CKS is no longer commissioned by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE). NICE remains committed to providing a replacement service for CKS and is currently reviewing its options. In the meantime, although CKS content is now not being maintained, it still remains relevant and will continue to be made available. CKS content was generated under a programme of topic creation and update. To check if the topic you are viewing is current or out of date, please refer to the topic publication details by clicking on the 'How up-to-date is this topic?' link in the left hand menu on individual topic pages.
Pruritus vulvae
In the right clinical topic?
Age from 16 years onwards
This CKS topic covers the initial management of adult women presenting with the symptom of vulval itch (pruritus vulvae). It contains advice on diagnosis and general symptomatic treatment for vulval conditions that present with itching.
This CKS topic does not cover detailed information on the management of specific causes of pruritus vulvae. This CKS topic does not cover vulval pain.
There are separate CKS topics on Bacterial vaginosis, Candida - female genital, Chlamydia - uncomplicated genital, Herpes simplex - genital, Itch - widespread, Itch in pregnancy, Pruritus ani, Pubic lice, Scabies, Threadworm, Trichomoniasis, and Urinary tract infection (lower) - women. There is also a referral guideline, published by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence, for Gynaecological cancer - suspected.
The target audience for this CKS topic is healthcare professionals working within the NHS in England, and providing first contact or primary health care.
CKS gratefully acknowledges the contribution of the British Association of Dermatologists in the development of this topic.
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