To better understand the cutaneous reactivity of vulvar skin, two chemical irritants were applied topically to 21 subjects. The forearm of each subject served as a comparative control. Test sites remained open and were read at 24 hours. A significantly increased response to the irritants was noted on the vulvar skin.

The microbial flora of the vulva is described and compared with the flora of the forearm by utilizing the detergent scrub method. Microbial counts were higher on the vulva (2.8 x 10(6)/cm2) than on the forearm (6.4 x 10(2)/cm2). Lipophilic diphtheroids, coagulase negative staphylococci, micrococci, non-lipophilic diphtheroids and lactobacilli formed the dominant flora of the vulva. Streptococci, Gram negative rods and yeasts were also noted. The highest incidence of S. aureus was noted on the vulva (67%) followed by perianal (30%), nose (30%), and the forearm (11%).

Percutaneous penetration of 14C hydrocortisone through normal vulvar skin (labia majora) was measured in six subjects and compared with that of the forearm. Of the topically applied hydrocortisone 7.7% penetrated vulvar skin whereas 1.3% penetrated forearm skin. This regional variation of percutaneous penetration may have toxicologic and therapeutic significance.

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