Vulvar Itching and Pain Without Skin Pathology: Is Vulvodynia the Diagnosis?

Creator(s)

• Tazim Dowlut-McElroy, Children's Mercy Kansas CityFollow
• Rashmi Prasad
• Kaiane A. Habeshian

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

7-2026

Identifier

DOI: 10.1111/pde.70173; PMCID: PMC13423120

Abstract

Vulvar itching and pain are common dermatologic complaints that affect individuals of all ages. The diagnosis of vulvodynia should be considered in children and adolescents with vulvar symptoms in the absence of skin pathology and negative workup for other diagnoses. Vulvodynia is defined as vulvar pain that has been present for at least 3 months without an identifiable cause with potential associated factors. Here, we report two cases of adolescents with vulvar itching and pain who presented to the multidisciplinary vulvar dermatology clinic and review the diagnostic approach and treatment options for vulvodynia.

Journal Title

Pediatric dermatology

Volume

43

Issue

4

First Page

910

Last Page

914

MeSH Keywords

Humans; Female; Vulvodynia; Adolescent; Diagnosis, Differential; Pruritus; Pain; Pruritus Vulvae

PubMed ID

41802931

Keywords

vulvar itching; vulvar pain; vulvodynia

Recommended Citation

Dowlut-McElroy T, Prasad R, Habeshian KA. Vulvar Itching and Pain Without Skin Pathology: Is Vulvodynia the Diagnosis?. Pediatr Dermatol. 2026;43(4):910-914. doi:10.1111/pde.70173