ABSTRACT
This article discusses the differential diagnosis of vulvar ulcers and describes a general clinical approach to this common but nonspecific examination finding. The differential diagnosis includes sexually and nonsexually transmitted infections, dermatitides, trauma, neoplasms, hormonally induced ulcers, and drug reactions. Patient history and physical examination provide important clues to the cause of a vulvar ulcer. However, laboratory testing is usually required for accurate diagnosis because the clinical presentation is often nonspecific and may be atypical due to secondary conditions.
Subject(s)
Ulcer , Vulvar Diseases , Diagnosis, Differential , Female , Humans , Ulcer/diagnosis , Ulcer/etiology , Ulcer/therapy , Vulvar Diseases/diagnosis , Vulvar Diseases/etiology , Vulvar Diseases/therapyABSTRACT
This article discusses the clinical evaluation and approach to patients with 3 complex ulcerative vulvar conditions: hidradenitis suppurativa, metastatic Crohn disease of the vulva, and aphthous ulcers. These conditions are particularly challenging to medical providers because, although each is known to present with nonspecific examination findings that vary in morphology, the predominance of the diagnosis is based on clinical examination and exclusion of a wide variety of other conditions. Care of patients with these conditions is further complicated by the lack of therapeutic data and the significant impact these conditions have on quality of life.
Subject(s)
Crohn Disease , Hidradenitis Suppurativa , Stomatitis, Aphthous , Ulcer/etiology , Vulva/pathology , Vulvar Diseases/etiology , Crohn Disease/complications , Crohn Disease/diagnosis , Crohn Disease/therapy , Diagnosis, Differential , Female , Hidradenitis Suppurativa/complications , Hidradenitis Suppurativa/diagnosis , Hidradenitis Suppurativa/therapy , Humans , Stomatitis, Aphthous/diagnosis , Stomatitis, Aphthous/etiology , Stomatitis, Aphthous/therapy , Ulcer/therapy , Vulvar Diseases/complications , Vulvar Diseases/diagnosis , Vulvar Diseases/therapyABSTRACT
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.
