Chapter 4 – The Vagina and Vulva

Vulval dermatoses

Dermatitis is the most common cause of chronic vulval symptoms and accounts for about a third of all vulval irritation presentations. Vulval dermatitis is itchy or painful. Where visible skin changes are present on examination, the diagnosis is likely to be one of the vulval dermatoses (atopic or contact), lichen sclerosus or lichen planus.

Superficial dyspareunia is a common symptom of vulval dermatoses and other vulval conditions. Regardless of the cause of the vulval symptoms there is often a psychosexual impact for the woman. The patient may experience embarrassment, fear or guilt as a result of the condition. There may be concerns regarding STI or possible genital cancer. Dyspareunia may make sexual intercourse difficult or impossible, and if longstanding may impact on relationships or mental illness.

... Buy now

History

Buy now

Examination and investigation

Buy now

Vulval dermatitis

Buy now

Clinical presentation of vulval dermatitis

Buy now

General management of the vulval skin

Buy now