Algorithms for Managing Vulvovaginal Symptoms-a Practical Primer.

Purpose Of Review: To present a comprehensive systematic approach for diagnosing correctly the cause(s) of bothersome genital symptoms.

Recent Findings: We searched the PUBMED for practical clinical guidelines, written by a multidisciplinary team of healthcare providers directed for diagnosing bothersome genital symptoms. This search was performed by a professional information specialist using the keywords "vulvovaginal," "vulvar," "multidisciplinary diagnosis," "interdisciplinary consultation," and "vulvology.

Hidradenitis suppurativa.

Hidradenitis suppurativa is a chronic relapsing disorder of the folliculopilosebaceous units (FPSUs). Its negative impact on quality of life is extreme, mainly due to the lack of early recognition, accurate diagnosis, and appropriate management. The support structure of the FPSUs is defective.

Hidradenitis suppurativa.

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic, inflammatory, scarring condition involving the intertriginous skin of the axillary, inguinal, inframammary, genital, and perineal areas of the body. It is also referred to as acne inversa and Verneuil disease. Follicular occlusion is the primary event in HS.

Approach to the diagnosis and treatment of vulvar pain.

Vulvar pain is a common problem, affecting up to 16% of women. The pain and discomfort seriously impacts their quality of life, and is compounded by the increasing frustration encountered in their search for appropriate medical advice. Their pain can be localized or generalized, constant or intermittent, with or without visible changes.

Vulvar disease pearls.

The vulva is a neglected area of the skin, hidden away by ignorance, embarrassment, and taboo with the result that women with vulvar diseases, desperate for help, suffer needlessly and waste millions of dollars on inadequate or inappropriate treatment. As the skin experts, dermatologists are vital for vulvar care. This article covers a range of subjects from normal anatomy to atypical presentations of common infections, such as candidiasis and herpes simplex virus.

The vulvodynia guideline.

Objective: To provide a review of the literature and make known expert opinion regarding the treatment of vulvodynia.

Materials And Methods: Experts reviewed the existing literature to provide new definitions for vulvar pain and to describe treatments for this condition.

Results: Vulvodynia has been redefined by the International Society for the Study of Vulvovaginal Disease as vulvar discomfort in the absence of gross anatomic or neurologic findings.

Genital ulcers caused by Epstein-Barr virus.

In North America, the most common cause of vulvar ulcers is infection with herpes simplex virus. However, Epstein-Barr virus can also cause vulvar ulcers, and may be underrecognized. Unlike herpes simplex virus, Epstein-Barr virus is not necessarily sexually transmitted.

Contact dermatitis of the vulva.

Vulvar diseases rarely stand alone. They are often caused or worsened by primary irritant or allergic contact dermatitis, and this should be considered when evaluating any vulvar complaint. All irritants should be avoided in all women, and those with vulvar dermatoses should be patch tested to help define or rule out allergens.