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<p align="left"><font size="6"><strong><img src="../sti/_derived/vulvitis_htm_cmp_shastd2000_bnr.gif" width="650" height="60" border="0" alt="vulvitis"></strong></font></p>
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<td width="19%" valign="top" bgcolor="#D8EAFE"><!--mstheme--><font face="verdana, Arial, Helvetica"><p align="center"><a href="../sti/vulvitimage"><img src="../images/thrush_vulvitis31_small.jpg" alt="thrush vulvitis31.jpg (30982 bytes)" border="2" width="100" height="145"></a></p>
<h6 align="center"><!--mstheme--><font color="#003366">Thrush related vulvitis<!--mstheme--></font></h6>
<p align="center"><a href="../sti/image"><img src="../images/film.gif" alt="film.gif (2646 bytes)" style="background-color: rgb(255,255,255); color: rgb(255,255,255); border: -1px none rgb(216,234,254)" width="117" height="68"></a></p>
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<td width="81%" valign="top"><!--mstheme--><font face="verdana, Arial, Helvetica"><h3><!--mstheme--><font color="#003366"><a name="What">What</a> is it?<!--mstheme--></font></h3>
<p>An irritation around the entrance of the vagina and its lips (vulva).</p>
<h3><!--mstheme--><font color="#003366">How does it show itself?<!--mstheme--></font></h3>
<p>It usually leads to itching or soreness and there may be an unusual discharge. It can
be easily confused with `<a href="../sti/candida">thrush</a>` which is caused by a yeast germ
called `<a href="../sti/candida">candida</a>`. Thrush can however be one of a number of
causes of vulvitis.</p>
<h3><!--mstheme--><font color="#003366">Is it common?<!--mstheme--></font></h3>
<p>Yes, very. Some women get it regularly especially if they suffer other skin conditions
such as eczema, dermatitis or psoriasis. An allergy to certain drugs or chemicals may
exist. A family history of allergy may also be relevant.</p>
<h3><!--mstheme--><font color="#003366">Where does it come from?<!--mstheme--></font></h3>
<p>There could be a number of causes. Here are some of the more common ones:</p>
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<strong>Infection</strong>. Thrush is the commonest infectious cause. Some women
experience this more during pregnancy or after taking antibiotics. It may be passed on
from a sexual partner but this is thought to be rare. Other genital infections might cause
vulvitis.
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<!--msthemelist--><tr><td valign="baseline" width="42"><img src="../_themes/shastd2/shasbul3.gif" width="35" height="24" hspace="3" alt="bullet"></td><td valign="top" width="100%"><!--mstheme--><font face="verdana, Arial, Helvetica"><strong>Allergy or chemical irritation</strong>. It
may be difficult to pinpoint exactly what substance causes a vulvitis. Common things are;<br>
Feminine deoderant sprays<br>
Scented bath/washing products (eg bath salts/bubble baths)<br>
Creams used incorrectly (eg antithrush, antiseptics)<br>
Disinfectants<br>
Contraceptive creams<br>
Condoms (especially with <a href="../glossary#Non-oxynol-9">spermicidal lubricant</a>)<br>
Chlorine in swimming pools<br>
Hair shampoo in bath water<br>
Chemicals/cosmetics used by a sexual partner on genitals/fingers.<br>
Washing powders especially biological ones and fabric softeners.<br>
Certain brands of sanitary protection products
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<!--mstheme--></font><!--msthemelist--><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="100%">
<!--msthemelist--><tr><td valign="baseline" width="42"><img src="../_themes/shastd2/shasbul3.gif" width="35" height="24" hspace="3" alt="bullet"></td><td valign="top" width="100%"><!--mstheme--><font face="verdana, Arial, Helvetica"><strong>Menopause.</strong> This is a time when many
women experience dryness and irritation as hormone levels reduce. Your G.P. may be able to
help if this is the case.
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<h3><!--mstheme--><font color="#003366">Can it be treated successfully?<!--mstheme--></font></h3>
<p><br>
Yes. It is important to check for the presence of an infection by examining the vulva and
taking <a href="../glossary#Swabs">swabs</a> from the vagina. Treatment can then be
given if needed. If no infection is found then it will be helpful to stop using products
that may be causing the irritation. Underwear may best be washed separately using simple
soap flakes. If condoms appear to be the problem then changing brands may help especially
by avoiding ones with <a href="../glossary#Non-oxynol-9">nonoxynol-9 lubricant</a>. If
it occurs during the menopause a GP may prescribe hormonal creams or replacement
therapies. Use of a lubricant such as KY jelly may help with dryness and can be purchased
from any chemist. </p>
<p><a href="../sti/vulvitis"><img src="../images/topengl.gif" alt="wpe2.gif (959 bytes)" width="27" height="27"></a> </p>
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