Pruritus Vulva in Adolescent Females in Arar City, KSA

Alenazi, Aisha Reja M; Alshammari, Nawal Ahmed M; Alruwaili, Noof Saad M; Ahmed, Alaa Jameel A; Alanazi, Nour Hamoud Abdullah; Albahrani, Batool Abdullah; Alkhadhabah, Hajar Moosa; ALShamrani, Abdulaziz Saad M; Albalawi, Wafa Hammad

doi:10.21608/ejhm.2018.9453

Pruritus Vulva in Adolescent Females in Arar City, KSA

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

¹ Faculty of Medicine, Northern Border University

² Faculty of Medicine, Emam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University

³ Faculty of Medicine, AlBaha University

⁴ Faculty of Medicine, Tabuk University

10.21608/ejhm.2018.9453

Abstract

Background: Pruritus vulvae or vulvar itch is an unpleasant vulvar sensation that provokes the urge to scratch to obtain relief. It is a common complaint in females of all ages. A pruritus vulva is not a condition. It is the symptom of various -most often benign, sometimes malignant – disorders. The study aimed at investigating the prevalence in valval itching and its manifestations and causes among young females in Arar city, KSA. Methods: This is across sectional study conducted among 300 of the studied women, Arar, KSA. Data were collected by using pre designed online questionnaire which include questions designed to fulfill the study objectives. Results: Pruritus vulvae were found in 30.7% of the studied sample. Most (60.7) of the examined girls age was between 15- 20 years old. 79.3% of the sample was single (unmarried). Manifestations of pruritus vulvae were 43.5% redness, 21.7% edema, 67.4% reported association of pruritus with increased vaginal discharge. 56.5% reported increased pruritus before menses and 37% after. Only 37% of the pruritus cases asked for medical help but only 23.9% got better after treatment. There was a significant correlation between pruritus vulvae and both age group and marital status (P= 0.001). Conclusion: Pruritus vulvae were found in 30.7% of the studied sample. Prevention of genitourinary infection among adolescents regarding personal hygiene is mandatory. Recommendations include counseling during periodic medical examination about personal hygiene, especially during menstruation.

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