The vulvar dermatoses.
BACKGROUND
Dermatologic diseases of the vulva may cause dyspareunia. These disorders may be overlooked by gynecologists and urologists because of lack of residency training experience. Dermatologists who are most familiar with these diseases are infrequently trained in vulvovaginal examination. As such, these disorders are often improperly diagnosed and treated.


OBJECTIVE
To describe the presentation and management of the major vulvar dermatoses including irritant and allergic contact dermatitis, lichen sclerosus, lichen simplex chronicus, and lichen planus.


METHODS
Data from a peer review literature search on the topic of vulvar dermatoses.


METHODS
The literature for this review article was obtained through a Medline search. Appropriate dermatology textbooks were utilized for additional information.


RESULTS
A comprehensive survey of the vulvar dermatoses.


CONCLUSIONS
Vulvar dermatoses must be considered a part of the differential diagnosis of any woman with a sexual pain disorder. As such, healthcare providers who evaluate and treat women with dyspareunia must become familiar with the most common dermatologic disorders of the vulva.
Burrows
Lara J
LJ
The University of Connecticut School of Medicine and Saint Francis Hospital and Medical Center, Hartford, CT, USA. burrowslj@yahoo.com
Shaw
Howard A
HA
Goldstein
Andrew T
AT
D003877:Dermatitis, Contact / Q000145:classification / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D004414:Dyspareunia / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D009450:Neurodermatitis / Q000145:classification / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy; D014845:Vulvar Diseases / Q000145:classification / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy; D007724:Vulvar Lichen Sclerosus / Q000145:classification / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy; D016387:Women's Health