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
what are the 6 Ps of lichen planus?
Pruritus Polygonal Planar Purple Papules Plaques (but the moist environment and walking around can really alter the morphology of the primary lesions here)
generalized glazed erythema, Some erosions, beginning loss of clitoris and labia minora. what is this?
advancing vulvovaginal lichen planus
treatment of vulvovaginal lichen planus?
initial then step-up..
- topical: vaginal hydrocorticone foam
- stronger corticosteroids
- tacrolimus cream
- systemic steroids
* careful exam for formation of adhesions.. may need vaginal dilators
vulvitis from menopausal atrophy: 3 main characteristics?
- enlarged clitoris
- shiny atrophic vestibule
- loss of hair