Vulval dermatoses – a quick and easy guide to diagnosis

Patients present to the vulval clinic with a range of conditions – infections, pain syndromes, neoplasia and, most commonly, inflammatory dermatoses. In some dermatoses, the vulva may be the only site affected, whereas in many others, the vulva is involved as part of more generalised disease. A knowledge of the basic features of the common dermatoses can lead to rapid diagnosis and the correct management for these women, who may well have delayed seeking advice because of embarrassment or fear of a sexually transmitted disease. This article gives a brief overview of the common inflammatory dermatoses that affect the vulva.