Vulvaerkrankungen in der dermatogynäkologischen Sprechstunde – Therapieleitfaden und Lebensqualität: Darstellung anhand von 1000 Fällen aus einer Hochschulambulanz

An interdisciplinary vulval clinic was established in 2008 at the University Clinic of Schleswig Holstein, Campus Luebeck, as a joint venture between the departments of Dermatology and Gynecology. By the beginning of 2019 a total of 1000 female patients had been referred to the clinic, including 72 children and 15 adolescents. The dermatological quality of life index (DLQI) was determined in 866 of these patients. The quality of life of patients with vulval diseases was clearly reduced, even when compared to that in other chronic skin diseases, such as atopic dermatitis or psoriasis. We were able to gain a comprehensive picture of the range of vulval disease with which gynecologists and dermatologists may be confronted, based on the large number of referrals. Whilst infectious diseases affecting the vulva may be relatively easy to diagnose, other non-infectious vulval dermatoses may be more difficult to recognize. The large number of referrals underpins the clinical need for a specialized vulval out-patient clinic, the utility of which is reflected in improvements in quality of life.