Written for families and young people (Key stage 3 and above)

What are the aims of this leaflet?                                           

This leaflet has been written to help children and young people (and their parents?) understand more about vulvitis. It tells you what it is, what causes it, what can be done about it and where you can find out more about it. The information will also be helpful to parents.

What is the vulva?

The vulva is the outer part of the female genitals (private parts) that you can see.

Many people, including adults, confuse the vulva with the vagina. The vagina is actually the inside part – it is a tube that connects to the womb and is where babies come out from when they are born.

The vulva is sometimes called “private parts” or just “privates”. You and your family may have your own names for it.

When you are younger, the vulva is quite tucked inside. As you grow, especially around puberty, a lot of changes happen to your body. The vulva changes. In particular, the inside flaps (called labia minora) grow, and become more visible. This is completely normal. The skin of the vulva has lots of nerves in it, which means it is very sensitive to touch. 

What is vulvitis?

Vulvitis is when the vulva becomes swollen, sore, itchy or inflamed.

What are the symptoms?

The most common symptom of vulvitis is itching. The vulva may feel sore or painful, look red or darker than usual. Going to the toilet, especially for a wee, might be uncomfortable. Vulvitis is more common in younger girls, usually before puberty. The symptoms may sometimes feel worse at night.

Why have I got this condition?

Before puberty, the skin of the vulva is very thin and sensitive. This means it can get easily irritated by products that contain soap or preservatives (for example those in wet wipes).

Most of the time, itching or discomfort is caused by soap or other products touching the vulva. This can include bubble bath, shampoo, shower gel, or perfumed soap. Even if these products are washed off, they can still leave behind things that irritate the skin. Wipes, even ones that say they’re for sensitive skin, can also cause problems.

Sometimes vulvitis happens because of hygiene habits. For example, wiping from back to front after a poo can spread germs to the vulva.  Not wiping properly after a wee, or if wee dribbles  onto the skin can also cause irritation.

What tests do I need?Most of the time, you won’t need any specific tests. A dermatologist may want to look at the vulva to check for any changes. This is because vulvitis can sometimes look like another skin condition called lichen sclerosus), which affects the vulva and needs different treatment.

They may also take a skin swab (by rubbing the skin with a cotton bud) to check for any infection.

It’s normal to feel shy or embarrassed about someone looking at your vulva but, in the clinic, this is a normal part of checking your health. You will always have someone with you, like a family member,  carer or nurse, as well as the doctor. The check-up shouldn’t hurt and often doesn’t take long. It is important that this is done, so you get the right treatment and help.

How is vulvitis treated? 

Vulvitis can be managed with ways to reduce irritation and treatments when the vulva is sore and/ or itchy. Your parent or carer can help with this:

1. General care of vulval skin: 

Taking care of the skin around the vulva can help improve symptoms and stop vulvitis from coming back.

• Avoid using soap and fragranced products on the vulva as they can cause irritation.
  • Don’t use soap, bubble bath or anything that makes foam or bubbles. These can be very irritating to vulval skin. Even a bar of soap floating in the bath can cause irritation.
  • Wash your hair in the shower, over the sink, or with your head over the side of the bath. This stops shampoo from touching your vulva.
  • Regularly clean the genital area with warm water only, or use a soap substitute (for example, an emollient / moisturiser).
  • Fully clean the labia (the vulval flaps) at least twice a week using the soap substitute.
  • After using the toilet, apply some moisturiser (emollient) on toilet or tissue paper to wipe your private areas.
  • Don’t use wet wipes, even if they say ‘for sensitive skin’ or ‘toddler wipes’. They all contain preservatives that can irritate the skin. If toilet paper isn’t enough, use plain cotton pads soaked in water instead.
  • Try to wee (urinate) right after a bath, to flush out any water or urine. Warm water can make you feel like weeing in the bath but always get out first to prevent irritation.
• Always wipe from front to back after using the toilet, especially after a poo. Wiping back to front can spread bacteria, causing soreness, even a wee infection.
• Drink enough liquid each day to keep your wee (urine) a pale-yellow colour. Concentrated urine (darker yellow) can also irritate the vulval skin.
• Avoid wearing underwear or pyjamas made from synthetic materials like polyester or nylon, as they can irritate the skin. Instead, choose cotton underwear. If possible, avoid wearing tight underwear at night, so your private parts can breathe.

