Pediatric dermatologists positioned to educate children, parents on female anatomy

Key takeaways:

• Only 9% of adult men and women correctly labeled external female genital anatomy.
• The lack of education on female anatomy can impair health outcomes in patients with diseases such as vulvar lichen sclerosus.

Pediatric dermatologists are well positioned to educate children and adults on the correct terms for female anatomy to ensure proper diagnoses and treatments, according to a study.

“Effective communication in pediatric dermatology is important for obtaining accurate medical histories and discussing treatment options, particularly in sensitive areas such as the anogenital region,” Hannah R. Chang, BA, an MD candidate at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School, and colleagues wrote. “Unfortunately, children and their families often resort to using euphemisms or personal code words in place of anatomically accurate terms, which can impede clear communication and understanding.”

According to a study conducted at a U.K. teaching hospital, only 9% of adult men and women correctly labeled external female genital anatomy. This lack of proper terminology usage can lead to confusion and incorrect diagnoses, according to the authors.

For example, the vulva is defined as all structures that comprise the external female genitalia including the mons pubis, labia majora, labia minora, clitoris, vestibular bulbs and vulvar vestibule, whereas the vagina is defined as the elastic muscular tube that extends from the cervix of the uterus and opens into the vulvar vestibule. However, the vagina and vulva are commonly confused with one another.

This lack of distinction can be detrimental in many dermatological cases, such as during the treatment of vulvar lichen sclerosus, as this condition is treated with topical glucocorticoids and pediatric dermatologists warn patients to apply the medication to the vulva only and strictly avoid the vagina to prevent damage. If the patient or caregiver is unfamiliar with the difference between these two body parts, the condition can worsen, or other adverse events may ensue.

According to an additional study conducted in 1984 with 223 adults, 39.8% of men and 29% of women learned the correct names for male body parts when they were children, but only 17.7% of men and 6.1% of women learned the correct terms for female body parts, reflecting a broader societal issue concerning the stigma around female anatomy — a problem that the authors state pediatric dermatologists can help solve.

“Pediatric dermatologists have a unique opportunity to set a positive example for families who may not know the difference or the importance of proper nomenclature,” Chang and colleagues wrote. “By doing so, they contribute to improving body awareness, safety, medical accuracy and patient outcomes.”