Abstract
The vulvar area is a common site of both irritative and allergic contact dermatitis due to the thin skin, easily traversable by irritant and allergic substances. The purpose of this review is to provide an overview of the most frequent allergens causing contact dermatitis in this particular site. A literature search was conducted via PubMed through May 2021. Relevant English language studies are included in this review. Fragrances, preservatives, botanical products, and topical medicaments were found to be the most commonly involved allergens. Contact dermatitis is a very common occurrence that should also be considered in patients with chronic vulvar or anogenital dermatitis who do not respond to appropriate treatments.
Highlights
The vulvar area is a common site of contact dermatitis due to the thin skin, traversable by irritant and allergic substances
The purpose of this review is to focus on the contact dermatitis of the vulva with particular reference to the most frequent allergens responsible for vulvar allergic contact dermatitis
Should be taken into consideration early in the course of the disease, especially in patients who do not respond to appropriate treatments
Summary
The vulvar area is a common site of contact dermatitis due to the thin skin, traversable by irritant and allergic substances. The nonkeratinized vulvar vestibule is likely to be more permeable than the keratinized portions of the vulva and more susceptible to exogenous topical agents [1]. The vulva is an area of occlusion due to both its intrinsic anatomical structure and the frequent use of occlusive napkins or underwear, which increase penetration or absorption of both irritants and allergens. Women at different ages, due to urine and feces as children and to vaginal mucosal atrophy and the increase in the vulvar pH in menopause, may have an altered barrier function and, in incontinent elderly subjects, the use of diapers may contribute to increased susceptibility to irritants and allergens.
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