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Vulvar Skin Atrophy Induced by Topical Glucocorticoids
Author(s) -
Johnson Elisabeth,
Groben Pamela,
Eanes Alisa,
Iyer Priya,
Ugoeke Joseph,
Zolnoun Denniz
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
journal of midwifery and womens health
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.543
H-Index - 62
eISSN - 1542-2011
pISSN - 1526-9523
DOI - 10.1111/j.1542-2011.2012.00189.x
Subject(s) - atrophy , medicine , perineum , dermatology , sex organ , vulva , glucocorticoid , surgery , pathology , biology , genetics
Steroid‐induced skin atrophy is the most frequent and perhaps most important cutaneous side effect of topical glucocorticoid therapy. To date, it has not been described in vulvar skin. A patient presented with significant vulvar skin atrophy following prolonged steroid application to treat vulvar dermatitis. The extensive atrophy in the perineum resulted in secondary “webbing” and partial obstruction of the genital hiatus and superimposed dyspareunia. Prolonged use of topical steroids may result in atrophic changes in vulvar skin. Further research in clinical correlates of steroid‐induced atrophy in the vulvar region is warranted.