Identification and management of vulval problems of the postmenopausal woman - Tips and tricks.

Vulval irritation and discomfort can be a common presentation to both primary and secondary care. These symptoms can become increasingly prevalent due to physiological changes, which occur to the female genitalia following menopausal transition or due to inflammatory conditions. The correct diagnosis and management can have a huge impact on the patients' quality of life. However, due to the nature of the symptoms, there can be delayed presentation to healthcare professionals. This article gives an overview of the most common benign vulval conditions in the post-menopausal woman, their clinical features and the diagnosis and initial management.

Vulvar pruritus-Causes, Diagnosis and Therapeutic Approach.

BACKGROUND: In Germany, 17-23% of the population suffers from chronic itching of the skin; in 5-10% of cases, the female genitalia are affected, specifically, the vulva. Vulvar pruritus is thus a common symptom that often markedly impairs the affected women's quality of life. METHODS: This review is based on pertinent publications that were retrieved by a selective search in MEDLINE/PubMed for articles on the pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment of vul- var pruritus. The search terms were (in German and English) "vulvärer Juckreiz," "pruritus vulvae," and "genital itch," alone and in combination with "Behandlung," "Therapie," or "treat- ment." RESULTS: The most common cause of vulvar pruritus is vulvo- vaginal candidiasis followed by chronic dermatoses, such as lichen sclerosus and vulvar eczema. Especially in refractory cases, an invasive or preinvasive lesion such as squamous epithelial dysplasia (VIN, vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia) should be borne in mind in the differential diagnosis. Rarer causes include infection, atrophy, and vulvodynia. The essen- tial elements of treatment are topical/oral antimycotic drugs and high-potency glucocorticoids, along with consistently ap- plied, basic moisturizing care and the avoidance of potential triggering factors. CONCLUSION: As vulvar pruritus has multiple causes, standard- ization of its diagnostic evaluation and treatment would be l efficacy and to meet the diverse needs of women who suffer from this condition.

[Observation of therapeutic effect on perineal, crissal and progenital pruritus treated with acupuncture according to differentiation].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the therapeutic effect and safety of perineal, crissal and progenital pruritus treated with acupuncture according to differentiation. METHODS: Self-control method was applied in these 32 cases. Changqiang (GV 1), Huiyin (CV 1), Qugu (CV 2), Sanyinjiao (SP 6) and Ashi points etc. were punctured as main points, and adjunct points were added according to differentiation: Taichong (LR 3) and Ququan (LR 8) etc. were added for wind and heat excess of liver meridian, Xuehai (SP 10) and Quchi (LI 11) etc. were added for blood deficiency and wind dryness. Itchiness, skin lesions sign scores and therapeutic effects were observed before and after treatment. RESULTS: The total scores of itchiness before and after treatment were 6.06 +/- 1.46 and 2.19 +/- 1.71 respectively, and the total scores of skin lesions sign were 4.38 +/- 2.21 and 1.50 +/- 1.44, indicating that the scores and the total scores of itchiness and skin lesions sign reduced obviously after treatment (P < 0.05, P < 0.01); the cured and markedly effective rate was 73.4% (11/15) for wind and heat excess of liver meridian, and 70.6% (12/17) for blood deficiency and wind dryness, presenting similar therapeutic effect (P > 0.05). Hematoma or ecchymosis appeared in 2 cases, and disappeared spontaneously after 2-3 days, without obvious adverse reaction. CONCLUSION: Simple perineal, crissal and progenital pruritus treated with acupuncture according to differentiation is effective, safe and applicable.

Overview of treatment of vulvovaginal disease.

Vulvovaginal diseases commonly are inadequately diagnosed and treated. Most are dermatologic, but can be atypical in presentation in the warm, moist genital area. There is limited training or education for medical caregivers for these conditions. The first step is correct diagnosis, which requires time and knowledge of the normal anatomy, and careful examination. Dermatologists are invaluable for management as they recognize skin problems and can correct barrier function, control inflammation, and address itching and pain.

The impact of the latest classification system of benign vulvar diseases on the management of women with chronic vulvar pruritus.

BACKGROUND: The management of women with chronic benign vulvar dermatoses has been one of the most difficult and challenging aspects of women's healthcare for a long time. AIM: Our aim was to compare the ability to approach the specific diagnosis of nonneoplastic and noninfectious vulva diseases, between the new classification system and the old classification system. METHODS: One hundred women with chronic vulvar pruritus were included in the study. After detailed examination of the vulva, all visible lesions were biopsied, with normal skin included. All specimens was sent for dermatopathology and examined simultaneously under a binocular microscope by two pathologists. Specific diagnosis if possible and histopathological findings were classified according to both the 1987 and 2006 International Society for the Study of Vulvar Diseases (ISSVD) classifications. The ratios that were able to be approached on the specific diagnosis, with the aid the two classification systems, were compared. RESULTS: Specific clinical diagnosis by both pathological and after using clinicopathological correlation was possible in 69 out of 91 patients (75.8%) according to the 1987 ISSVD classification, and in 81 out of 91 patients (89.0%) according to the ISSVD 2006 classification system. The difference in the clinical diagnosis ratios between the two classification systems was statistically significant ( P < 0.05). In a subgroup of women without specific diagnosis at the time of pathological examination, clinical diagnosis was made in 28 out of 50 women (56%) after using the clinicopathological correlation according to the ISSVD 1987 classification, whereas, specific diagnosis was made in 39 out of 49 (79.6%) women after using the clinicopathological correlation according to the ISSVD 2006 classification. The difference was statistically significant in terms of the ratio of the ability to achieve a specific diagnosis (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: ISSVD 2006 classification of nonneoplastic and noninfectious vulvar disease is more useful than the former classification, in terms of approaching the specific diagnosis of vulvar dermatoses.

