Pruritus Vulvae

Management depends on cause (e.g. candidiasis, incontinence).

General measures (advice to patient)

• Avoid overzealous washing

• Take showers of no more than 5 mins duration

• Do not wear pantyhose, tight jeans or tight underwear, or use tampons

• Do not use vaginal douches, powders or deodorants

• Use aqueous cream or Cetaphil lotion rather than toilet soap

• After the toilet wipe gently with a soft, non-coloured, non-perfumed toilet paper or baby wipe (e.g. Dove)

• Apply a good moisturiser (e.g. Hydraderm or 5% peanut oil in aqueous cream)

Treatment

• For pruritus apply cool moisturising cream (kept in the refrigerator) when there is an urge to scratch

• A zinc-based barrier cream may prevent moisture irritation

• Apply corticosteroid ointment to the rash