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4-year-old girl • genital discomfort and dysuria • clitoral hood swelling • Blood blister on the labia minora • Dx?
THE CASE
A 4-year-old girl presented to her pediatrician with genital discomfort and dysuria of 6 months’ duration. The patient’s mother said that 3 days earlier, she noticed a tear near the child’s clitoris and a scab on the labia minora that the mother attributed to minor trauma from scratching. The pediatrician was concerned about genital trauma from sexual abuse and referred the patient to the emergency department, where a report with child protective services (CPS) was filed. The mother reported that the patient and her 8-year-old sibling spent 3 to 4 hours a day with a babysitter, who was always supervised, and the parents had no concerns about possible sexual abuse.
Physical examination by our institution’s Child Protection Team revealed clitoral hood swelling with subepithelial hemorrhages, a blood blister on the right labia minora, a fissure and subepithelial hemorrhages on the posterior fourchette, and a thin depigmented figure-of-eight lesion around the vulva and anus.
THE DIAGNOSIS
Since the clinical findings were consistent with prepubertal lichen sclerosus (LS), the CPS case was closed and the patient was referred to Pediatric Gynecology. Treatment with high-potency topical steroids was initiated with clobetasol ointment 0.05% twice daily for 2 weeks, then once daily for 2 weeks. She was then switched to triamcinolone ointment 0.01% twice daily for 2 weeks, then once daily for 2 weeks. These treatments were enough to stop the LS flare and decrease the anogenital itching.
DISCUSSION
Lichen sclerosus is a chronic inflammatory skin disease that primarily presents in the anogenital region; however, extragenital lesions on the upper extremities, thighs, and breasts have been reported in 15% to 20% of patients.1 Lichen sclerosus most commonly affects females as a result of low estrogen and may occur during puberty or following menopause, but it also is seen in males.1,2 The estimated prevalence of LS in prepubertal girls is 1 in 900.3 The effects of increased estrogen exposure on LS during puberty are not entirely clear. Lichen sclerosus previously was thought to improve with puberty, since it is not as common in women of reproductive age; however, studies have shown persistent symptoms after menarche in some patients.4-6
The pathogenesis of LS is multifactorial, likely with an autoimmune component, as it often is associated with other autoimmune findings such as thyroiditis, alopecia, pernicious anemia, and vitiligo.2 Diagnosis of prepubertal LS usually is made based on a review of the patient’s history and clinical examination. Presenting symptoms may include pruritus, skin irritation, vulvar pain, dysuria, bleeding from excoriations, fissures, and constipation.1,3,7
On physical examination, LS can present on the anogenital skin as smooth white spots or wrinkled, blotchy, atrophic patches. The skin around the vaginal opening and anus is thin and often is described as resembling parchment or cigarette paper in a figure-of-eight pattern (FIGURE 1A). Vulvar and anal fissures and subepithelial hemorrhages with the appearance of blood blisters also can be found (FIGURE 1B).8 Affected areas are fragile and susceptible to minor trauma, which may result in bruising or bleeding (FIGURE 1C).
Over time, scarring can occur and may result in disruption of the anogenital architecture—specifically loss of the labia minora, narrowing of the introitus, and burying of the clitoris.1,2 These changes can be similar to the scarring seen in postmenopausal women with LS.
Continue to: The differential diagnosis...
The differential diagnosis for prepubertal LS includes vitiligo, lichen planus, lichen simplex chronicus, psoriasis, eczema, vulvovaginitis, contact dermatitis, and trauma.2,7 On average, it takes 1 to 2 years after onset of symptoms before a correct diagnosis of prepubertal LS is made, and trauma and/or sexual abuse often are first suspected.7,9 For clinicians who are unfamiliar with prepubertal LS, the clinical findings of anogenital bruising and bleeding understandably may be suggestive of abuse. It is important to note that diagnosis of LS does not preclude the possibility of sexual abuse; in some cases, LS can be triggered or exacerbated by anogenital trauma, known as the Koebner phenomenon.2
Treatment. After the diagnosis of prepubertal LS is established, the goals of treatment are to provide symptom relief and prevent scarring of the external genitalia. To our knowledge, there have been no randomized controlled trials for treatment of LS in prepubertal girls. In general, acute symptoms are treated with high-potency topical steroids, such as clobetasol propionate or betamethasone valerate, and treatment regimens are variable.7
LS has an unpredictable clinical course and there often are recurrences that require repeat courses of topical steroids.9 Since concurrent bacterial infection is common,10 genital cultures should be obtained prior to initiation of topical steroids if an infection is suspected.
