Pruritus vulvae is
itchiness
Itch (also known as pruritus) is a sensation that causes the desire or reflex to scratch. Itch has resisted many attempts to be classified as any one type of sensory experience. Itch has many similarities to pain, and while both are unpleasant ...
of the
vulva
The vulva (plural: vulvas or vulvae; derived from Latin for wrapper or covering) consists of the external female sex organs. The vulva includes the mons pubis (or mons veneris), labia majora, labia minora, clitoris, vestibular bulbs, vulv ...
, which is the counterpart of
pruritus scroti, and may have many different causes.
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
Squamous-cell skin cancer, also known as cutaneous squamous-cell carcinoma (cSCC), is one of the main types of skin cancer along with basal cell cancer and melanoma. It usually presents as a hard lump with a scaly top but can also form an ulcer. O ...
, 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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