Disorders of the Vulva

Disorders of the Vulva: Common Causes of Vulvar Pain, Burning, and Itching

What is the vulva?


When should I contact my health care provider about vulvar symptoms?

If you see changes on the skin of the vulva, or if you have itching, burning, or pain, contact your health care provider.

What will my health care provider check?

Your health care provider may examine you, ask you questions about the pain and your daily routine, and take samples of vaginal discharge for testing. In some cases, a biopsy is needed to confirm diagnosis of a disease.

What are some skin disorders that can affect the vulva?

Some of the skin disorders that affect the vulva include folliculitis, contact dermatitis, Bartholin gland cysts, lichen simplex chronicus, lichen sclerosus, and lichen planus.

What is folliculitis?


What is contact dermatitis?


What is a Bartholin gland cyst?

The Bartholin glands are located under the skin on either side of the opening of the vagina. They release a fluid that helps with lubrication during sexual intercourse. If the Bartholin glands become blocked, a cyst can form, causing a swollen bump near the opening of the vagina. Bartholin gland cysts usually are not painful unless they become infected. If this occurs, anabscess can form.

If your cyst is not causing pain, it can be treated at home by sitting in a warm, shallow bath or by applying a warm compress. If an abscess has formed, treatment involves draining the cyst using a needle or other instrument in a health care provider’s office.

What is lichen simplex chronicus?


What is lichen sclerosus?


What is lichen planus?



What is vulvodynia?

Vulvodynia means “vulvar pain.” The pain can occur when the area is touched or it can occur without touch. There are two types of vulvodynia: generalized and localized. With generalized vulvodynia, the pain occurs over a large area of the vulva. With localized vulvodynia, the pain is felt on a smaller area, such as the vestibule.

What are the signs and symptoms of vulvodynia?


How is vulvodynia treated?


What is vulvar atrophy?

Vulvar atrophy is the thinning of the skin of the vulva. It usually occurs in response to the decreased estrogen levels that occur in perimenopause and menopause.

What are the signs and symptoms of vulvar atrophy?


How is vulvar atrophy treated?


What is vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia (VIN)?


What are the signs and symptoms of VIN?


How is VIN treated?

VIN can be treated with a cream that is applied to the skin, laser treatment, or surgery. The HPV vaccine that protects against HPV types 6, 11, 16, and 18 is approved to prevent VIN caused by these four types of HPV.

What is cancer?

Cancer is the growth of abnormal cells.

What causes vulvar cancer?


What are the signs and symptoms of vulvar cancer?


How is cancer treated?


What other disorders can affect the vulva?

There are a number of disorders that may affect the vulva. Infections (such as yeast infection) and sexually transmitted diseases, such as genital herpes, can cause vulvar signs and symptoms. Crohn disease is a long-term disease of the digestive system. It can cause inflammation, swelling, sores, or bumps on the vulva.



  • Do not use pads or tampons that contain a deodorant or a plastic coating.
  • Do not use perfumed soap or scented toilet paper.
  • Do not douche or use feminine sprays or talcum powders.

Reference: The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. http://www.acog.org/Patients/FAQs/Disorders-of-the-Vulva-Common-Causes-of-Vulvar-Pain-Burning-and-Itching

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