Plasma cell vulvitis: a review of two cases

Abstract

SummaryZoon first described plasma cell balanitis in 1950 and since then there have been many cases described. The equivalent condition in women is plasma cell vulvitis (PCV), which is less frequently reported in the literature. For this reason it continues to be a diagnosis that is challenging to make and leads to difficulties for clinicians and patient alike. We report here the treatment of two cases of plasma cell vulvitis at Royal Perth Hospital and explore the other treatment modalities reported for this condition. Standard therapy for plasma cell vulvitis, which mainly includes topical corticosteroids, was not completely successful in either patient. The first patient had a symptomatic recurrence and the second patient was successfully treated with tacrolimus 0.1%. PCV should be considered in patients presenting with a violaceous vulvitis who fail initial topical steroid, have non-specific initial biopsy results or continue to have pruritus, pain or burning. It is a complicated condition and further research is warranted to further define this clinical entity.KEY WORDS: plasma cell vulvitis.