Vulvovaginal involvement in toxic epidermal necrolysis: a retrospective study of 40 cases

To determine the incidence, features, and surgical treatment of vulvovaginal lesions in toxic epidermal necrolysis.

Acute genital lesions were studied retrospectively in 40 women hospitalized for toxic epidermal necrolysis in a dermatologic intensive care unit. A questionnaire was sent to evaluate sequelae and their effects on sexual activity. Examination and surgical treatment were proposed to patients with symptomatic sequelae.

Twenty-eight of the 40 patients reported genital lesions during the acute phase of toxic epidermal necrolysis. No specific treatment was carried out during the acute period. Sequelae were observed in five cases, of which three involved the lower genital tract and two the vulva exclusively. The two patients with exclusive vulval involvement did not attempt any sexual activity. The other three patients with both vulval and vaginal lesions were unable to have normal sexual intercourse. Two of the three patients were treated surgically. One patient succeeded in having intercourse, but surgery failed to relieve dyspareunia.

Genital involvement is frequent during toxic epidermal necrolysis but rarely leads to symptomatic sequelae. Surgery for synechiae is sometimes necessary to recover sexual activity because the vulvovaginal canal is stenotic. Because of the partial effect on pain relief after surgery, a preventive approach should be tried.