Erosive lichen planus of the vulva and vagina.
BACKGROUND
Erosive lichen planus causes erosion of the vulva and vagina and characteristic oral lesions. Dyspareunia is usual, and vaginal stenosis may occur. This report highlights the clinical features and the response to medical therapy.


METHODS
We report the case histories of three women who presented to the Vulvovaginal Disorders Clinic of the University of Iowa with long histories of dyspareunia and advanced vaginal scarring. In each case, the clinical diagnosis of erosive lichen planus was obvious but had not been made previously. All three women have responded well to topical treatment with tacrolimus 0.1% ointment.


CONCLUSIONS
Erosive lichen planus should be suspected in a case of vaginal erosion or narrowing. Surgical management is inappropriate when the mucosa is eroded. Inspection of the mouth may confirm the diagnosis.
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, Iowa 52242, USA.
Helen E
HE
Lotery
Rudolph P
RP
Galask
D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008010:Lichen Planus / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy; D008875:Middle Aged; D016559:Tacrolimus / Q000627:therapeutic use; D014623:Vaginal Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy; D014845:Vulvar Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy
D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents; D016559:Tacrolimus