Referring vulval skin disease to a vulval clinic

The prevalence and importance of vulval skin disease is likely to be underestimated. Women may delay seeing a doctor because of embarrassment or worries about a possible infectious cause of their condition and many have tried over the counter ‘antipruritic’ or ‘anti-thrush’ preparations. It is estimated that GPs see three or more patients per month with vulval complaints. However, this is set to rise with increasing information in the media and via the internet. This article will outline the general approach and management of women seen in a vulval clinic, including some of the more common conditions encountered, and may help to identify the types of patient that could benefit from referral to a vulval clinic.