Vulvar dermatoses: a cross-sectional 5-year study. Experience in a specialized vulvar unit

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Gynecology

Background:

• Vulvar diseases are prevalent, significantly affecting patients' quality of life.
• Delayed medical attention is common, with over half of patients waiting 2-5 years for initial consultation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To document the dermatological experience in managing vulvar dermatoses.
• To analyze patient demographics, diagnoses, symptoms, and treatments.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective observational study of 148 patients over 5 years.
• Data collected from patient charts in monographic vulvar consultations.

Main Results:

• Lichen sclerosus (41.9%) was the most frequent diagnosis, followed by irritative eczema (14.9%) and lichen simplex chronicus (10.1%).
• Common symptoms included anogenital itching (83.8%), pain (66.2%), and dyspareunia (45.9%).
• Ultra-potent topical corticosteroids were the primary treatment (41.2%).

Conclusions:

• Vulvar diseases are common and lead to significant morbidity.
• Establishing specialized vulvar consultations involving dermatology, gynecology, and other specialties is essential.
• Multidisciplinary units can improve the management of these conditions.