Clinical care of vulvar pruritus, with emphasis on one common cause, lichen simplex chronicus.

Vulvar pruritus is a common and distressing condition for patients, and its presentation is often delayed and complicated by home remedies. The true prevalence cannot be accurately estimated. Vulvar pruritus is a symptom, and an underlying cause must be sought and not assumed. This is best accomplished by obtaining a careful history of vulvar care regimens and treatments, performing a detailed physical examination, and considering a broad differential diagnosis. This article provides a practical and clinical approach to the evaluation of vulvar pruritus and then focuses specifically on one common cause, lichen simplex chronicus.

Conduta na dor e prurido vulvar / Pain and pruritus vulvae management

Prurido e dor são as principais manifestações clínicas das doenças vulvares. Estes sintomas podem estar associados a processos inflamatórios, imunológicos, distúrbios metabólicos e neoplasias. Na dúvida, é sempre recomendável o estudo histopatológico. Quando não há definição etiológica, várias opções terapêuticas estão disponíveis: cremes tópicos, fármacos sistêmicos, operações de dessensibilização nervosa da vulva. A conduta terapêutica deve ser individualizada quando não há etiologia definida. São escassos os trabalhos científicos, com metodologia adequada, que abordam o tema. Portanto, anamnese e exame físico cuidadosos irão definir a melhor abordagem terapêutica

Pruritus and pain are common manifestations of vulvae diseases. The symptoms can be associated with inflammatory, immunologic, metabolic or neoplastic diseases. Undoubtedly, the histopathological exam is always recommended. When there is no etiologic definition, many therapeutic options are available: creams, systemic drugs, and surgical neural desensitization of the vulvae. When there is no precise etiology, therapeutical approach must be individualized. Scientific studies, with good methodology, are rare. Therefore, careful anamnesis and physical exam will point to the best therapeutical approach

Nena de 7 anys amb pruïja a làrea genital / No disponible

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Vulval itch.

BACKGROUND: Vulval itch is common. Patients presenting with this symptom can have a long history involving visits to several general practitioners. Self diagnosis as thrush is common, and inappropriate use of over-the-counter antifungal preparations can lead to further irritation and distress. Excoriation, rubbing, maceration, secondary infection and the effects of topical applications frequently complicate matters. OBJECTIVE: This article identifies the common causes of vulval itch in adults and children, and highlights key features of the diagnosis and management of these conditions. Vulval pain syndromes are beyond the scope of this article and are therefore not discussed. DISCUSSION: The cause of vulval itch can often be multifactorial, but with careful assessment, a primary diagnosis can be reached in most cases. A good history requires patience, and gentle direct questioning, as patients often feel uncomfortable discussing their problems and may not disclose self applied remedies. Care should be taken during examination, as vulval rashes may be subtle. All postpubertal patients should have a low vaginal swab to diagnose candidiasis rather than treating empirically.

An approach to the treatment of anogenital pruritus.

The anogenital area is a common location for pruritic complaints. Specific terms for chronic itch in this location have included pruritus vulvae, pruritus ani, lichen simplex chronicus, and neurodermatitis. A male counterpart to pruritus vulvae, pruritus scroti, is less common. Acute anogenital pruritus is usually caused by infections or contact dermatitis. In chronic pruritus, inflammatory dermatoses and malignancies must be ruled out. In idiopathic anogenital pruritus or neurodermatitis, the skin findings should be limited to lichenification and excoriations. Skin findings may be entirely absent. When treating anogenital pruritus, topic irritants and potential sensitizers must be eliminated. Cleansing and toilet habits must be addressed. A short course of a high-potency topical steroid should bring moderate to complete relief. Sedating antihistamines may limit nighttime symptoms. In some patients, psychotropic agents are required to achieve adequate sedation. Antidepressants may be required in patients refractory to treatment or with underlying psychiatric disorders.

New concepts in vulvodynia.

Vulvodynia is chronic vulvar burning/pain without clear medical findings. The etiology of vulvodynia is unknown and health care professionals should thoroughly rule out specific, treatable causes or factors such as dermatoses or group B Streptococcus infections. Vulvodynia is divided into 2 classes: vulvar vestibulitis syndrome is vestibule-restricted burning/pain and is elicited by touch; dysesthetic vulvodynia is burning/pain not limited to the vestibule and may occur without touch/pressure. After diagnosis, critical factors in successful patient management include education and psychological support/counseling. Unfortunately, clinical trials on potential vulvodynia therapies have been few. Standard therapy includes treating neuropathic pain (eg, tricyclic medications, gabapentin) thought to play a role. Additional therapies may be considered: pelvic floor rehabilitation combined with surface electromyography, interferon alfa, estrogen creams, and surgery. Importantly, any therapy should be accompanied by patient education and psychological support. Because definitive data on effective therapies are lacking, further clinical investigations of treatment options are warranted.

Vulvar disease.

Unique embryologic and immunologic aspects of the vulva contribute to the diagnostic and therapeutic challenges of managing vulvar problems. Individual variations in care of the genital region, defined by personal and societal "norms," may at times exacerbate vulvar problems. Three dimensions are considered in the evaluation of a vulvar problem: 1) lesion type, 2) lesion location, and 3) associated systemic and laboratory findings. This review of vulvar disease highlights a number of common and problematic vulvar conditions. Treatment options for vulvar conditions are covered with an expanded discussion of newer immune response modifiers.

Vulvovaginal dryness and itching.

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.