Publication:

A clinico-epidemiological study of non-venereal genital dermatosis and its association with serological markers

Background Non-venereal genital dermatoses are non-sexually transmitted diseases which can be contagious diseases caused by viruses, fungi, bacteria and parasites or non-contagious including contact dermatitis, lichen sclerosus chronicus, fixed drug eruption, skin tags, vitiligo, papulosquamous disorders and others. The aim of the study was to describe the clinic-epidemiological pattern of non-venereal genital dermatosis among patients who attended the skin and STD clinic of Acharya Shri Chander College of Medical Sciences (ASCOMS) from 2007 to 2017 (10 years) and significance of serological tests in non-venereal genital dermatosis.

Methods This descriptive study included 167 adults with non-venereal genital dermatoses who attended the clinic from January 2007 to January 2017. Patients diagnosed with venereal diseases were excluded.

Results Of 308 patients (88 females, 79 males) visiting the STD clinic 167 patients were non-STD cases. Patient age ranged from 16-60 years. 20 different dermatoses were identified with Tinea cruris (36.5%) being most common followed by Furunculosis 7.8% and scabies (7.1%). Among 167 patients, 99 were found to be sero-positive to VDRL, HIV, HBS and HSV, out of which 32(19.2%) were VDRL positive followed by HSV 27 (16.2%) and HIV 9 (5.4%). It was found that most of the patients of Tinea cruris (27) were found to be VDRL reactive followed by HSV (2).

Conclusions This study emphasizes the importance of recognizing common non-venereal genital dermatoses in the general population and highlights the value of routine serological testing. Asymptomatic or latent venereal infections may be missed without appropriate screening.