothing

Friction can irritate vulval skin, especially when combined with sweat, moisture or prolonged pressure.

Activities and circumstances that may contribute include:

  • Cycling, running or other repetitive exercise
  • Tight clothing or underwear that rubs against the skin
  • Prolonged exposure to damp clothing
  • Sexual activity involving friction
  • Continued contact with menstrual blood, urine or other moisture

These factors don't necessarily cause vulvitis on their own, but they can aggravate skin that's already sensitive or inflamed.

Vulval skin conditions

Several skin conditions can affect the vulva and cause symptoms similar to general irritation.

These include:

  • Eczema and contact dermatitis: Can cause itching, dryness, redness and sometimes thickened skin.
  • Psoriasis: May cause inflamed, uncomfortable patches, sometimes without the typical scaling seen elsewhere on the body.
  • Lichen sclerosus: A chronic inflammatory condition that can cause itching, pale or white skin patches, tearing and changes in vulval anatomy.
  • Lichen planus: An inflammatory condition that may cause soreness, erosions and changes to vulval or vaginal tissues.

These conditions can require specific medical treatment. In particular, persistent white patches, skin splitting, changes in vulval shape or sores that don't heal should be assessed by a healthcare professional.

What's the difference between vulvitis and vaginitis?

Although the terms sound similar, they refer to inflammation in different areas.

  • Vulvitis: Inflammation affecting the external vulva, often causing itching, redness, tenderness or skin changes.
  • Vaginitis: Inflammation affecting the vagina, which may cause irritation, unusual discharge or discomfort. Bacterial vaginosis is also commonly discussed alongside vaginitis, although it doesn't always involve inflammation.

It's possible to experience both at the same time. For example, a vaginal yeast infection can also cause inflammation and irritation of the surrounding vulval tissues. This is sometimes called vulvovaginitis.

Identifying where your symptoms occur can be helpful, but it isn't always possible to distinguish the cause without an examination or testing.

How is vulvitis diagnosed?

Because vulval irritation has several possible causes, diagnosis usually begins with a discussion of your symptoms and an examination of the affected skin.

A GP, sexual health clinician or gynaecologist may ask about:

  • When your symptoms started and whether they come and go
  • Any changes to soaps, detergents, menstrual products or lubricants
  • Whether symptoms are associated with your menstrual cycle, exercise or sex
  • Any unusual vaginal discharge or possible exposure to an STI
  • Hormonal changes, medical conditions or medications

Depending on your symptoms, they may recommend swabs to check for infection, additional testing or referral to a dermatologist or gynaecologist.

Occasionally, a small skin sample called a biopsy may be needed to investigate persistent or unusual changes.

How is vulvitis treated?

Treatment depends on what's causing the inflammation. There isn't one treatment that works for every type of vulvitis.

Depending on the diagnosis, treatment may include:

  • Avoiding irritants: Removing products or activities that are aggravating the skin.
  • Moisturisers or barrier ointments: Using suitable fragrance-free emollients to help protect dry or irritated external skin.
  • Antifungal treatment: When a yeast infection has been identified.
  • Prescription anti-inflammatory creams: Such as topical corticosteroids for certain skin conditions, including eczema or lichen sclerosus.
  • Antibiotics or antiviral medicines: If a bacterial or viral infection is responsible.
  • Hormonal treatment: Such as prescription vaginal oestrogen when symptoms are related to lower oestrogen levels.

It's best not to repeatedly apply over-the-counter thrush treatments, antiseptics or medicated creams without knowing the cause. Some preparations can worsen irritation or delay appropriate treatment.

If the skin is broken, blistered or has open sores, ask a healthcare professional before applying creams or other products.

How to care for irritated vulval skin

Gentle skin care may help reduce discomfort, particularly when irritation is related to products, moisture or friction. These measures can support comfort but won't replace treatment for an infection or underlying skin condition.

Keep cleansing simple

Wash the external vulva gently with lukewarm water. Avoid scrubbing, fragranced washes, deodorants and internal vaginal cleansing.

If you prefer using a cleanser, choose a mild, fragrance-free product suitable for sensitive skin, and stop using it if irritation develops.

Pat the area dry with a soft towel rather than rubbing.

Reduce friction and moisture

Comfortable, breathable underwear and loose-fitting clothing may help reduce rubbing and trapped moisture.

If exercise, swimming or prolonged time in damp clothing makes symptoms worse, changing into dry clothing afterwards may improve comfort.

Consider taking a break from activities that repeatedly irritate the affected skin while symptoms settle.

Use a cool compress for temporary relief

A cool compress may help ease itching or burning. Wrap a cool pack in a soft cloth and apply it briefly to the external area.

Avoid applying ice or frozen packs directly to vulval skin, as extreme cold can damage delicate tissue.

Avoid scratching

Scratching may provide temporary relief but can damage the skin barrier and make irritation worse.

If itching is persistent, particularly at night, seek medical advice rather than trying to manage it through repeated washing or applying different products.

Consider lubrication when dryness causes friction

If dryness or friction makes sexual activity uncomfortable, a suitable personal lubricant may help reduce rubbing.

