Dermatologic causes of vaginitis: a clinical review.
The concept of vaginitis is widely accepted. Most physicians assume that vaginitis represents an infection, with nearly all vaginal complaints diagnosed as Candidiasis, bacterial vaginosis, or trichomonas. However, like the mouth, the vagina is covered with squamous epithelium, and therefore affected by various dermatoses. Some dermatoses prominently affect mucous membranes, such as lichen planus, pemphigus vulgaris, cicatricial pemphigoid, and blistering forms of erythema multiforme. In addition, some dermatoses affect only the vagina, including desquamative inflammatory vaginitis and atrophic vaginitis. The diagnosis and management of these diseases are hampered by the difficulty of visualizing the vagina, and the lack of medications other than antimicrobials available for use in the vagina.
Edwards
Libby
L
Carolinas Medical Center, Charlotte, NC 29232-2861, USA. LibbyEdwardsMD@gmail.com
D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002181:Candidiasis, Vulvovaginal / Q000517:prevention & control; D002908:Chronic Disease; D002981:Clindamycin / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004967:Estrogens / Q000172:deficiency / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008010:Lichen Planus / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy; D010390:Pemphigoid, Benign Mucous Membrane / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy; D010392:Pemphigus / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy; D013262:Stevens-Johnson Syndrome / Q000150:complications; D014622:Vaginal Creams, Foams, and Jellies / Q000627:therapeutic use; D014627:Vaginitis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology*
D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones; D004967:Estrogens; D014622:Vaginal Creams, Foams, and Jellies; D002981:Clindamycin