Vulvar folliculitis is a condition whereby the hair follicles of the vulva become inflamed and possibly infected.
Vulvar folliculitis can occur when your immunity is low or there has been damage to a hair follicle on the vulva. Skin without hair does not contain hair follicles.
Infection in the follicle can be caused by Staphylococcus epidermidis or Streptococcus, and can be short-term or ongoing, chronic vulvar folliculitis.
Symptoms of vulvar folliculitis
- Inflamed hair follicles
- Swelling
- Redness
- Pain
- Irritation
- Triggered by scratching, heat, humidity, sweating, friction
- More common in overweight or obese women
- Can occur due to vaginal secretions containing inflammatory agents
Treatment for vulvar folliculitis
Typical treatment is antibiotics, however topical treatments may be just as effective without the use of systemic antibiotics.
Prevention of vulvar folliculitis
Preventative strategies include keeping the vulva clean, dry, and avoid any irritations.
Jessica is a degree-qualified naturopath (BHSc) specialising in vulvovaginal health and disease, based in Melbourne, Australia.
Jessica is the owner and lead naturopath of My Vagina, and is a member of the:
- International Society for the Study of Vulvovaginal Disease (ISSVD)
- International Society for the Study of Women's Sexual Health (ISSWSH)
- National Vulvodynia Association (NVA) Australia
- New Zealand Vulvovaginal Society (ANZVS)
- Australian Traditional Medicine Society (ATMS)