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Disorders of the Female External Genitalia

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Dermatology

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Abstract

In females the boundary between the external genitalia and normal skin is formed by the labia majora. The labia majora have the structure of normal skin on their outer surfaces although they have well-developed fatty tissues and loose connective tissue, which explains the rapid edematous swelling associated with inflammatory reactions. The skin on the inside of the labia majora is smooth and moist and merges into the mucous membrane. Appendages such as sebaceous glands associated with hair follicles and eccrine sweat glands are found on the outside while only free sebaceous gland follicles occur on the inside. The latter are also located on the labia minora, sometimes in large numbers. Careful inspection of the sebaceous papules may prompt patients to visit their physician. Apocrine sweat glands are very densely distributed, especially in the region of the mons pubis and the labia majora. This is the basis for extra-mammary Paget’s disease that may occur in these areas. One Bartholin’s gland is on each side of the lower third of the inside of the labia minora. They may become involved in gonorrhea or other bacterial infections (Staphylococcus aureus). The vagina is covered by several layers of stratified squamous epithelium and has an acid pH (4.8-5.0) on the surface. The mucous membranes of the introitus vaginae produce secretion. The transition from physiological secretion to pathological discharge occurs easily. The contact of secretions with the outside, friction caused by clothing, and pruritus may rapidly lead to inflammatory changes showing all the characteristics of intertrigo.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Dermatologische Klinik und Poliklinik, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Frauenlobstrasse 9-11, 8000, München 2, Federal Republic of Germany

    Professor Dr. med., Dr. med. h.c. mult. Otto Braun-Falco

  2. Hautklinik der Heinrich-Heine-Universität, Moorenstrasse 5, 4000, Düsseldorf, Federal Republic of Germany

    Professor Dr. med. Gerd Plewig

  3. Klinik für Dermatologie und Venerologie, Medizinischen Universität zu Lübeck, Ratzeburger Allee 160, 2400, Lübeck 1, Federal Republic of Germany

    Professor Dr. med. Helmut H. Wolff

  4. Dermatology — Dermatopathology, Mayo Clinic, Mayo Medical School, 200 First Street SW, 55905, Rochester, MN, USA

    Professor Richard K. Winkelmann MD

Authors
  1. Professor Dr. med., Dr. med. h.c. mult. Otto Braun-Falco
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  2. Professor Dr. med. Gerd Plewig
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  3. Professor Dr. med. Helmut H. Wolff
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  4. Professor Richard K. Winkelmann MD
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© 1991 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg

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Braun-Falco, O., Plewig, G., Wolff, H.H., Winkelmann, R.K. (1991). Disorders of the Female External Genitalia. In: Dermatology. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-662-00181-3_35

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-662-00181-3_35

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-662-00183-7

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-662-00181-3

  • eBook Packages: Springer Book Archive

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