Pruritus vulvae as seen in dermatological practice.

Abstract

Commonly the term pruritus vulvae is used as a diagnosis, though literally it describes only a symptom rarely seen without excoriation or dermatitis; seldom can the patient tell us which was the primary symptom. Unnecessary confusion results when the term is incorrectly applied, as in the presence of a distinctive dermatosis such as vulvar psoriasis or dermatomycosis. Dermatological experience minimizes this fault, which is commoner among general practitioners, gynecologists, and radiologists. There are various views on this disease, partly owing to the confusion of inaccurate terminology and partly to the viewpoints of the various specialists consulted by the patient, whose choice of physician has depended on the presence of vaginitis or discharge, urinary complaints, involvement of the perianal area, or extensive cutaneous inflammation. Because of such variations and because pruritus vulvae is fairly common and is frequently difficult to treat I have surveyed the literature of the past 10 years