Clinical care of vulvar pruritus, with emphasis on one common cause, lichen simplex chronicus

Abstract

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.