Beyond STIs: A Clinical Insight into Non-Venereal Genital Dermatoses in Women

Background: Diseases affecting the genitalia include both venereal and non-venereal conditions. Nonvenereal genital dermatoses (NVGD) are not sexually transmitted but involve the genital region, often presenting with features that differ from their appearance elsewhere on the body. Aim: To study the clinical profile of female patients with NVGD in a tertiary care hospital. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 140 female patients presenting with genital complaints over one year. Patients diagnosed with venereal diseases were excluded. Detailed clinical history, physical examination, and relevant investigations were conducted.Results: A total of 140 patients aged 16–80 years (mean age 38.3 years) were included. The most common presenting symptom was itchy plaques (53.1%). Lesions were localized to the genital area in 42.8% of patients. Infections and infestations were the most common group (60%), with tinea cruris (35.7%) and vulval candidiasis (11.4%) being predominant. This was followed by inflammatory dermatoses (32.8%), benign conditions (6.4%), and malignancies (0.7%). Conclusion: NVGD in females comprise a wide spectrum of disorders that can significantly impact quality of life. Accurate diagnosis is essential to distinguish them from sexually transmitted infections, reduce psychological distress, and ensure appropriate management.