Vulvar leukoplakia should be differentiated from lichenoid diseases

Many tinea-like skin diseases have similar symptoms to vulvar leukoplakia, and careful differentiation should be made during the diagnosis process.

1. The main symptoms of vulvar leukoplakia

Vulvar leukoplakia is usually distributed symmetrically on both sides, mainly occurring in middle-aged or peri-menopausal women, and the lesions mostly involve the labia minora, the inner half of the labia majora, the clitoris, the clitoral hood, and the perineum, and generally do not involve the vaginal wall, vaginal vestibule, or the area around the anus. In the early stages of the disease, the main symptom is vulvar pruritus, which then gradually develops into local redness and swelling. Occasionally, a small amount of dandruff will fall off the surface of the lesion, and the color will gradually turn white. In the late stages of the disease, the skin will turn pearly white and have a parchment-like surface. The atrophy of the labia majora and labia minora will become increasingly obvious, which will narrow the vaginal opening and make sexual intercourse difficult for the patient.

2. Common ringworm diseases that need to be differentiated from vulvar leukoplakia

Lichen sclerosus: Lichen sclerosus can occur in women of any age, but is especially common in young girls. The lesions often occur in the genitals, vaginal vestibule, and around the anus. They can also be seen on the neck, trunk, and forearms. The whitened areas of the lesions are mostly in the shape of an "8" or an hourglass, with dilated capillaries and purpura on the surface.

Lichen planus: Lichen planus is usually distributed bilaterally and asymmetrically. In addition to the vulva, it can also occur in other parts of the body. Those that occur in the vulva often involve the labia minora, clitoral hood, and vaginal vestibule. The whitening area of ​​the lesion is irregular in shape and has unclear boundaries.