title: Paediatric vulvar disease.
abstract: Paediatric vulvar skin conditions are relatively common but often cause diagnostic difficulties for clinicians, which can lead to anxiety within the children's families. Vulvar skin conditions can be caused by various underlying aetiologies. Most are general dermatologic conditions that occur in the vulvar area, such as eczema, psoriasis, skin lesions or infections. However, other conditions such as lichen sclerosus and napkin dermatitis ('nappy rash') only affect the genital region. Every affected child needs a sensitive evaluation of the complaint including an assessment of the impact of the condition on the patient and her family. Paediatric vulvar disease often influences bowel and bladder habits and may lead to behavioural problems. General measures such as avoidance of irritants or soap substitution and regular use of emollients are helpful for all patients. Specific therapy depends upon the underlying diagnosis. Time spent reassuring the families, reinforcing regimens and providing written documentation can all be very helpful in successful management of paediatric vulvar skin conditions.
authors.affiliation: Centre of Evidence Based Dermatology, King's Meadow Campus, University of Nottingham, Lenton Lane, NG7 2NR, United Kingdom. Electronic address: Rosalind.simpson@nottingham.ac.uk.
authors.forename: Rosalind C
authors.initials: RC
authors.lastname: Simpson
authors.affiliation: Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, Queen's Medical Centre, Derby Road, Nottingham, NG7 2UH, United Kingdom. Electronic address: Ruthmurphy1@aol.com.
authors.forename: Ruth
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Murphy
mesh_terms: D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D014845:Vulvar Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy
keywords: paediatric; skin disorders; vulvar