Pruritus vulvae – vulva itchiness
Vulval irritation may occur at any age. There is wide range of causes that may rise to this uncomfortable and embarrassing symptom. The most common causes of vulva itchiness are infection. In older women, the most common causes are oestrogen deficiency and vulval dermatoses.
I am sure that some of us have heard about vaginal candidiasis. Candidia infection is the most common cause producing this symptom. Non infectious causes are lichen sclerosus, Paget’s disease and vulval intraepithelial neoplasia (VIN). Paget’s disease of the vulva usually present in elderly. VIN is a precursor of invasive carcinoma so if the person complaint of frequent itchiness it might be wise to do biopsy if any skin lesion present during perenium examination.
On examination, there may be evidence of excoriation and discoloration of the vulva. Thickening or thinning of the vulval skin may be present. In some cases like vaginitis, vaginal discharge may present upon examination.
The definitive management is mainly treating the underlying cause. Symptomatic wise, sedative antihistamine will be prescribed by your physician to reduce the itchiness.
Reference:
1. Gynecology in focus. Janice Rymer and Andrew Fish. Churchill Livingstone.2005.
2. Oxford Handbook of Clinical Medicine. 7th edition. Oxford. 2008.
Tags: candidiasis, infection, itchiness, paget's disease, vaginal, vulval intraepithelial neoplasia
Technorati Tags: candidiasis, infection, itchiness, paget's disease, vaginal, vulval intraepithelial neoplasia
I didn’t know that vulva irritation could happen to even the young. I always assumed it was strictly an “old person” occurence.
thanks for this information ..
IS it the same with SIS?