Zoon's plasma cell balanitis is a chronic genital inflammatory dermatosis that
affects uncircumcised men, especially the elderly. It's characterized by
painless erythematous plaques of orange hue, located on the glans penis and
foreskin. Circumcision is the most effective treatment; however, it can be hard
for patients to accept. As an alternative, topical calcineurin inhibitors are
used, with good response. This article reports the case of a 32-year-old
patient, HIV carrier, diagnosed with Zoon's plasma cell balanitis. Treatment
with topical tacrolimus was administered, without improvement. A 6-week course
of thalidomide resulted in complete remission of the lesions, without recurrence
after eight months of follow-up.
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