Choose a product you tolerate well, preferably without fragrance or unnecessary additives. Water-based lubricants can be a useful option, but ingredients and individual sensitivities matter more than simply choosing a product labelled pH-balanced or gentle.

For ongoing dryness, an appropriate intimate moisturiser may also help. Check whether the product is intended for use on the external vulva, inside the vagina or both.

Lubricants and moisturisers don't treat infections or inflammatory skin conditions. Avoid sexual activity that causes pain, and seek advice if discomfort persists.

Can period products cause vulval irritation?

Some people notice itching, rubbing or irritation when using particular menstrual products. This may be related to friction, moisture, sensitivity to materials or prolonged contact with a product.

Disposable pads and liners can sometimes contribute to irritation, particularly if they contain fragrances or are worn for extended periods. However, reusable products aren't automatically more suitable for sensitive skin.

Cloth pads may be a comfortable option for some people, especially when made from materials they tolerate well. Others may prefer menstrual cups or discs because these collect menstrual fluid internally rather than holding it against the external skin.

However, cups and discs can also cause discomfort if they don't suit your anatomy, are positioned incorrectly or create friction during insertion or removal.

If you experience irritation during your period, consider:

  • Whether the irritation occurs only when using a particular product
  • Changing pads or liners regularly to reduce prolonged moisture contact
  • Choosing fragrance-free products and materials your skin tolerates
  • Following the manufacturer's cleaning instructions for reusable products
  • Using a compatible lubricant if insertion or removal causes friction

There isn't one period product that's best for everyone. If you're considering changing products, our Menstrual Product Comparison Hub can help you explore the differences between cups, discs, sponges and cloth pads.

If irritation persists regardless of the product you use, it's worth having the symptoms assessed rather than continuing to switch products.

When should you see a doctor?

Arrange an appointment with a GP or sexual health clinic if you experience:

  • Vulval itching, burning or irritation that persists or keeps returning
  • Cracked, bleeding or painful skin
  • White patches, thickened skin or changes in vulval appearance
  • Sores, blisters, lumps or areas that don't heal
  • Unusual vaginal discharge or a change in odour
  • Pain during sex or when urinating
  • Symptoms that aren't improving with gentle skin care

Seek urgent medical assessment if you experience severe or rapidly worsening pain, marked swelling, fever or feel significantly unwell.

Persistent skin changes shouldn't be ignored, even if they aren't particularly painful. Some vulval skin conditions need ongoing treatment and monitoring.

Frequently asked questions about vulvitis

Is vulvitis the same as thrush?

No. Vulvitis describes inflammation of the vulva, while thrush is a yeast infection that can cause vulval inflammation. Other causes include contact dermatitis, friction, hormonal changes and skin conditions. Because symptoms overlap, itching alone doesn't confirm thrush.

Is vulvitis contagious?

Vulvitis itself isn't contagious because it's a description of inflammation rather than a specific infection. However, some underlying causes, such as genital herpes and certain other infections, can be transmitted between people.

Can vulvitis cause burning when you wee?

Yes. Urine coming into contact with inflamed or cracked vulval skin can cause stinging or burning. However, urinary tract infections and sexually transmitted infections can cause similar symptoms, so painful urination should be medically assessed if it is new, persistent or accompanied by other symptoms.

Can menopause cause vulvitis?

Lower oestrogen levels during perimenopause and menopause can contribute to vulval dryness, sensitivity and irritation. These changes may be part of genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM). Appropriate moisturisers, lubricants or prescription hormonal treatments may help, depending on the cause.

Can menstrual pads cause vulvitis?

Some people experience contact irritation from menstrual pads or liners, particularly due to friction, moisture, fragrances or sensitivity to certain materials. This doesn't mean all pads cause vulvitis. Trying a different material or product may improve comfort, but persistent symptoms should be investigated.

Can I use a menstrual cup or disc if I have vulvitis?

It depends on the cause and severity of your symptoms. Cups and discs don't sit directly against most of the external vulval skin, but insertion and removal can still cause discomfort or friction. If the vulva is inflamed, cracked or painful, it may be more comfortable to avoid inserting products until symptoms have been assessed and have settled.

How long does vulvitis take to go away?

Recovery depends on the cause. Mild irritation may improve within a few days after removing a trigger, while infections and inflammatory skin conditions may require treatment and take longer to settle. If symptoms persist, return or worsen, seek medical advice.

What's the best cream for vulvitis?

There isn't one cream that's suitable for every cause. A simple fragrance-free emollient may help some forms of external dryness or irritation, while other conditions require antifungal, anti-inflammatory or prescription treatment. Avoid applying medicated creams to sensitive or broken skin without appropriate advice.

Understanding and caring for your vulval health

Vulval skin can be sensitive to everyday products, moisture, friction and hormonal changes. Understanding what's normal for your body and paying attention to new or persistent symptoms can help you identify when something needs attention.

Gentle skin care and avoiding known irritants may help with mild irritation, but ongoing itching, pain or changes in the skin deserve medical assessment.

At Period Shop, we believe that understanding your body is an important part of choosing products that suit your needs. Explore our Menstrual Product Comparison Hub for period care options, or browse our personal lubricants if dryness or friction is affecting your comfort.

Sources and further reading

This article is for general education and is not a substitute for individual medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.