"Follicular vulvitis" is a medical condition that affects women. The word "follicular" refers to the hair follicles around the vulva, while "vulvitis" refers to inflammation of the vulva. The spelling of "follicular vulvitis" can be broken down using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). The pronunciation is /fəˈlɪkjʊlər ˌvʌlˈvaɪtɪs/, with the stress on the third syllable. This condition can cause discomfort and irritation, and proper diagnosis and treatment is important to alleviate symptoms.
Follicular vulvitis is a medical condition characterized by inflammation and irritation of the hair follicles in the vulva, which is the external female genitalia. The term "follicular" refers to the hair follicles, which are small sacs in the skin that produce and house hairs. "Vulvitis" specifically refers to inflammation of the vulva.
This condition typically arises due to various factors, including poor hygiene, excessive sweating, friction, or the presence of bacteria or other irritants in the vulvar region. Symptoms of follicular vulvitis may include redness, swelling, pain, itching, and a sensation of heat or discomfort in the affected area. In more severe cases, there may be the presence of pustules or small abscesses around the hair follicles.
Treatment for follicular vulvitis often involves maintaining good hygiene practices, such as keeping the area clean and dry, wearing loose-fitting clothing, and avoiding irritants like harsh soaps or chemical-laden products. Topical creams or ointments containing anti-inflammatory or antimicrobial properties may also be prescribed by a healthcare provider to reduce swelling and prevent infection. In some instances, oral antibiotics may be necessary to combat bacterial infections.
It is important to seek medical attention if symptoms worsen or persist as this may indicate a more severe underlying condition or the need for additional treatment options beyond simple hygiene and topical medications.
Inflammation of the vulvar follicles.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "follicular vulvitis" can be broken down into its constituent parts to understand its etymology:
1. Follicular: derived from the Latin word "folliculus" meaning "small bag" or "sack". In this context, it refers to the small sac-like structures called follicles that are present in various parts of the body, including the skin and reproductive organs.
2. Vulvitis: derived from the Latin word "vulva" which refers to the external female genitals, specifically the area including the labia, clitoris, and vaginal opening, among others. The suffix "-itis" is a Greek word meaning "inflammation".
Therefore, "follicular vulvitis" refers to the inflammation of the follicles in the external female genitals.