Vulvar disease pearls.

The vulva is a neglected area of the skin, hidden away by ignorance, embarrassment, and taboo with the result that women with vulvar diseases, desperate for help, suffer needlessly and waste millions of dollars on inadequate or inappropriate treatment. As the skin experts, dermatologists are vital for vulvar care. This article covers a range of subjects from normal anatomy to atypical presentations of common infections, such as candidiasis and herpes simplex virus. Tips are presented on the management of common vulvar dermatoses and there is a brief overview of pearls in diagnosis and therapy. Dermatologists are uniquely qualified to care for this area.