Vulvar manifestations of sexually transmitted diseases

On the vulva, the appearance of sexually transmitted diseases (STD) is modified for several reasons. Recognition of the special characteristics of vulvar epithelium facilitates diagnosis of both sexually transmitted diseases and vulvar dermatoses that may be mistaken for STDs. The first section will review examination techniques and anatomic considerations. The second section will describe distinctive manifestations of vulvar herpes, human papillomavirus (HPV), molluscum contagiosum, scabies, and syphilis. The final section will provide differential diagnoses for primary and secondary vulvar lesions including erythema, papules, plaques, pustules, bullae, erosions, and ulcers.