Vulvar Lesions in the Pediatric Patient

Abstract

Vulvar lesions are a common complaint for which pediatric patients seek medical attention. Please refer to the chapter on Prepubertal Vulvovaginitis for more details. A careful history and physical exam, including full skin exam should be performed when pediatric and adolescent patients present with vulvar complaints. The chief complaint and chronicity of the symptoms can narrow the differential. The chronicity and areas of dermatologic involvement can also be key to diagnosing a systemic condition versus a primary vulvar dermatosis. When the latter is assumed, a referral to an appropriate specialist such as a Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecologist or Dermatologist should be considered. Treatment for vulvar dermatoses should be etiology dependent with consideration of systemic treatment as appropriately indicated. Vulvar hygiene should be considered in all patients as restoring the skin barrier and removing potential irritants is imperative to healing and preventing further irritation. This review contains 1 figure, 2 tables, and 25 references. Keywords: vulva, vulva dermatosis, vulvovaginitis, lichen sclerosus, atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, streptococcus vulvovaginitis, irritant dermatitis, contact dermatitis