What is vulvar dermatitis (eczema)?

• Research type

  Research Study

• Full title

  A prospective study to define the clinical spectrum and aetiology of vulval eczema.

• IRAS ID

  187572

• Contact name

  Jane Setterfield

• Contact email

  jane.setterfield@imperial.nhs.uk

• Sponsor organisation

  Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust

• Duration of Study in the UK

  1 years, 5 months, 31 days

• Research summary

  Vulvar dermatitis (eczema) is the most common vulval dermatosis in women. It can develop in isolation or in association with dermatitis affecting other areas of the body. Aetiological factors and their prevalence in vulval eczema are not well described. However contributory factors include genetic predisposition, atopy (association with asthma or hay fever), contact factors (allergic or irritant), infections and psychological factors. The aim of this study is to establish the full clinical spectrum of patients presenting with vulval eczema and to identify potential triggers and contributory factors for aetiopathogenesis.
  We will recruit consecutive adult patients with symptoms suggestive of vulval dermatitis from a specialist vulval skin clinic and from our dermatology outpatient clinic. We aim to ultimately categorise patients according to the underlying aetiology of their dermatitis. We will document any history of atopic dermatitis, seborrhoeic eczema, contact dermatitis or any other known dermatological condition. A full clinical examination will be performed looking in particular for evidence of more generalised eczema, seborrhoeic dermatitis or other dermatosis. Patients will have a number of routine investigations including swabs taken for microscopy, culture and sensitivity, a vulval skin biopsy and routine blood tests incuding a total IgE antibody level, a serum ferritin, zinc and vitamin D level. Patch tests will be undertaken in all patients to identify any relevant contact allergies. Patients will be prescribed standard treatment for vulvar eczema following their first visit. They will be reviewed at 3 months or sooner if needed.

• REC name

  East Midlands - Leicester South Research Ethics Committee

• REC reference

  17/EM/0308

• Date of REC Opinion

  16 Aug 2017

• REC opinion

  Further Information Favourable Opinion