Vulvitis, or inflammation of the vulva, may be caused by one of several medical conditions, medicated creams, or external irritants. It can also be caused by an injury; oral sex; a bacterial, viral, or fungal infection; sitting in a hot tub; allergies to common commercial products such as body soaps, powders, and deodorants; or irritation from sanitary napkins, synthetic underwear, or panty hose.

Vulvitis often accompanies vaginal infections. Stress, inadequate diet, and poor hygiene can increase the likelihood of vaginal infections. Women with diabetes may develop vulvitis because the sugar content of their cells is higher, increasing susceptibility to infection. Postmenopausal women often develop vulvitis because as hormone levels drop, the vulvar tissues become thinner, drier, and less elastic and therefore more prone to irritation and infection.

Symptoms of vulvitis include itching, redness, swelling, burning, and pain. Sometimes fluid-filled blisters form that break open, ooze, and crust over (these could also be herpes). Scratching can cause further irritation, pus formation, and scaling, as well as secondary infection. Sometimes, as a result of scratching, the skin whitens and thickens.

Women with this problem tend to overclean the vulva, contributing to further irritation. Wash once a day with warm water only.