Identification of dermatological lesions on the external genitalia

Abstract

Objective: To identify the lesions in the external genitalia and describe the possible related factors in the adult population treated in the dermatology service of the Hospital Universitario del Valle

Methods: An observational descriptive study was carried out, applying a survey to collect clinical and sociodemographic data and a physical examination was carried out to describe the dermatological lesions and diseases on the external genitalia of the patients treated

Results: We included 59 patients (34 women [57.6%] and 25 men [42.4%]). Twenty-one patients (35,6%) had external genital lesions, of which, nine (42.9%) were papules, eight (38.1%) plaque-like lesions, two (9.5%) macules, one (4.8%) papule + plaque, one (4.8%) papule + pustule. Among the registered diagnostic impressions are: folliculitis (4), tinea cruris (3), psoriasis (2), vitiligo (2), viral warts (2), balanitis (1), condylomas (1), skin tags (1), intertrigo candidiasico (1), bowenoide papulosis (1), Fordyce angiokeratoma (1). 52.5% (31) of the respondents referred overweight and obesity, 15.3% (9) type 2 diabetes mellitus, and 15.3% (9) hypertension, as comorbidities. 57.6% (34) presented sexual activity in the last year; 74.6% (44) denied condom use, 15.3% (9) occasional use, and 10.2% (6) routine use. 92% (23) of male patients surveyed had a history of circumcision. 61% (36) referred the use of some method of hair removal, of which 92% (33) were by shaving.

Conclusions: We found a frequency of lesions in the external genitalia of 35.6%; being the papules and plaques, the primary lesions most reported in this study. The predominant symptom was pruritus; related to infectious etiology (ringworms, folliculitis, warts), and to local manifestations of a general disease (psoriasis, vitiligo, mycosis fungoides).