Non venereal benign dermatoses of vulva in sexually active women: a clinical study

Background: Vulvar complaints are usually an uncomfortable discussion not only for the patient but also for the health care provider. Vulva remains one of the most covered regions of the body and seems truly to be a forgotten pelvic organ. Any genital lesion or related symptoms are erroneously considered to be sexually transmitted. Hence this study was conducted to emphasize on the fact that all genital lesions are not sexually transmitted. Objective of the study was to determine the clinical pattern and relative frequency of non-venereal benign dermatoses of vulva in sexually active women at a tertiary health care centre. Methods: It was a prospective, observational study. All sexually active women attending the outpatient department of Dermatology and Gynecology, who presented either with vulvar complaints or with vulvar dermatoses on routine clinical examination were included in the study. Women with six classical venereal diseases or with vulvar malignancies were excluded from the study. After detailed history & examination, results were tabulated and analysed by SPSS software. Results: A total of 70 sexually active women were observed. Majority of women were from rural background (54.28%), were housewives (81.42%) and were illiterate (42.85%). The commonest presenting feature was itching. Labia majora was the most common site of involvement and Tinea cruris was the most common dermatoses involved. Conclusions: All vulvar dermatoses are not sexually transmitted.