To prevent vulvitis (inflammation of the external genitalia), special attention must be paid to reducing risk factors.
Behavioral risk factors
- Diet
- Micronutrient deficiency (vital substances) – see Prevention with micronutrients.
- Consumption of stimulants
- Tobacco (smoking) may increase the incidence (frequency of new cases) of HPV infection
- Physical activity
- Mechanical stress e.. E.g. by cycling, horseback riding, etc.
- Psycho-social situation
- Stress
- Overweight (BMI ≥ 25; obesity) (sweating).
- Intimate hygiene
- False (wiping after defecation from back to front).
- Excessive use/measures (deodorants, disinfectants, rinses, washes, etc.).
- Violation of the vulva due to an exaggerated cleanliness (excessive washing).
- Uncleanliness
- Sexual practices
- Sexual intercourse (e.g., changing from vaginal to anal or oral coitus).
- Promiscuity (sexual contact with relatively frequently changing different partners).
- Varia: too tight clothes
Environmental pollution – intoxications (poisoning).
Epithelial damage caused by:
- Chemical effects e.g. deodorants, disinfectant solutions, intimate spray vaginal rinses, washes.
- Maceration (softening of the tissue) of the skin e.g. fluorine (discharge), fistulas, menstrual blood, sweat, secretion (urinary, fecal incontinence (inability to hold urine or stool), carcinoma secretion).
- Mechanical irritation: e.g. tight pants, sanitary napkins, underwear.