2. Treating a flare up: 

Soothing the irritation: baking soda and warm water soaks

Sitting in a basin or bathtub of warm water and soaking the genital area for 10 minutes can help calm irritation. Adding 4 tablespoons of baking soda to a bathtub of warm water (or less baking soda for a basin) can also help. Baking soda works better than vinegar for children.

While soaking, keep your legs open so the water can cleanse the vulva. If possible, open the vulva slightly with your fingers to let the water reach all areas. Do not use soap or shampoo during this time.

Repeat this twice a day for 3 days. The baking soda soaks will help to remove soap, concentrated urine or other irritants, and will also help the skin to heal.

After the symptoms improve

• Wash the genital area once a day with warm water and your fingers
• Apply unperfumed moisturiser (ointments sting less than cream, but different people will find different products that suit them).
• Some people prefer soap substitutes – these should be mild and unfragranced and should not make bubbles.
• Continue to avoid using soaps and shampoos (in the bath/washing over the body) to reduce the chances of the problem coming back.

3. Treatment for itching

If itching is a problem, your healthcare professional might prescribe a topical corticosteroid, such as hydrocortisone cream or ointment, to apply on the skin.

Apply a pea-sized amount of the prescribed cream/ointment to the genital area, especially if itch is a problem. This can be done daily for up to 7 days in a row. The treatments can be used again if necessary for any itching.

If the symptoms continue, or come back quickly when you stop the treatment, your healthcare professional will give you advice and may recommend using corticosteroid ointments/creams, for example 2 days a week (‘weekend treatments’) to control the ongoing symptoms.

What can you expect?

The discomfort should go away after one week of treatment.

It is very rare to get any problems from using these treatments on the vulva. They are safe and important for treating and managing this condition.

If the itching continues, even though ointments or cream are being used properly, your healthcare professional might need to take a skin swab to check for infection. You might also need a different cream or ointment , and this should be discussed with your healthcare professional.

You should make sure to tell someone and get medical attention:

• The itching has not settled after 1 week of the recommended treatments
• There is any vaginal discharge or bleeding
• There is pain when passing urine
• You have other concerns or questions.

CAUTION:

This leaflet mentions ‘emollients’ (moisturisers). Emollients, creams, lotions and ointments contain oils. When emollient products get in contact with dressings, clothing, bed linen or hair, there is a danger that they could catch fire more easily. There is still a risk if the emollient products have dried. People using skincare or haircare products should be very careful near naked flames or lit cigarettes. Wash clothing daily and bedlinen frequently, if they are in contact with emollients. This may not remove the risk completely, even at high temperatures. Caution is still needed. More information may be obtained at https://www.gov.uk/guidance/safe-use-of-emollient-skin-creams-to-treat-dry-skin-conditions.

Where can I get further information about vulvitis?

Weblinks to other relevant source:

https://patient.info/womens-health/vulval-problems-leaflet/vulvitis

Please note that the British Association of Dermatologists (BAD) provides web links to additional resources to help people access a range of information about their treatment or skin condition. The views expressed in these external resources may not be shared by the BAD or its members. The BAD has no control of and does not endorse the content of external links.

This leaflet aims to provide accurate information about the subject and is a consensus of the views held by representatives of the British Society for Paediatric and Adolescent Dermatology which is a part of the British Association of Dermatologists. Individual patient circumstances may differ, which may alter both the advice and treatment given by your doctor

This leaflet has been assessed for readability by the British Association of Dermatologists’ Patient Information Lay Review Panel

BRITISH ASSOCIATION OF DERMATOLOGISTS PATIENT INFORMATION LEAFLET
PRODUCED | OCTOBER 2020
UPDATED | OCTOBER 2025
NEXT REVIEW DATE  | OCTOBER 2028

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