IS PATCH TESTING NECESSARY IN VULVAR VESTIBULITIS

Allergic contact dermatitis has been suggested as a possible cause of vulval vestibulitis, a condition of unknown aetiology characterized by burning, stinging and dyspareunia, with symptoms localised to the ves tibule. To examine this relationship, 30 women with vulval vestibuliti s were patch tested using a standard series of contact allergens and a special series relevant to perianal and vulval disorders. Other poten tial allergens identified by the patients as causing aggravation were also included. There were 5 positive reactions, 4 to nickel and 1 to f ragrance mix, though none of these reactions were considered relevant. Our results suggest that allergic contact dermatitis is unlikely to b e a primary factor in the development or persistence of vulval vestibu litis. Patch testing patients with vulval vestibulitis cannot routinel y be recommended.