[Vulvar dermatitis and iron deficiency]

Many mucocutaneous signs associated with iron deficiency are described in the current dermatologic and haematologic literature but genital mucosa involvement has never been reported.

We report a case of iron deficiency anaemia revealed by psoriasis-like vulvar dermatitis. The vulvar involvement dramatically improved after iron therapy. In the case reported herein, iron deficiency resulted from three mechanisms: increased loss (menorrhagia), inadequate dietary iron intake (vegetarian diet) and inadequate absorption (iron absorption inhibitors such as tea).

Iron deficiency may be responsible for genital mucosa involvement. Iron deficiency investigation must determine the presence of blood loss and dietary habits (assessment of iron levels and ingestion of iron absorption inhibitors). Certain dietary recommendations are essential to avoid the failure of iron supplementation.