Non-invasive Objective Assessment of Vulva Skin Health Using Diffuse Reflectance Spectroscopy

Vulvar skin, distinct from other areas, undergoes changes due to aging, causing symptoms like dryness and itchiness. While much research focuses on facial or forearm skin, vulva skin properties are underexplored. This study uses an in-house developed fiber-based Diffuse Reflectance Spectroscopy (DRS) system to assess vulva skin changes in 100 women. This objective evaluation includes analyzing tissue chromophores—water, lipid, oxyhemoglobin, and deoxyhemoglobin providing insights into moisture content, lipid levels, oxygen saturation, and blood fraction. DRS, compared to invasive methods, achieved a 65% accuracy in estimating estrogen levels, suggesting its potential for objective diagnosis and monitoring of genitourinary skin conditions.