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Prurito vaginal - Overview

Nombres alternativos

Prurito en el área vaginal; Prurito vulvar; Picazón en la vulva

Definición:

Es una picazón o irritación molesta de la piel de la vagina y en el área circundante (vulva). Dicho prurito puede ocasionar un deseo de rascarse el área afectada.

Causas comunes:

Las causas comunes del prurito vaginal son, entre otras:

  • Irritantes químicos: como detergentes y suavizantes de ropa, aerosoles femeninos, ungüentos, cremas, duchas y espumas anticonceptivas o gelatinas.
  • Menopausia: la disminución de los niveles de estrógenos provoca un adelgazamiento de la pared vaginal y disminuye la lubricación.
  • Estrés: puede incrementar el prurito vaginal y hace a la mujer más susceptible a las infecciones.
  • Candidiasis vaginal: a menudo incluye una secreción blanca similar a cuajada. Estas infecciones pueden ser causadas por antibióticos, pastillas anticonceptivas, embarazo, menstruación, uso de condones, relaciones sexuales, diabetes y un sistema inmunitario debilitado.
  • Vaginitis: inflamación, picazón, secreción y olor ocasionado por otras infecciones (incluyendo enfermedades de transmisión sexual). La vaginitis es común en las niñas antes de la pubertad. Sin embargo, si una niña pequeña tiene un infección vaginal de transmisión sexual, se debe considerar como abuso sexual y abordarse como tal.

Otras causas posibles pero menos comunes de prurito vaginal o vulvar incluyen:

  • Ciertas enfermedades cutáneas que afectan la piel vulvar, algunas de las cuales pueden ser precancerosas
  • Oxiuros (infección parasitaria que afecta especialmente a los niños)
  • Reviewed last on: 10/18/2009
  • Daniel N. Sacks MD, FACOG, Obstetrics & Gynecology in Private Practice, West Palm Beach , FL. Review Provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

Referencias

Clark LR, Atendido M. Group B streptococcal vaginitis in postpubertal adolescent girls. J Adolesc Health. 2005;36(5):437-440.

Edwards L. The diagnosis and treatment of infectious vaginitis. Dermatol Ther. 2004;17(1):102-110.

Reid G, Bruce AW. Urogenital infections in women: can probiotics help? Postgrad Med J. 2003;79:428-432.

Katz VL, Lentz GM, Lobo RA, Gershenson DM. Comprehensive Gynecology. 5th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Mosby Elsevier; 2007.

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