ABSTRACT
The anatomy of the vulvar epithelium confers a unique susceptibility to both irritant and allergic reactions in response to environmental exposures. Allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) of the vulva is a common condition in the world of women’s health, afflicting unfortunate victims with symptoms of irritation, itch, rash, and pain. Itching is frequently a major feature of ACD, and this can be somewhat helpful in distinguishing it from ICD, in which pain is a chief complaint. Lichen simplex chronicus is a condition that can often develop alongside pruritic vulvar contact dermatitis as a direct result of the patient’s incessant scratching. The frequently eczematous appearance of chronic contact dermatitis must be distinguished from a slew of other vulvar dermatoses, some of which may hold worse prognoses and require more urgent treatment. Effective treatment of vulvar contact dermatitis is often challenging, sometimes requiring a multidisciplinary approach involving gynecology, dermatology, psychology/psychiatry, and possibly physical therapy.
