Plasma Cell Vulvitis

Plasma cell vulvitis, or “Zoon’s vulvitis,” is a disorder in which areas of the tissues of the vulva are inflamed. The cause of plasma cell vulvitis is not fully understood, but it may develop as a response to an infection, irritation, or injury.

What is plasma cell vulvitis?

With plasma cell vulvitis, the vulva develops bright red regions which are itchy or painful or cause pain during intercourse. “Plasma” refers to a type of white blood cell identified in a biopsy of the inflamed tissues.

What are the symptoms of plasma cell vulvitis?

Plasma cell vulvitis comes with several uncomfortable symptoms, including:

Stinging
Burning
Soreness
Vaginal dryness
Itching
Pain during intercourse
Pain or discomfort at the entry to the vagina
Vaginal discharge

How is plasma cell vulvitis diagnosed?

Diagnosing plasma cell vulvitis will involve a visual examination and a biopsy. During the biopsy, a tiny amount of inflamed tissue is removed to identify whether the lesion has the plasma cells characterizing this condition. Dr. Bahlani may also perform blood tests to rule out an infection and take a skin-scraping test for fungi. The definitive diagnosis can then be made, along with a treatment plan.

What are the treatments for plasma cell vulvitis?

Plasma cell vulvitis can be treated with corticosteroid ointment, applied until the condition disappears, or for a more extended period if the inflamed areas return. Some patients may be prescribed a non-steroid medication alone or combined with corticosteroid ointment. In addition, injections directly into the lesion or a specialized topical medication called an immune response modifier may be prescribed.

At Pelvic Pain Doc, we will customize your treatment plan for your unique condition. Dr. Bahlani may suggest lifestyle changes that could help ward off future outbreaks, including:

Avoiding soaps and products that could harm the pH of the region
Avoiding douches and perfumes
Other minor changes that help keep the entire area healthy

After the diagnosis is confirmed, Dr. Bahlani will prescribe the correct medication and carefully monitor your condition to ensure the treatment resolves the symptoms while healing lesions. A more severe infection could include the surgical removal of small amounts of tissue, which is rarely needed.

Who may develop plasma cell vulvitis?

This condition is most likely to develop in women between 30 and 60. However, it can occur in any woman of any ethnic background. It is not a sexually transmitted condition nor contagious, but it is uncomfortable and can cause:

Painful intercourse
Ongoing vaginal itching
Other problems that you must fully resolve

Why choose Pelvic Pain Doc to treat plasma cell vulvitis?

Wouldn’t it be nice to be treated by a specialist who is very familiar with this condition, understands it thoroughly, including diagnosis and treatment, and is a warm, caring professional?

Many patients come to Pelvic Pain Doc after hearing Dr. Sonia Bahlani on a podcast, seeing her on TV, or reading her book, “Dr. Sonia’s Guide to Navigating Pelvic Pain.”

As a gynecologist and urologist who is fellowship-trained in pelvic floor disorders in New York City (which most doctors are not), her expertise is above and beyond what most doctors offer. Beyond her clinical acumen to properly diagnose patients and confirm a diagnosis of plasma cell vulvitis, Dr. Bahlani brings a rare level of personalized care to every patient who visits her private boutique practice in NYC. Contact us today to learn more about treatment for plasma cell vulvitis.