Chronic Pruritic Vulva Lesion
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Photo RoUNDS Stephen Colden Cahill, DO Chronic pruritic vulva lesion College of Osteopathic Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing; The patient was not sexually active and denied any and Lakeshore Health vaginal discharge. So what was causing the intense Partners, Holland, Mich itching on her labia? [email protected] Department eDItOr richard p. Usatine, mD University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio During a routine exam, a 45-year-old Cau- both of her labia majora (FIGURE). Throughout casian woman complained of intense itching the lesion, there were scattered areas of exco- The author reported no potential conflict of interest on her labia. She said that the itching had been riation. Her labia minor were spared. relevant to this article. an issue for more than 9 months and that she A speculum and bimanual exam were found herself scratching several times a day. normal. No inguinal lymphadenopathy was She denied any vaginal discharge and said she present. hadn’t been sexually active in years. She had tried over-the-counter antifungals and topical ● WhaT is your diagnosis? Benadryl, but they provided only limited relief. The patient had red thickened plaques ● HoW Would you TREAT THIS with accentuated skin lines (furrows) covering PATIENT? Figure Red thickened plaques on labia majora p ho T o cour T esy of: St ephen c olden c ahill, DO jfponline.com Vol 62, no 2 | february 2013 | The journal of family pracTice 97 PHOTO RoUNDS Diagnosis: taneous lesion of unknown etiology. It can Lichen simplex chronicus be found throughout the body, including the This patient was given a diagnosis of lichen mucous membranes. It commonly presents simplex chronicus (circumscribed neuro- as the 5 Ps: pruritic, planar, polyangular, pur- dermatitis)—pathohistologic changes to the ple, and papules.5 Upon close examination, skin caused by habitual trauma from scratch- Wickham’s striae (reticular white lines) may ing a single area. The lesion begins as small be visible.4,5 red papules that later coalesce into a plaque z Lichen sclerosus is a cutaneous disease with furrows (lichenification).1 The plaques of unknown origin that tends to occur in post- become well circumscribed with attenuated menopausal women; it prompts complaints skin lines. This is due to the thickening of of pruritus and dyspareunia.5 It presents as both the epidermis (acanthosis) and stratum white atrophic plaques that may encompass corneum (hyperkeratosis).2 Hyperpigmen- both the vagina and rectum.4,5 tation or hypopigmentation may be pres- z psoriasis lesions are usually distinctive, ent—particularly in patients with naturally with red scaling papules that tend to coalesce dark-colored skin.1 into plaques. These lesions are associated z the epidemiology of lichen simplex with Auspitz sign—pinpoint bleeding follow- chronicus is unknown. It tends to occur in ing removal of silvery white scale.4,5 Lesions adults between 30 and 50 years of age (al- are often found on the elbows, groin, knees, the histologic though it has been seen in children) and is scalp, gluteal cleft, fingernails, and toes.4 separation more common in women and people of Asian z mycosis fungoides (MF) is a cutaneous between lichen descent.3 The areas of the body that are affect- T-cell lymphoma that can have similar clini- simplex ed are those that are easily reached, including cal characteristics to lichen simplex chroni- chronicus the:4,5 cus. It evolves through 4 phases: pre-MF, and psoriasis is • outer portion of the lower legs patch, plaque, and tumor.4 The patch phase difficult, leading • scrotum and vulva; pubic and anal may be confused with lichen simplex chroni- pathologists to areas cus because there are flat, erythematous, and report the • wrists and ankles pruritic lesions. It also presents with lymph- process as • upper eyelids adenopathy and lesions that are persistently psoriasiform • back or side of neck resistant to topical steroid treatments. High dermatitis. • ear canal clinical suspicion and multiple biopsies at • extensor forearms near the elbow different sites may be useful. • fold behind the ear z extramammary paget’s disease is a • scalp rare cutaneous form of adenocarcinoma. About 12% of patients have a concurrent un- Pathology will show lichenification, ac- derlying internal malignancy.4,5 It appears anthosis, hyperkeratosis, and eczematous as a white-to-red, scaling or macerated, in- inflammation resembling psoriasis. The his- filtrated, eroded, or ulcerated plaque, most tologic separation between lichen simplex frequently observed on the labia majora and chronicus and psoriasis is particularly diffi- scrotum.5 cult, which leads some pathologists to report the process as “psoriasiform dermatitis.”1 That was the case in this presentation. 