Vaginal Itching (Pruritus Vulvae): Diagnostic Tests

Pruritus vulvae (vulvar pruritus). Obligatory medical device diagnostics for local findings. Phase-contrast microscopy of vaginal secretions (vaginal secretions) – live, unstained cells appear extremely low in contrast in a normal bright-field microscope; these are clearly visualized by the phase-contrast method (see below for 1st-order laboratory parameters) Optional medical device diagnostics – depending on the results … Vaginal Itching (Pruritus Vulvae): Diagnostic Tests

Vaginal Itching (Pruritus Vulvae): Prevention

To prevent pruritus vulvae, particular attention must be paid to reducing risk factors. Behavioral risk factors Diet Micronutrient deficiency (vital substances) – see micronutrient therapy. Physical activity Mechanical stress e.g. tight clothing, cycling, horseback riding, etc. Psycho-social situation Stress Overweight (BMI ≥ 25; obesity). Intimate hygiene False (wiping after defecation from back to front). Excessive … Vaginal Itching (Pruritus Vulvae): Prevention

Vaginal Itching (Pruritus Vulvae): Symptoms, Complaints, Signs

The following symptoms and complaints may occur together with pruritus vulvae (vaginal itching): Associated symptoms Generalized pruritus (itching). Swelling of the external genital area Injuries due to scratching with secondary inflammation and infection. Note Itching and burning can also be very painful in serious cases, bes. by scratching At night due to the increase in … Vaginal Itching (Pruritus Vulvae): Symptoms, Complaints, Signs

Vaginal Itching (Pruritus Vulvae): Causes

Pathogenesis (development of disease) There are many different causes of pruritus vulvae. The pathomechanism lies in the activation of free nerve endings in the corium and epidermis and serves as a protective function and indication of a possible noxious agent or disease. Messenger substances such as histamine and cytokines transmit sensory excitation to the brain. … Vaginal Itching (Pruritus Vulvae): Causes

Vaginal Itching (Pruritus Vulvae): Drug Therapy

Therapeutic targets Elimination or improvement/relief of symptoms. Therapy recommendations Therapy of pruritus vulvae should be as causal as possible and treat the underlying disease, see under the corresponding clinical pictures. Idiopathic pruritus vulvae (idiopathic vulvar pruritus; pruritus vulvae with unknown cause): Local cooling Anticonvulsants (e.g., gabapentin) Antidepressants (doxepin, mirtapazine, sertraline). Opioid receptor antagonists (e.g., naltrexone). … Vaginal Itching (Pruritus Vulvae): Drug Therapy

Vaginal Itching (Pruritus Vulvae): Medical History

Medical history (history of the patient) represents an important component in the diagnosis of pruritus vulvae. Family history Social history Current anamnesis/systemic anamnesis (somatic and psychological complaints). How long have you had pruritus? Does the itching occur continuously, sporadically, in certain situations, during bes. activities, during or after urination, in warmth, or bes. at night? … Vaginal Itching (Pruritus Vulvae): Medical History

Vaginal Itching (Pruritus Vulvae): Or something else? Differential Diagnosis

Differentially, many diseases may be associated with pruritus vulvae. Endocrine, nutritional, and metabolic diseases (E00-E90). Obesity Diabetes mellitus Estrogen deficiency (especially in children, postmenopausal, lactation). Thyroid disease (hyper-, hypothyroidism / hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism). Skin and subcutaneous (L00-L99). Abscess Acne conglobata, inversa Allergies Dermatitis (inflammatory reaction of the skin) Eczema (vulvar eczema) Lichen ruber planus (nodular … Vaginal Itching (Pruritus Vulvae): Or something else? Differential Diagnosis

Vaginal Itching (Pruritus Vulvae): Complications

The following are the most important diseases or complications that can be caused by pruritus vulvae as well: Skin and subcutaneous (L00-L99). Skin damage, especially scratched skin, inflammation, erosions (superficial substance defects confined to the epidermis, without scarring), rhagades (fissures; narrow, cleft-like tear that cuts through all layers of the epidermis), ulcers (ulcers) Scarring Recurrent … Vaginal Itching (Pruritus Vulvae): Complications

Vaginal Itching (Pruritus Vulvae): Examination

A comprehensive clinical examination is the basis for selecting further diagnostic steps: General physical examination – including blood pressure, pulse, body weight, height; furthermore: Inspection (viewing). Skin and mucous membranes Abdominal wall and inguinal region (groin area). Gynecological examination Inspection Vulva (external, primary female reproductive organs) [vesicles, scratch marks, if any; thrush and redness, if … Vaginal Itching (Pruritus Vulvae): Examination

Vaginal Itching (Pruritus Vulvae): Test and Diagnosis

Laboratory parameters of the 1st order – obligatory laboratory tests. Amine test (Whiff test) – by sprinkling the vaginal secretion with a 10% potassium hydroxide solution typical fishy odor (= amine colpitis). Measurement of the pH of the vaginal secretion (vaginal secretion) [alkaline?] Phase contrast microscopy of the vaginal secretion – living, unstained cells appear … Vaginal Itching (Pruritus Vulvae): Test and Diagnosis