Abstract
Introduction. Balanitis commonly runs a chronic course with non-specific symptoms including erythema, papules,
burning sensation and sometimes erosions. In some cases, malignant transformation has been documented, therefore
prompt diagnosis is essential. Dermatoscopy is a non-invasive optical tool that has been widely used in diagnosing
inflammatory conditions of the skin and scalp. However, studies on utility of dermatoscopy in differentiating
inflammatory balanitis are rare. The study aims to identify characteristic dermatoscopic features of common noninfectious balanitis.
Materials and Methods. The study was approved by Riga Stradins University Ethics Committee. Dermatoscopic images
(magnification 20x) of histopathologically confirmed Lichen planus (LP, N=5), non-specific (NB, N=5) and Zoon’s
balanitis (ZB, N=3) were analyzed by a board-certified dermatologist. Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) were ruled
out in all patients.
Results. Regularly distributed linear branched vessels were observed in 4/5 NB cases. Wickham’s striae (WS) (5/5)
surrounded by dotted (3/5) and linear vessels (5/5) were characteristic dermatoscopic findings in LP. Erosion was
observed in one LP case, while in case of ZB erosions were present in all cases (3/3). Other dermatoscopic findings in
ZB included red and orange structureless areas and regularly distributed curved and branched linear vessels.
Conclusions. Dermatoscopy could be a useful tool to differentiate common non-infectious balanitis
burning sensation and sometimes erosions. In some cases, malignant transformation has been documented, therefore
prompt diagnosis is essential. Dermatoscopy is a non-invasive optical tool that has been widely used in diagnosing
inflammatory conditions of the skin and scalp. However, studies on utility of dermatoscopy in differentiating
inflammatory balanitis are rare. The study aims to identify characteristic dermatoscopic features of common noninfectious balanitis.
Materials and Methods. The study was approved by Riga Stradins University Ethics Committee. Dermatoscopic images
(magnification 20x) of histopathologically confirmed Lichen planus (LP, N=5), non-specific (NB, N=5) and Zoon’s
balanitis (ZB, N=3) were analyzed by a board-certified dermatologist. Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) were ruled
out in all patients.
Results. Regularly distributed linear branched vessels were observed in 4/5 NB cases. Wickham’s striae (WS) (5/5)
surrounded by dotted (3/5) and linear vessels (5/5) were characteristic dermatoscopic findings in LP. Erosion was
observed in one LP case, while in case of ZB erosions were present in all cases (3/3). Other dermatoscopic findings in
ZB included red and orange structureless areas and regularly distributed curved and branched linear vessels.
Conclusions. Dermatoscopy could be a useful tool to differentiate common non-infectious balanitis
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Title of host publication | DAUGAVPILS UNIVERSITĀTES 63. STARPTAUTISKĀS ZINĀTNISKĀS KONFERENCES RAKSTU KRĀJUMS |
| Subtitle of host publication | A. DAĻA. DABASZINĀTNES |
| Editors | I. Kokina |
| Place of Publication | Daugavpils |
| Publisher | Daugavpils Universitāte |
| Pages | 99-102 |
| ISBN (Print) | 978-9984-14-950-9 |
| Publication status | Published - 2021 |
Keywords*
- dermatoscopy
- lichen planus
- dermoscopy
- balanitis
- dermatology
Field of Science*
- 3.2 Clinical medicine
Publication Type*
- 3.2. Articles or chapters in other proceedings other than those included in 3.1., with an ISBN or ISSN code