2 keys to diagnosis A history of severe pruritus (with a chronic itch-scratch cycle) combined with the find- Differential diagnosis ings of lichenification should make you sus- includes lichen planus, psoriasis pect lichen simplex chronicus. It may be Skin conditions with a similar appearance to li- necessary to first treat the itch-scratch cycle chen simplex chronicus include lichen planus, before you can identify the underlying dis- lichen sclerosus, psoriasis, mycosis fungoides, ease.1 If clinical diagnosis is still unclear, you and extramammary Paget’s disease.1,2,4,5 may need to do a skin biopsy for pathologic z Lichen planus is an inflammatory cu- identification and to rule out neoplasia. 98 The journal of family pracTice | february 2013 | Vol 62, no 2 ChroniC pruritiC vulva lesion Look for concomitant psychiatric dis- mation and pruritus. Be sure to advise pa- orders that often have contributing factors, tients of potential adverse effects of potent such as depression, anxiety, and obsessive- topical steroids, such as atrophy, discolor- compulsive disorder.1,4,5 Correlation of his- ation, and striae.1,2,5 tory, physical exam, and pathophysiology is z Second-line topical treatments in- enough for the diagnosis. clude tacrolimus ointment 0.1%, pimecro- limus cream 1%, topical lidocaine 2%, and capsaicin 0.025% to 0.075% cream applied Focus tx on interrupting 3 times a day.2 Depending on the size and the itch-scratch cycle shape of the lesion, intralesional steroids Tell patients with lichen simplex chronicus such as triamcinolone acetate in varying con- that a permanent cure may not be possible. centrations may be beneficial. Intermittent therapy may be necessary for z Selective serotonin reuptake inhibi- years.1 The key to long-term success is dis- tors have been shown to benefit patients ruption of the itch-scratch cycle. Often, the during the day, and to address other psycho- scratching occurs during sleep without the logical comorbidities that may be present (eg, patient even being aware. So it’s helpful anxiety, depression, or obsessive-compulsive to educate patients about the itch-scratch disorder).1 cycle and to advise them to keep their nails z Be sure to screen for secondary super- trimmed, wear gloves at nighttime, and if infections (bacterial and fungal) and treat a permanent needed, apply an occlusive dressing.1,2 It’s accordingly. Follow-up should be scheduled cure may not also helpful to avoid irritants such as harsh for 4 weeks after treatment has begun.2 be possible; soaps and washcloths, panty liners, tight intermittent clothing, perfumes, and deodorants.2 Steroids provided relief therapy may Help the patient break the nighttime for my patient be necessary itch-scratch cycle by prescribing sedat- I prescribed clobetasol 0.05% ointment with- for years. ing H1 antihistamines such as hydroxyzine out occlusion twice a day for 4 weeks. I also (10-25 mg taken within 2 hours of bed time); prescribed hydroxyzine 25 mg to be taken at increase the dose every 7 days until scratching bedtime and fluoxetine 20 mg daily for under- ceases or adverse effects develop.2 Another lying depression. option is a tricyclic antidepressant—doxepin At follow-up 4 weeks later, my patient re- 25 to 75 mg or amitriptyline 25 to 75 mg— ported excellent relief from her pruritus. Her taken within 2 hours of bed time.1 labia’s erythema had greatly decreased, but z recommend that patients use lubri- chronic skin changes were still present. I ad- cants and petroleum-based ointments to re- vised her to apply the clobetasol every 2 weeks store the damaged skin barrier and its natural as needed, with follow-up in 3 months. JFP function. Using these products after bathing may be especially helpful.1 CORRESpOnDENCe z stephen colden cahill, do, assistant clinical professor, michi- Class I and II topical steroids can be gan state university, 8300 Westpark Way, Zeeland, mi 49464; used as first-line treatment to reduce inflam- [email protected] references 1. Stewart KM. Clinical care of vulvar pruritus, with emphasis on 4. Habif T. Clinical Dermatology: A Color Guide to Diagnosis and one common cause, lichen simplex chronicus. Dermatol Clin. Therapy. 4th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Mosby; 2003. 2010;28:669-680. 5. Burgin S. Nummular eczema and lichen simplex chroni- 2. Lynch PJ. Lichen simplex chronicus (atopic/neurodermatitis) of cus/prurigo nodularis. In: Wolff K, Goldsmith LA, Katz the anogenital region. Dermatol Ther. 2004;17:8-19. SI, et al, eds. Fitzpatrick’s Dermatology in General Medi- 3. Prajapati V, Barankin B. Dermacase. Lichen simplex chronicus. cine. 4th ed. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill Companies; 2008: Can Fam Physician. 2008;54:1391-1393. 158-162. Visit us @ jfponline.com jfponline.com Vol 62, no 2 | february 2013 | The journal of family pracTice 99.