title: Vulvodynia: a dermatologist's perspective with emphasis on an irritant contact dermatitis component.
abstract: Vulvodynia (vulvar burning and itching) is a symptom complex with a number of potential triggering/exacerbating factors. We reviewed the management and outcomes of 60 patients seen in a referral dermatology clinic for vulvodynia. The composite patient profile is that of a 44-year-old white woman with a 2-year history of vulvar burning who has tried multiple topical therapies. Dermatological factors in these patients included candidiasis (37%), atopy (27%), dermatographism (27%), and irritant contact dermatitis (83%). Identification of these factors and directed management led to symptomatic improvement in 72% of patients within 4 months. No patients were treated with amitriptyline. A dermatological approach to discern the contributing factors for individual patients with vulvodynia can be helpful in directing therapeutic management.
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina 27157, USA.
authors.forename: P M
authors.initials: PM
authors.lastname: O'Hare
authors.forename: E F
authors.initials: EF
authors.lastname: Sherertz
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D017449:Dermatitis, Allergic Contact / Q000150:complications*; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D014848:Vulvovaginitis / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy