female external Genitalia D/O Flashcards
how many sexually active people will get an STI by 25?
1 in 2 people (50%)
what is vulvitis? is it common?
Inflammation of vulva: possible involvement of introitus and/or vault
- very common
symptoms of vulvitis (6)
itching redness swelling discharge pain/irritation lesions
most common cause of vulvitis?
Most commonly 2º to vaginitis (3 kinds)
- BV
- Candida
- Trichomonas
lesser common infectious causes of vulvitis?
cellulitis and HSV
other kinds of causes of vulvitis?
contact dermatitis/irritation
dermatologic (lichen planus, lichen simplex chronicus, lichen sclerosus) & psoriasis
if the vulvititis presenting symptom is erythema, what is the likely cause?
infectious: Vaginitis or cellulitis
if the vulvitis presenting symptom is pale appearance/atrohpy, what is the likely cause?
derm: lichen planus OR menopausal changes
if the vulvitis presenting symptom is skin thickening/plaques, what is the likely cause?
derm (lichen planus, lichen sclerosus (*this one may actually cause skin thinning), lichen simplex chronicus)
Most common chronic vulvar condition?
vulvar lichen sclerosus
what causes vulvar lichen sclerosus? (weeds)
many things.. vitamin A deficiency autoimmune process excess of elastase decreased activity of 5-α reductase
how does vulvar lichen sclerosus present? what is the general progression of symptoms? (7)
- first, erythema & edema
- WHITE PLAQUES
- intense “ITCH-SCRATCH” CYCLE … leading to telangectasias and subepithelial hemorrhages… leading to erosions/fissures/ulcerations
- thin wrinkled, white skin (CIGARETTE PAPER SKIN)
- agglutination (sticking together) of labia minora –> phimosis over clit
- contraction of vulvar structures –> introital stenosis
- involvement of perianal region
txt for vulvar lichen sclerosus (initial)
- stop itch-scratch cycle
- minimize inflammation
- general vulvar hygiene
what is the general vulvar hygiene for lichen sclerosus? (3)
- avoiding tight underwear
- cleansing daily with mild soap
- drying the vulvar skin with a hair dryer
two medical txts for vulvar lichen sclerosus? whats the major benefit of these?
- oral anti-histamine each night
- high-potency topical steroid (at the start)
* gives immediate relief to stop the itch-scratch cycle and restores pts belief in provider-care.
txt for those who dont respond to topical steroids for vulvar lichen sclerosus? (3) (maybe weeds)
- tacrolimus cream, retinoid, antimalarial agents, or photo therapy (if NO steroids work)
- steroid injection
- surgery: undercut nerve fibers (mering procedure)
why is vulvar lichen sclerosus harderto diagnose in younger children?
can present as shiny/waxy skin
- hypopigmentation harder to see on natural pale young skin
- purpura and fissures can be mistaken as child abuse
HIGH rate of ____ in women with lichen sclerosus
SCC (squamous cell carcinoma) 3-5%
*biopsy all new lesions!
what is vulvar lichen simplex chronicus? what causes it?
benign epithelial thickening and hyperkeratosis from chronic irritation: (i.e. use of perfumed pads or chronic vulvovaginal infections)
vulvar lichen simplex chronicus.. presenting symptoms?
itch-scratch cycle from pruritis
ALWAYS itching
-burning, pain & tender
-may have skin thickening
txt for vulvar lichen simplex chronicus? (3)
- vaginal hygiene
- sitz bath and lubricants
- oral antihistamines
- topical steroids (injectable if it doesnt work)
lichen simplex chronicus: Vulvar epithelium takes at least ___ weeks to heal
6
what is vulvovaginal lichen planus ?
Relatively rare mucocutaneous dermatosis
what characterizes vulvovaginal lichen planus?
sharply marginated flat-topped papules on the skin
but LESS sharply marginated white plaques on oral and genital mucous membranes
-leukoplastic lesions & (later) erosive lesions