Pruritus vulvae is
itchiness
An itch (also known as pruritus) is a sensation that causes a strong desire or reflex to scratch. Itches have resisted many attempts to be classified as any one type of sensory experience. Itches have many similarities to pain, and while both ...
of the
vulva
In mammals, the vulva (: vulvas or vulvae) comprises mostly external, visible structures of the female sex organ, genitalia leading into the interior of the female reproductive tract. For humans, it includes the mons pubis, labia majora, lab ...
, which is the counterpart of
pruritus scroti, and may have many different causes.
Patch test
A patch test is a diagnostic method used to determine which specific substances cause allergic inflammation of a patient's skin.
Patch testing helps identify which substances may be causing a delayed-type allergic reaction in a patient and ...
ing may be used to diagnose the cause.
Causes
This condition is a symptom of an underlying condition more often than it is a primary condition.
Vulva irritation can be caused by any moisture left on the skin. This moisture may be perspiration, urine, vaginal discharge or small amounts of stool.
It may be caused by vaginal infections, vulvitis, HPV (human papilloma virus) infection, anal incontinence,
Bowen's disease, or dietary irritants (caffeine, potatoes, chilli, capsicum, tomatoes, and peanuts).
Treatment with antibiotics can lead to a yeast infection and irritation of the vulva.
Some diseases increase the possibility of yeast infections, such as diabetes mellitus.
Chronic inflammation of the vulva predisposes to the development of premalignant or malignant changes.
References
Pruritic skin conditions
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