Paediatric vulval disorders
Abstract
Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, October 2006; 26(7): 596 â 602 REVIEWS Paediatric vulval disorders J. POWELL Departments of Dermatology, North Hampshire Hospital and Oxford Radcliffe Hospital, UK Introduction We have had the time, space and opportunity to set up a paediatric dermatology vulval clinic (the ï¬rst, we think, in the UK). This arose out of need. Increasing numbers of referrals to our vulval dermatology clinic were for prepubertal girls, possibly related to increased awareness of, and anxiety about, sexual abuse. This specialist clinic also aims to improve hospital visits for the children and their parents. The lists are adjusted so waiting-time is minimal. A paediatric nurse is available for help and advice, and many clinics are held jointly with a community paediatrician, often saving a second visit to the hospital. Information sheets for parents of children with vulval disorders differ from those ideal for adult patients and vulval support groups have also taken on âparent adviceâ. In addition, these clinics have provided new data and increased understanding of childhood vulval disease. Large cohorts of children with rare presentations of diseases allow not only collection of information and studies advancing knowledge of the disorder but also a chance