Vulval symptoms are often treated without examination, which can lead to diagnostic errors and incorrect treatment. This short resource outlines the key differential diagnoses for vulval symptoms, gives some basic information about the chronic condition lichen sclerosus and reminds us not to forget conditions such as genital herpes and vulvodynia. It also attempts to empower the GP to start treatment in primary care when the diagnosis is clear and gives advice for vulval skin care which will help regardless of the underlying condition.

This resource has been produced on behalf of the PCWHS. It is for guidance only; healthcare professionals should use their own judgment when applying it to patient care.