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Pruritus vulvae - Management
Which infections and infestations can cause pruritus vulvae?
- Infections and infestations that can cause pruritus vulvae
- Candidiasis — pruritus, discharge, erythema, oedema, white plaques, and satellite erythematous lesions. The typical discharge and swelling associated with acute candidiasis are generally absent in recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis, whereas skin fissuring and irritation after intercourse are more common.
- Trichomoniasis — often severe pruritus, with thin, frothy, malodorous vaginal discharge.
- Bacterial vaginosis — mild pruritus (not always present) with thin vaginal discharge.
- Herpes simplex of the genitalia — can present as pruritus, but may present with vesicles, ulcers, cutaneous hyperaesthesia, perineal burning with or without severe dysuria, and systemic symptoms.
- Pubic lice (Pediculus pubis) — intense vulval pruritus, possibly with sky-blue spots on trunk and thighs. Lice may be seen on hair, pubis, trunk, legs, axillae, scalp, eyelashes, and eyebrows.
- For more information, see the CKS topic on Pubic lice.
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