Pruritus vulvae

Community-based surveys indicate that 1 in 5 women presenting to their GP with vulval symptoms have pruritus vulva. Pruritus vulva is the predominant symptom for 1:10 women in their lifetime. Most women associate pruritus with infection, but in the majority of cases there is a non-infective cause. The condition affects quality of life; socially, psychologically and sexually. Multiple visits to health professionals including the General Practitioners, Gynaecology, Dermatology and GUM clinics are commonly required. This article gives an update of classification of vulval pruritus and its management.