diagnosis

Last reviewed 01/2018

The wide variety of vulval inflammatory conditions makes a full gynaecological history and examination essential.

Important points to include are:

The history and examination should cover:

  • sexual activity: organisms may be transmitted at coitus e.g. treponemata
  • other skin disorders
  • vaginal discharge
  • urinary incontinence
  • any change in toiletries, soap powder, condom usage etc

The investigations include:

  • a midstream urine should be tested for glucose and sent for microscopy, culture and antibiotic sensitivity analysis (MC and S)
  • where there is a vaginal discharge, a high vaginal swab should be sent for MC and S
  • skin scrapings or biopsies may be sent for histology and MC and S