Classification, general principles of vulval infections

The wide spectrum of presentation of women suffering from vulval symptoms include many whose primary condition is due to an infectious cause. Specialists in gynaecology, particularly those with an interest in vulval disease, must be aware of the aetiological agents which may present diverse symptoms and signs, and make available to themselves either directly or by collaboration with genitourinary medicine physicians, appropriate tests in order to exclude these important differential diagnoses. Adequate management, including, where necessary, contact tracing of women with genital infection is an essential part of managing a woman with vulval symptoms and signs. It must, once again, be emphasized that vulval infections can co-exist with vulval dermatoses and neoplastic conditions, and that a collaborative approach is often needed to reach an appropriate diagnosis and management to improve the quality of life of women with vulval symptoms.