Prevalence and etiology of vulval pruritus among women across different age groups: A cross-sectional study in a dermatology outpatient department.

CONTEXT: Vulval pruritus is a chronic, debilitating symptom frequently associated with various dermatological conditions. It significantly impacts quality of life, sexual function, sleep, and psychological well-being. The etiology varies by age due to factors such as estrogen levels, skin barrier function, and environmental factors.

AIMS: This study aims to assess the vulval pruritus clinical pattern across different age groups and identify major etiological factors.

SETTINGS AND

DESIGN

A cross-sectional study was conducted over 18 months at a tertiary care center which included 70 adult women with vulval pruritus.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

Data were collected through clinical history, physical examination, and laboratory investigations.

STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Statistical analysis was performed using Stata software to determine the prevalence, associated factors, and clinical characteristics.

RESULTS

The mean age was 42.5 years. The highest prevalence was observed in the reproductive age group (40%), followed by postmenopausal (28.6%), perimenopausal (24.3%), and menopausal (7.1%) groups. Infective causes were identified in 69% of cases, with vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) (27.1%) being the most common. Noninfective causes accounted for 31% of cases, including conditions such as lichen simplex chronicus (LSC).

CONCLUSIONS

Infectious causes, especially VVC and candidal intertrigo, are the predominant aetiologies of vulval pruritus in women across various age groups, followed by, dermatophytosis, genital warts, herpes genitalis, and chancroid. Noninfective causes include LSC, and lichen sclerosus also play a significant role, varying by age and hormonal status. A comprehensive clinical evaluation, with an assessment of sexual history, hygiene practices, and comorbidities, is essential for accurate diagnosis and effective management.