Alternatively, vaginal discharge may be the presenting complaint because secondary infection is common. Chronic cases may result in atrophy of the labia majora or clitoris, constriction of vaginal introitus or urethral meatus, anal stenosis, or anal fissures. Hydroxyzine hydrochloride also may be administered to relieve itching. It characteristically affects the face, neck, chest, and extremities. Chronic cases may result in crusty, weepy lesions of the vulva that are accompanied by intense pruritus and erythema.
Scratching often results in excoriation of the lesions and secondary infection.
Application of topical fluorinated corticosteroid preparations may be used during acute flare-ups. Secondary infection can be treated with erythromycin or cephalexin. Contact dermatitis in children is associated with exposure to an irritant, such as perfumed soaps, bubble baths, or nylon panties. Erythematous, edematous, or weepy vulvar vesicles or pustules, which become thick and lichenified, may result. The localized nature of this condition distinguishes it from atopic dermatitis, although treatment is the same for both.