Inflammation Of The Vulva: Bartholinitis And Furunculosis

We present two most common inflammations of the vulva, which can affect every woman...

Inflammation of the vulva is connected with itching, swelling and pain. (Photoxpress)



Inflammations and diseases on that part of the body are very unpleasant. They are connected with itching, swelling and pain. They are caused by bacteria, such as streptococci, staphylococci, etc. Two most typical inflammations of the vulva are presented below.

Inflammation of the vulva: Bartholinitis

The Bartholin’s glands are a pair of glands around the opening of the vagina, that is, in the lower third of the labia minora, and they open out into the vagina. Bacteria, such as streptococci, staphylococci, gonococci and coliforms cause an infection of the glands. When the Bartholin’s gland is infected, a pea-sized, reddish and painful lump develops in the lower part of the labia majora and labia minora. Similar to Bartholinitis, a cyst  can develop on the Bartholin’s gland as a result of an infection and because the ending of the gland opening into the vagina is blocked and the gland thus begins building secretion. Contrary to Bartholinitis, a cyst is not painful, reddish or swelling. Both infections are treated surgically and hospitalisation only lasts half a day. Abscess on the Bartholin’s gland is extremely unpleasant and painful, and it usually occurs when a woman is at the seaside.

Inflammation of the vulva: Furunculosis

Furunculosis is an infection which develops when the bacteria staphylococci attack hair follicles of the labia majora. In case of infection, a reddish and painful lump develops, forming furuncles, which look like ulcers. When the immune system of a woman with furunculosis is weak, furuncles form abscesses (pus inflammation). Furunculosis is treated with antibiotics, and if treatment is unsuccessful, incision or draining is necessary.

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