Pruritus vulvae is also often associated with vaginal irritation or itchiness. Most women experience a slightly itchy vulva from time to time. However, pruritus vulvae means the itch is persistent and causes distress.

Understanding the Context

The itch may be particularly bad at night and may disturb sleep. The sensation of itch in this site in the absence of a known skin condition is referred to as pruritus vulvae. Pruritus vulvae should be distinguished from vulval pain and from vulvodynia, which refers to chronic burning symptoms in the absence of clinical signs. Underlying causes of pruritus vulvae should be managed appropriately.

Key Insights

The aim of treatment is to provide symptomatic relief, reduce inflammation, restore the skin barrier and prevent and/or treat secondary infection. Pruritus vulvae | Health topics A to Z | CKS | NICE Perineal pruritus can be a challenge to diagnose and treat. I was not able to find much information in the literature on this condition. Is perineal pruritus a form of allergic dermatitis? Can it be ...

Final Thoughts

Vulvar pruritus is thus a common symptom that often markedly impairs the affected women’s quality of life. This review is based on pertinent publications that were retrieved by a selective search in MEDLINE/PubMed for articles on the pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment of vulvar pruritus. Vulvovaginal pruritus (itching) and/or vaginal discharge result from infectious or noninfectious inflammation of the skin or mucosa. Symptoms may also include irritation, burning, and dyspareunia. Vulvovaginal symptoms are one of the most common reasons patients seek gynecologic care. Vulvar pruritus is a common and distressing condition that affects nearly all women at some point in their lives.

Vulvar pruritus describes an itch that feels good when scratched versus an itch that may be described as irritating, prickly, or burning.