Topical calcineurin inhibitors have been used successfully, but proof of their effectiveness is limited to case reports in the literature.7 Surgical treatment of LS typically is reserved for complications associated with symptomatic adhesions that are refractory to medical management.7,11 Vulvar hygiene is paramount to symptom control, and topical emollients can be used to manage minor irritation.7,8 In our patient, clobetasol and triamcinolone ointments were enough to stop the LS flare and decrease the anogenital itching.
THE TAKEAWAY
Although LS has very characteristic skin findings, the diagnosis continues to be challenging for physicians who are unfamiliar with this condition. Failure to recognize prepubertal LS not only delays diagnosis and treatment but also may lead to repeated genital examinations and investigation by CPS for suspected sexual abuse. As with any genital complaint in a prepubertal girl, diagnosis of LS should not preclude appropriate screening for sexual abuse. Although providers should be vigilant about potential sexual abuse, familiarity with skin conditions that mimic genital trauma is essential.
CORRESPONDENCE
Monica Rosen, MD, L4000 Women’s Hospital, 1500 E Medical Center Drive, SPC 5276 Ann Arbor, MI 48109; [email protected]
1. Powell JJ, Wojnarowska F. Lichen sclerosus. Lancet. 1999;353:1777-1783.
2. Murphy R. Lichen sclerosus. Dermatol Clin. 2010;28:707-715.
3. Powell J, Wojnarowska F. Childhood vulvar lichen sclerosus: an increasingly common problem. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2001;44:803-806.
4. Powell J, Wojnarowska F. Childhood vulvar lichen sclerosus. The course after puberty. J Reprod Med. 2002;47:706-709.
5. Smith SD, Fischer G. Childhood onset vulvar lichen sclerosus does not resolve at puberty: a prospective case series. Pediatr Dermatol. 2009;26:725-729.
6. Focseneanu MA, Gupta M, Squires KC, et al. The course of lichen sclerosus diagnosed prior to puberty. J Pediatr Adolesc Gynecol. 2013;26:153-155.
7. Bercaw-Pratt JL, Boardman LA, Simms-Cendan JS. Clinical recommendation: pediatric lichen sclerosus. J Pediatr Adolesc Gynecol. 2014;27:111-116.
8. Jenny C, Kirby P, Fuquay D. Genital lichen sclerosus mistaken for child sexual abuse. Pediatrics. 1989;83:597-599.
9. Dendrinos ML, Quint EH. Lichen sclerosus in children and adolescents. Curr Opin Obstet Gynecol. 2013;25:370-374.
10. Lagerstedt M, Karvinen K, Joki-Erkkila M, et al. Childhood lichen sclerosus—a challenge for clinicians. Pediatr Dermatol. 2013;30:444-450.
11. Gurumurthy M, Morah N, Gioffre G, et al. The surgical management of complications of vulval lichen sclerosus. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol. 2012;162:79-82.
THE CASE
A 4-year-old girl presented to her pediatrician with genital discomfort and dysuria of 6 months’ duration. The patient’s mother said that 3 days earlier, she noticed a tear near the child’s clitoris and a scab on the labia minora that the mother attributed to minor trauma from scratching. The pediatrician was concerned about genital trauma from sexual abuse and referred the patient to the emergency department, where a report with child protective services (CPS) was filed. The mother reported that the patient and her 8-year-old sibling spent 3 to 4 hours a day with a babysitter, who was always supervised, and the parents had no concerns about possible sexual abuse.
Physical examination by our institution’s Child Protection Team revealed clitoral hood swelling with subepithelial hemorrhages, a blood blister on the right labia minora, a fissure and subepithelial hemorrhages on the posterior fourchette, and a thin depigmented figure-of-eight lesion around the vulva and anus.
THE DIAGNOSIS
Since the clinical findings were consistent with prepubertal lichen sclerosus (LS), the CPS case was closed and the patient was referred to Pediatric Gynecology. Treatment with high-potency topical steroids was initiated with clobetasol ointment 0.05% twice daily for 2 weeks, then once daily for 2 weeks. She was then switched to triamcinolone ointment 0.01% twice daily for 2 weeks, then once daily for 2 weeks. These treatments were enough to stop the LS flare and decrease the anogenital itching.
