Clinical Care of Vulvar Pruritus, with Emphasis on One Common Cause, Lichen Simplex Chronicus

Vulvar dermatosis

“…Clinical features physiopathology [53] LSC most often affects the hair-bearing portion of the labia majora. The skin is thickened, erythematous, pale or pigmented, with accentuated skin markings secondary to rubbing.…”

“…Epidemiology, physiopathology [53] Lichen simplex chronicus (LSC) is one of the most common causes of vulvar itch. Primary LSC tends to appear in patients with an atopic diathesis.…”

Lichenoid vulvar disease: A review

“…Primary VLSC is considered a variant of atopic dermatitis and patients who are affected often have an atopic diathesis (Stewart, 2010). Both primary and secondary VLSC are consequences of the itch-scratch cycle (Corazza et al, 2015, Stewart, 2010). In patients with primary VLSC, the itch-scratch cycle is frequently triggered by skin irritation, which leads to pruritus and scratching.…”

“…The scratching results in skin thickening and additional irritation, which subsequently worsens the pruritus. In patients with secondary VLSC, an underlying vulvar disorder contributes to this cycle (Stewart, 2010). …”

“…Heat, sweat, and friction may worsen the pruritus and symptoms can remain despite the removal of triggers (Stewart, 2010). During a physical examination, VLSC can be identified as lichenified plaques that commonly present on the labia majora but can also involve the labia minora, and perineum (Fig.…”