Lipschütz ulcer: a diagnosis to remember in acute genital ulceration in adolescents

Sampaio, Margarida Camanho de; Martins, Cátia; Pereira, Patrícia; Hipólito, Elsa; Flores, Maria Manuel

http://hdl.handle.net/10400.16/3716

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Authors

Sampaio, Margarida Camanho de

Abstract(s)

Lipschütz ulcer (LU) is a rare cause of acute genital ulceration, usually in a mirror pattern, that mainly affects adolescents without previous sexual contact. The aetiology is unclear, but infectious and idiopathic causes have been associated with its onset. LU can cause significant pain but is self-limited and typically resolves within two to six weeks. A case report of a 12-year-old girl with LU is presented, who was initially misdiagnosed with genital herpes. After excluding other causes of genital ulceration, she was ultimately diagnosed with LU and treated with symptomatic medication for pain control and healing optimization.. The patient fully recovered after five weeks and remained asymptomatic after one year.LU is a rare cause of vaginal ulceration in non-sexually active adolescents that can be easily overlooked in the differential diagnosis. The disease is self-limited, but in some cases may require hospitalization for pain management.