What causes plasma cell balanitis/vulvitis?
The finding of plasma cells in the biopsy may be quite non-specific and may be a reactive response to an infection, irritation or injury. Several cases diagnosed originally as plasma cell balanitis/vulvitis turn out later to be other skin diseases such as an infection, allergic contact dermatitis, psoriasis, lichen planus or penile or vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia. The cause of plasma cell balanitis/vulvitis is unknown. It is not a sexually transmitted disease and is not caused by human papilloma virus. In males, it is more common in uncircumcised middle-aged to older men: the area under the foreskin is warm and moist, ideal conditions for the growth of organisms.