DISCUSSION
Lichen sclerosus is a chronic inflammatory skin disease that primarily presents in the anogenital region; however, extragenital lesions on the upper extremities, thighs, and breasts have been reported in 15% to 20% of patients.1 Lichen sclerosus most commonly affects females as a result of low estrogen and may occur during puberty or following menopause, but it also is seen in males.1,2 The estimated prevalence of LS in prepubertal girls is 1 in 900.3 The effects of increased estrogen exposure on LS during puberty are not entirely clear. Lichen sclerosus previously was thought to improve with puberty, since it is not as common in women of reproductive age; however, studies have shown persistent symptoms after menarche in some patients.4-6
The pathogenesis of LS is multifactorial, likely with an autoimmune component, as it often is associated with other autoimmune findings such as thyroiditis, alopecia, pernicious anemia, and vitiligo.2 Diagnosis of prepubertal LS usually is made based on a review of the patient’s history and clinical examination. Presenting symptoms may include pruritus, skin irritation, vulvar pain, dysuria, bleeding from excoriations, fissures, and constipation.1,3,7
On physical examination, LS can present on the anogenital skin as smooth white spots or wrinkled, blotchy, atrophic patches. The skin around the vaginal opening and anus is thin and often is described as resembling parchment or cigarette paper in a figure-of-eight pattern (FIGURE 1A). Vulvar and anal fissures and subepithelial hemorrhages with the appearance of blood blisters also can be found (FIGURE 1B).8 Affected areas are fragile and susceptible to minor trauma, which may result in bruising or bleeding (FIGURE 1C).
Over time, scarring can occur and may result in disruption of the anogenital architecture—specifically loss of the labia minora, narrowing of the introitus, and burying of the clitoris.1,2 These changes can be similar to the scarring seen in postmenopausal women with LS.
Continue to: The differential diagnosis...
The differential diagnosis for prepubertal LS includes vitiligo, lichen planus, lichen simplex chronicus, psoriasis, eczema, vulvovaginitis, contact dermatitis, and trauma.2,7 On average, it takes 1 to 2 years after onset of symptoms before a correct diagnosis of prepubertal LS is made, and trauma and/or sexual abuse often are first suspected.7,9 For clinicians who are unfamiliar with prepubertal LS, the clinical findings of anogenital bruising and bleeding understandably may be suggestive of abuse. It is important to note that diagnosis of LS does not preclude the possibility of sexual abuse; in some cases, LS can be triggered or exacerbated by anogenital trauma, known as the Koebner phenomenon.2
Treatment. After the diagnosis of prepubertal LS is established, the goals of treatment are to provide symptom relief and prevent scarring of the external genitalia. To our knowledge, there have been no randomized controlled trials for treatment of LS in prepubertal girls. In general, acute symptoms are treated with high-potency topical steroids, such as clobetasol propionate or betamethasone valerate, and treatment regimens are variable.7
LS has an unpredictable clinical course and there often are recurrences that require repeat courses of topical steroids.9 Since concurrent bacterial infection is common,10 genital cultures should be obtained prior to initiation of topical steroids if an infection is suspected.
Topical calcineurin inhibitors have been used successfully, but proof of their effectiveness is limited to case reports in the literature.7 Surgical treatment of LS typically is reserved for complications associated with symptomatic adhesions that are refractory to medical management.7,11 Vulvar hygiene is paramount to symptom control, and topical emollients can be used to manage minor irritation.7,8 In our patient, clobetasol and triamcinolone ointments were enough to stop the LS flare and decrease the anogenital itching.
THE TAKEAWAY
Although LS has very characteristic skin findings, the diagnosis continues to be challenging for physicians who are unfamiliar with this condition. Failure to recognize prepubertal LS not only delays diagnosis and treatment but also may lead to repeated genital examinations and investigation by CPS for suspected sexual abuse. As with any genital complaint in a prepubertal girl, diagnosis of LS should not preclude appropriate screening for sexual abuse. Although providers should be vigilant about potential sexual abuse, familiarity with skin conditions that mimic genital trauma is essential.
CORRESPONDENCE
Monica Rosen, MD, L4000 Women’s Hospital, 1500 E Medical Center Drive, SPC 5276 Ann Arbor, MI 48109; [email protected]
THE CASE
A 4-year-old girl presented to her pediatrician with genital discomfort and dysuria of 6 months’ duration. The patient’s mother said that 3 days earlier, she noticed a tear near the child’s clitoris and a scab on the labia minora that the mother attributed to minor trauma from scratching. The pediatrician was concerned about genital trauma from sexual abuse and referred the patient to the emergency department, where a report with child protective services (CPS) was filed. The mother reported that the patient and her 8-year-old sibling spent 3 to 4 hours a day with a babysitter, who was always supervised, and the parents had no concerns about possible sexual abuse.
