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Current Geriatrics Reports
Published in: Current Geriatrics Reports 4/2020

01-12-2020 | Vulvovaginal Candidiasis | Invited Commentary

Geriatric Vulvar Dermatology

Authors: Nga Nguyen, Sarah Corley

Published in: Current Geriatrics Reports | Issue 4/2020

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Abstract

Purpose of Review

The purpose of this review is to provide the diagnosis and management of inflammatory vulvar dermatoses in the geriatric population. The increasing geriatric population in the USA necessitates informing a broad base of healthcare providers on this topic.

Recent Findings

In the elderly, there are increasing case reports of contact dermatitis due to sanitary napkins, incontinence pads, and over the counter medications. Superimposed vulvovaginal candidiasis and lichen simplex chronicus can occur simultaneously with the primary vulvar disease. The limited research specific to geriatric populations confirms the current state of vulvar dermatosis underdiagnosis.

Summary

In order to close the gaps in diagnosis and treatment of vulvar dermatoses, providers should carefully review the patient’s medical history and complete a physical examination of the genitoanal area for asymptomatic and symptomatic elderly women. Prompt, consistent treatment can vastly improve the patient’s quality of life and is critical to preventing the advancement of lesions to squamous cell carcinoma in conditions that incur this increased risk such as lichen sclerosus and lichen planus.
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Metadata
Title
Geriatric Vulvar Dermatology
Authors
Nga Nguyen
Sarah Corley
Publication date
01-12-2020
Publisher
Springer US
Published in
Current Geriatrics Reports / Issue 4/2020
Electronic ISSN: 2196-7865
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s13670-020-00332-8

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