Skin diseases affecting the vulva

Skin diseases of the vulva are associated with considerable morbidity and often reluctance on the part of patients to seek medical attention. The most common conditions seen in a dermatology vulval clinic are the vulval dermatoses (inflammatory disorders), which comprise lichen sclerosus, lichen planus, vulval eczema and psoriasis. Other conditions such as vulval pain syndromes, vulval disorders associated with systemic diseases, and blistering diseases are also seen. Treatment of many of these conditions involves the use of potent topical steroids, which are safe to use under supervision and in the short term.