What is plasma-cell inflammation?

Plasma-cell inflammation is a chronic inflammatory condition that affects the genital mucosa. The condition often affects middle-aged people or young adults. The cause of plasma-cell inflammation is unknown.

What are the symptoms?

• Stinging and burning pain at the vaginal entrance.
• Pain during intercourse
• Shiny redness and in some cases irritation of the foreskin and head of the penis

What does plasma-cell inflammation look like?

The mucosa on the inside of the labia and vaginal entrance is red and can appear smooth and shiny.
Shiny redness to the foreskin and penis head. Because of the inflammation, the foreskin may grow together with the skin on the head of the penis.

How is plasma-cell inflammation diagnosed?

The diagnosis can only be ascertained by microscopy of a tissue sample, meaning a biopsy.

What is the treatment?

Topikal steroid cream will be used as a firstline treatment, secondly tacrolimus ointment can be used, if no effect.

Males are advised to be circumcised, which results in a significant improvement of the condition.

Treatment with Imiquimod cream (Aldara) is a possible option.

Do you need follow-up?

There is no evidence that plasma-cell inflammation increases the risk of genital dysplasia, and long-term follow-up is therefore not required.