Vulvar Syringomas in a 9‐year‐old Child with Review of the Literature

Abstract

Syringomas are benign tumors of the eccrine sweat gland that are most common to the periorbital location. Less common and under-recognized is their potential involvement of the vulvar skin, where they may cause significant pruritus. In this location, lesions often develop just prior to or during puberty, with symptoms of pruritus sometimes correlating with pregnancy or menstruation. A hormonal influence has thus been postulated. Reported treatments for symptomatic patients include topical corticosteroids, systemic and topical antihistamines, laser and excisional surgery, cryotherapy, and topical atropine, with variable results. We report a 9-year-old girl who had severe pruritus secondary to syringomas of the vaginal labia, and review the literature on this unusual disorder. Awareness of this condition is important in order that patients receive appropriate evaluation and management of their symptoms.

Vulvar syringoma: A rare cause of pruritus vulvae

“…[ 3 ] They are usually revealed if symptomatic, unlike other areas where the cosmetic concern is the major problem. [ 5 7 ]…”

“…Vulvar pruritus may be seen in conditions such as candidiasis, lichen simplex chronicus, and lichen sclerosus. [ 4 7 8 ]…”

Rare sweat gland tumors of vulva: Report of two cases

“…[5] Vulvar syringomas with vulvar prutitus has been reported in a 9 year old child. [6] Venerophobia may sometimes be associated with genital lesions. [7] The differential diagnosis for vulvar syringoma is broad, and biopsy with histologic examination may exclude diseases such as epidermal cyst, steatocystoma multiplex, lymphangioma circumstriptum, lichen simplex chronicus, Fox-Fordyce disease, angiokeratomas, senile angioma, condyloma acuminatum, candidiasis, scabies, pediculosis, allergic and irritant contact dermatitis, psoriasis, and lichen sclerosus et atrophicus.…”

Milia with Calcium Deposits on the Palms and Soles in a Patient with Multiple Syringoma

“…Syringomas may appear in association with milia (4,7–9), calcium deposits (4,8,10–12), or both (4,8). As in our patient, it is uncertain whether these milia‐like lesions and calcinosis represent true syringomas or another sweat duct disorder.…”