Vulvar disease

Vulvar disease refers to a broad range of conditions that can affect the vulva, the external part of the female genitalia. These conditions can be categorized into infectious, inflammatory, neoplastic, and traumatic diseases.

Types of Vulvar Diseases

Infectious Diseases

Infectious diseases of the vulva can be caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites. Common examples include vulvovaginal candidiasis, bacterial vaginosis, and sexually transmitted infections such as herpes simplex virus and human papillomavirus.

Inflammatory Diseases

Inflammatory diseases of the vulva, also known as vulvitis, can be caused by allergic reactions, irritants, or autoimmune conditions. Examples include lichen sclerosus, lichen planus, and contact dermatitis.

Neoplastic Diseases

Neoplastic diseases of the vulva involve the abnormal growth of cells, which can be benign or malignant. Examples include vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia and vulvar cancer.

Traumatic Diseases

Traumatic diseases of the vulva can result from physical injury, sexual abuse, or certain medical procedures. Examples include vulvar hematoma and vulvar lacerations.

Diagnosis and Treatment

The diagnosis of vulvar diseases often involves a combination of medical history, physical examination, and laboratory tests. Treatment depends on the specific disease and may include medications, lifestyle changes, or surgery.

See Also

• Vulvodynia
• Vaginitis
• Vulvar vestibulitis
• Bartholin's cyst