Physical examination by our institution’s Child Protection Team revealed clitoral hood swelling with subepithelial hemorrhages, a blood blister on the right labia minora, a fissure and subepithelial hemorrhages on the posterior fourchette, and a thin depigmented figure-of-eight lesion around the vulva and anus.
THE DIAGNOSIS
Since the clinical findings were consistent with prepubertal lichen sclerosus (LS), the CPS case was closed and the patient was referred to Pediatric Gynecology. Treatment with high-potency topical steroids was initiated with clobetasol ointment 0.05% twice daily for 2 weeks, then once daily for 2 weeks. She was then switched to triamcinolone ointment 0.01% twice daily for 2 weeks, then once daily for 2 weeks. These treatments were enough to stop the LS flare and decrease the anogenital itching.
DISCUSSION
Lichen sclerosus is a chronic inflammatory skin disease that primarily presents in the anogenital region; however, extragenital lesions on the upper extremities, thighs, and breasts have been reported in 15% to 20% of patients.1 Lichen sclerosus most commonly affects females as a result of low estrogen and may occur during puberty or following menopause, but it also is seen in males.1,2 The estimated prevalence of LS in prepubertal girls is 1 in 900.3 The effects of increased estrogen exposure on LS during puberty are not entirely clear. Lichen sclerosus previously was thought to improve with puberty, since it is not as common in women of reproductive age; however, studies have shown persistent symptoms after menarche in some patients.4-6
The pathogenesis of LS is multifactorial, likely with an autoimmune component, as it often is associated with other autoimmune findings such as thyroiditis, alopecia, pernicious anemia, and vitiligo.2 Diagnosis of prepubertal LS usually is made based on a review of the patient’s history and clinical examination. Presenting symptoms may include pruritus, skin irritation, vulvar pain, dysuria, bleeding from excoriations, fissures, and constipation.1,3,7
On physical examination, LS can present on the anogenital skin as smooth white spots or wrinkled, blotchy, atrophic patches. The skin around the vaginal opening and anus is thin and often is described as resembling parchment or cigarette paper in a figure-of-eight pattern (FIGURE 1A). Vulvar and anal fissures and subepithelial hemorrhages with the appearance of blood blisters also can be found (FIGURE 1B).8 Affected areas are fragile and susceptible to minor trauma, which may result in bruising or bleeding (FIGURE 1C).
Over time, scarring can occur and may result in disruption of the anogenital architecture—specifically loss of the labia minora, narrowing of the introitus, and burying of the clitoris.1,2 These changes can be similar to the scarring seen in postmenopausal women with LS.
Continue to: The differential diagnosis...
The differential diagnosis for prepubertal LS includes vitiligo, lichen planus, lichen simplex chronicus, psoriasis, eczema, vulvovaginitis, contact dermatitis, and trauma.2,7 On average, it takes 1 to 2 years after onset of symptoms before a correct diagnosis of prepubertal LS is made, and trauma and/or sexual abuse often are first suspected.7,9 For clinicians who are unfamiliar with prepubertal LS, the clinical findings of anogenital bruising and bleeding understandably may be suggestive of abuse. It is important to note that diagnosis of LS does not preclude the possibility of sexual abuse; in some cases, LS can be triggered or exacerbated by anogenital trauma, known as the Koebner phenomenon.2
Treatment. After the diagnosis of prepubertal LS is established, the goals of treatment are to provide symptom relief and prevent scarring of the external genitalia. To our knowledge, there have been no randomized controlled trials for treatment of LS in prepubertal girls. In general, acute symptoms are treated with high-potency topical steroids, such as clobetasol propionate or betamethasone valerate, and treatment regimens are variable.7
LS has an unpredictable clinical course and there often are recurrences that require repeat courses of topical steroids.9 Since concurrent bacterial infection is common,10 genital cultures should be obtained prior to initiation of topical steroids if an infection is suspected.
