[Vulvar diseases]

Abstract

Vulvar diseases might cause problems in the differential diagnosis, because the clinical presentation of inflammatory, infectious and neoplastic disorders may be quite similar. Itching and pain as well as dysuria and dyspareunia are the most common symptoms of vulvar diseases. Inflammatory dermatoses like atopic and contact dermatitis, lichen planus, lichen sclerosus and atrophic vulvitis account for the majority of cases in specialized clinics. Furthermore, neoplastic conditions such as vulvar carcinoma, vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia (VIN) and vulvar Paget's disease have to be considered. Another frequent group are infections. Candida spp., herpes simplex viruses and human papilloma viruses are common pathogens. Additionally, vulvodynia is a typical problem that is sometimes difficult to treat. Because of the wide spectrum of clinical symptoms, cooperation with gynaecologists and psychosomatic specialists should be considered in difficult cases. The typical clinical presentations, their specific signs and symptoms, and pitfalls in the dermatological consultation are discussed.