Pruritus vulvae



Pruritus vulvae


Ginat W. Mirowski and Bethanee J. Schlosser


Evidence Levels:  A Double-blind study  B Clinical trial ≥ 20 subjects  C Clinical trial < 20 subjects  D Series ≥ 5 subjects  E Anecdotal case reports


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Pruritus vulvae is the external sensation of itching that results in a need to scratch or rub the vulva. Over time the skin becomes lichenified, and excoriations and pigmentary changes may occur. Pruritus vulvae may be primary (essential), secondary, or multifactorial. Essential pruritus vulvae is the condition in which no etiology can be identified. Regardless of etiology, long-standing pruritus vulvae may result in lichen simplex chronicus.



Management strategy


Pruritus vulvae describes a symptom that may be both psychologically distressing and socially embarrassing. An underlying etiology should be sought by obtaining a thorough history and performing a mucocutaneous physical examination. Secondary pruritus vulvae may be caused by infections, dermatoses, systemic diseases, and malignant or premalignant lesions (Box 200.1). Appropriate treatment should be instituted.image


If no etiology is identified, then symptomatic relief is the goal of therapy. The tenets of treatment are to interrupt the itch–scratch cycle, restore the skin barrier, and minimize impact on quality of life.


The mainstay of treatment of pruritus vulvae is to identify and remove all suspected local irritants and allergens (Boxes 200.2 and 200.3). The patient should be instructed to discontinue all local products, including soaps, personal hygiene products, sanitary pads, medications (complementary/alternative, non-prescription, and prescription), and occlusive/synthetic clothing. The patient should bathe with lukewarm (not hot) water, pat (not rub) dry, wipe from front to back, change underpants daily, and launder clothing using a double rinse cycle. The patient may resist these measures, as they may believe in the need to have a ‘clean’ vulva and that natural secretions and odors are offensive or the cause of their symptoms. The patient may develop elaborate hygiene regimens that contribute to local irritation and contact sensitivity and may confound or be the primary cause of persistent pruritus. Toilet (tissue) paper and commercial wipes may contribute to local irritation. Furthermore, both may contain allergens such as formaldehyde, benzalkonium chloride, and fragrance that could contribute to persistent pruritus. Urine, stool, sweat, and cervical or vaginal secretions may contribute to local irritation. Urinary incontinence and contact with stool should be addressed. Cotton washcloths, cool Sitz baths and use of fragrance-free feminine hygiene products should be advocated.image


The use of barrier petrolatum and zinc-based ointments, used to prevent diaper rash in both children and adults, helps to seal in moisture and protect the affected skin. In low-estrogen states (postpartum, peri- and postmenopause), the use of topical or systemic estrogen helps restore vaginal and vulvar mucosal barrier function.


Systemic or topical corticosteroids are used to reduce inflammation. Ointment-based formulations are preferred. Topical preparations may contribute to allergic or irritant contact dermatitis as can the corticosteroid itself. Corticosteroid ointment, used sparingly, should be applied once or twice a day. Close clinical supervision is necessary to limit secondary changes such as striae, folliculitis, and atrophy. Systemic agents are used to treat infections and to provide symptomatic relief of pruritus in order to limit complications of local agents. Intralesional triamcinolone acetonide injection and systemic corticosteroids may be effective for recalcitrant pruritus.


Although corticosteroids reduce pruritus, they are often not sufficient to interrupt the itch–scratch cycle. Nightly sedating antihistamines such as hydroxyzine or doxepin are recommended. For daytime pruritus, a low-dose selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) is advised.



Specific investigations





image Visual and manual examination of the vulva, vagina, oral cavity, conjunctivae, total body skin, scalp, and nails


image Palpation of inguinal lymph nodes


image Sensory testing for light touch and Q-Tip evaluation of vulva and vaginal vestibule


image Saline wet mount of vaginal secretions (cytologic evaluation, presence of lactobacilli, Trichomonas vaginalis, bacterial vaginosis)


image Whiff test (bacterial vaginosis)


image KOH (fungi, scabies)


image Vaginal pH (bacterial vaginosis, atrophic vaginitis)


image Tape test (Enterobius vermicularis)


image Microbiologic tests (bacterial, fungal, viral)


image Laboratory tests (fasting blood glucose, liver/renal/thyroid function, complete blood count with differential, iron studies including ferritin)


image Biopsy (H&E, immunofluorescence, special stains)


image Wood’s lamp (erythrasma)


image Patch testing


image Colposcopy (in consultation with gynecology)







An approach to the treatment of anogenital pruritus.

Weichert GE. Dermatol Ther 2004; 17: 129–33.


Reviews the common causes of acute and chronic anogenital pruritus with a focus on vulvar pruritus. The therapeutic approach




Box 200.1   Differential diagnosis of pruritus vulvae





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Aug 7, 2016 | Posted by in Dermatology | Comments Off on Pruritus vulvae

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