Vulvar Pruritus: A Review of Clinical Associations, Pathophysiology and Therapeutic Management - PubMed (original) (raw)

Review

Vulvar Pruritus: A Review of Clinical Associations, Pathophysiology and Therapeutic Management

Haya S Raef et al. Front Med (Lausanne). 2021.

Abstract

Vulvar pruritus is an unpleasant sensation and frequent symptom associated with many dermatologic conditions, including infectious, inflammatory and neoplastic dermatoses affecting the female genitalia. It can lead to serious impairment of quality of life, impacting sexual function, relationships, sleep and self-esteem. In this review, common conditions associated with vulvar itch are discussed including atopic and contact dermatitis, lichen sclerosus, psoriasis and infectious vulvovaginitis. We review the potential physiologic, environmental and infectious factors that contribute to the development of vulvar itch and emphasize the importance of addressing their complex interplay when managing this disruptive and challenging symptom.

Keywords: barrier function; itch; neurogenic itch; neuropathic itch; pruritus; vulva.

Copyright © 2021 Raef and Elmariah.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.

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