Papular colpitis: a distinct clinical entity? Symptoms, signs, histopathological diagnosis, and treatment in a series of patients seen at the Rotterdam vulvar clinic.

To study demographic, clinical, and histopathological data as well as treatment outcome in women with papular colpitis. Data of women (n = 18) visiting the Rotterdam vulvar clinic and meeting the diagnostic criteria for papular colpitis were retrospectively analyzed using patient records. Papular colpitis is usually seen in perimenopausal women and is frequently associated with copious, nonoffensive vaginal discharge and dyspareunia. Histopathological diagnosis consistently shows dense lymphocytic infiltrates. In approximately half of the women, the vulva shows Zoon-like abnormalities. Treatment with topically applied 10% hydrocortisone acetate seemed to be moderately effective. Papular colpitis seems to be a distinct, relatively rare and possibly autoimmune-related condition. Treatment with 10% hydrocortisone acetate may have a dramatic effect, but recurrences are common and long-term follow-up is warranted.