Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 5, 2026
06:44
Demonstration of Cutaneous Allodynia in Association with Chronic Pelvic Pain
Published on: June 23, 2009
Patients with vulval pruritus: patch test results
Serap Utaş1, Ayten Ferahbaş, Sinem Yildiz
1Department of Dermatology, Medical Faculty, Erciyes University, 38039 Kayseri, Turkey. sutas@erciyes.edu.tr
Contact Dermatitis
|April 18, 2008
Summary
Persistent vulval pruritus in women often involves allergic contact sensitivity. Patch testing revealed a high incidence of relevant allergens, commonly found in cosmetics, preservatives, and medications.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Allergology
- Vulvar Health
Background:
- Persistent vulval pruritus is common, sometimes without a clear primary dermatosis.
- Allergic contact sensitivity is a key factor, either primary or secondary to existing vulvar conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate women with vulval pruritus for underlying dermatoses.
- To identify or exclude specific allergens through patch testing.
Main Methods:
- A 3-year study involving 50 women with vulval pruritus.
- Comprehensive patch testing included the European Baseline Series, medications, preservatives, vehicles, cosmetics, and personal products.
Main Results:
- 52% of participants showed at least one positive patch test.
- 16% had relevant allergic reactions, with cosmetics, preservatives, and medications being the most frequent culprits.
Conclusions:
- Patch testing is crucial for diagnosing allergens in women with vulval pruritus.
- The incidence of contact allergy is high in this patient group.
