title: Vulvovaginal dryness and itching.
abstract: Dryness and itching in the vulvovaginal area is an increasing problem as our female population ages and becomes menopausal. This dryness and itching is often the result of estrogen deficiency, and there are typically two types of treatment: Specific Therapy (or hormone replacement therapy), and Nonspecific Therapy. Dermatologists should be able to sort out the causes of the itching and irritation, and understand the approaches to therapy.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Dartmouth Medical School, Hanover, New Hampshire, USA.
authors.forename: L J
authors.initials: LJ
authors.lastname: Margesson
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D002979:Climacteric; D000075202:Contraindications; D015914:Estrogen Replacement Therapy; D004967:Estrogens / Q000172:deficiency; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006920:Hygiene; D008875:Middle Aged; D011539:Pruritus Vulvae / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy*; D017592:Skin Care; D014621:Vagina / Q000473:pathology*; D014844:Vulva / Q000473:pathology*
chemical_list: D004967:Estrogens