AUTHOR=Raef Haya S. , Elmariah Sarina B. 

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

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Medicine

VOLUME=8

YEAR=2021

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/medicine/articles/10.3389/fmed.2021.649402

DOI=10.3389/fmed.2021.649402

ISSN=2296-858X

ABSTRACT=<p>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.</p>