VULVAR INFLAMMATORY DERMATOSES

Abstract

Vulvar skin diseases represent a heterogeneous group of skin diseases which display infectious, inflam- matory or malignant nature. The authors conducted a review of epidemiological, etiopathogenic, clínicopathological, therapeutic and prognostic aspects of five vulvar inflammatory skin diseases, namely lichen sclerosus, eczema, psoriasis, lichen planus and Zoon’s vulvitis. Except for the Zoon’s vulvitis, vulvar inflammatory skin diseases are more common in women compared to their counterparts in males. Their etiopathogenic features remain unknown. Itching and pain are the most common complaints. Extra-genital lesions may be present. The diagnosis of psoriasis and eczema is usually clinical and the definitive diagnosis of lichen sclerosus, Zoon’s vulvitis and lichen planus is primarily histological. Althou- gh mostly treated by dermatologists, vulvar inflammatory skin diseases may require a multidisciplinary approach which includes gynecology, urology, pediatrics, psychology and psychiatry. Superpotent or potent topical corticosteroids are the primarily therapeutic approaches, followed by topical calcineurin inhibitors. The risk of malignancy is present in lichen sclerosus and lichen planus, requiring periodic examination.

KEYWORDS – Vulvar Diseases; Skin Diseases; Vulvar Lichen Sclerosus; Psoriasis; Lichen Planus; Vulvitis.