Topical calcineurin inhibitors have been used successfully, but proof of their effectiveness is limited to case reports in the literature.7 Surgical treatment of LS typically is reserved for complications associated with symptomatic adhesions that are refractory to medical management.7,11 Vulvar hygiene is paramount to symptom control, and topical emollients can be used to manage minor irritation.7,8 In our patient, clobetasol and triamcinolone ointments were enough to stop the LS flare and decrease the anogenital itching.
THE TAKEAWAY
Although LS has very characteristic skin findings, the diagnosis continues to be challenging for physicians who are unfamiliar with this condition. Failure to recognize prepubertal LS not only delays diagnosis and treatment but also may lead to repeated genital examinations and investigation by CPS for suspected sexual abuse. As with any genital complaint in a prepubertal girl, diagnosis of LS should not preclude appropriate screening for sexual abuse. Although providers should be vigilant about potential sexual abuse, familiarity with skin conditions that mimic genital trauma is essential.
CORRESPONDENCE
Monica Rosen, MD, L4000 Women’s Hospital, 1500 E Medical Center Drive, SPC 5276 Ann Arbor, MI 48109; [email protected]
1. Powell JJ, Wojnarowska F. Lichen sclerosus. Lancet. 1999;353:1777-1783.
2. Murphy R. Lichen sclerosus. Dermatol Clin. 2010;28:707-715.
3. Powell J, Wojnarowska F. Childhood vulvar lichen sclerosus: an increasingly common problem. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2001;44:803-806.
4. Powell J, Wojnarowska F. Childhood vulvar lichen sclerosus. The course after puberty. J Reprod Med. 2002;47:706-709.
5. Smith SD, Fischer G. Childhood onset vulvar lichen sclerosus does not resolve at puberty: a prospective case series. Pediatr Dermatol. 2009;26:725-729.
6. Focseneanu MA, Gupta M, Squires KC, et al. The course of lichen sclerosus diagnosed prior to puberty. J Pediatr Adolesc Gynecol. 2013;26:153-155.
7. Bercaw-Pratt JL, Boardman LA, Simms-Cendan JS. Clinical recommendation: pediatric lichen sclerosus. J Pediatr Adolesc Gynecol. 2014;27:111-116.
8. Jenny C, Kirby P, Fuquay D. Genital lichen sclerosus mistaken for child sexual abuse. Pediatrics. 1989;83:597-599.
9. Dendrinos ML, Quint EH. Lichen sclerosus in children and adolescents. Curr Opin Obstet Gynecol. 2013;25:370-374.
10. Lagerstedt M, Karvinen K, Joki-Erkkila M, et al. Childhood lichen sclerosus—a challenge for clinicians. Pediatr Dermatol. 2013;30:444-450.
11. Gurumurthy M, Morah N, Gioffre G, et al. The surgical management of complications of vulval lichen sclerosus. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol. 2012;162:79-82.
1. Powell JJ, Wojnarowska F. Lichen sclerosus. Lancet. 1999;353:1777-1783.
2. Murphy R. Lichen sclerosus. Dermatol Clin. 2010;28:707-715.
3. Powell J, Wojnarowska F. Childhood vulvar lichen sclerosus: an increasingly common problem. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2001;44:803-806.
4. Powell J, Wojnarowska F. Childhood vulvar lichen sclerosus. The course after puberty. J Reprod Med. 2002;47:706-709.
5. Smith SD, Fischer G. Childhood onset vulvar lichen sclerosus does not resolve at puberty: a prospective case series. Pediatr Dermatol. 2009;26:725-729.
6. Focseneanu MA, Gupta M, Squires KC, et al. The course of lichen sclerosus diagnosed prior to puberty. J Pediatr Adolesc Gynecol. 2013;26:153-155.
7. Bercaw-Pratt JL, Boardman LA, Simms-Cendan JS. Clinical recommendation: pediatric lichen sclerosus. J Pediatr Adolesc Gynecol. 2014;27:111-116.
8. Jenny C, Kirby P, Fuquay D. Genital lichen sclerosus mistaken for child sexual abuse. Pediatrics. 1989;83:597-599.
9. Dendrinos ML, Quint EH. Lichen sclerosus in children and adolescents. Curr Opin Obstet Gynecol. 2013;25:370-374.
10. Lagerstedt M, Karvinen K, Joki-Erkkila M, et al. Childhood lichen sclerosus—a challenge for clinicians. Pediatr Dermatol. 2013;30:444-450.
11. Gurumurthy M, Morah N, Gioffre G, et al. The surgical management of complications of vulval lichen sclerosus. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol. 2012;162:79-82.
