Pruritus Vulvae was found in 5-Minute Clinical Consult which helps you diagnose, treat, and follow up on over 900 medical conditions seen in everyday practice.
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Basics
Description
- Pruritus vulvae is a symptom as well as a primary diagnosis:
- The symptom may indicate an underlying pathological process.
- Only when no underlying disease is identified may this be used as a primary diagnosis.
- Pruritus vulvae as a primary diagnosis may also be more appropriately documented as vulvodynia (see “Vulvodynia” topic) and burning vulva syndrome.
Epidemiology
Symptoms may occur at any given age during a woman's lifetime:
- Young girls most commonly have infectious etiology.
- The primary diagnosis is more commonly seen in postmenopausal women.
Incidence
The exact incidence is unknown. However, most women complain of vulvar pruritus at some point in their lifetime.
Risk Factors
- High-risk sexual behavior
- Immunosuppression
- Obesity
General Prevention
- Attention should be paid to personal hygiene and avoidance of possible environmental factors.
- Tight-fitting clothing should be avoided.
- Only cotton underwear should be worn.
Etiology
Local irritants:
- Perfumes
- Soaps
- Laundry detergent
- Douches
- Toilet paper
- Sanitary napkins
Commonly Associated Conditions
- Infectious etiology:
- Vaginal or vulvar candida
- Gardnerella vaginalis
- Trichomonas
- Human papillomavirus
- Herpes simplex virus
- Vulvar vestibulitis
- Lichen sclerosis
- Hyperkeratosis
- Malignant or premalignant conditions
- Psoriasis
- Fecal or urinary incontinence
- Excessive heat with sweat
- Dietary: Methylxanthines (e.g., coffee, cola), tomatoes, peanuts
- Autoimmune progesterone dermatitis: Perimenstrual eruptions
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