Foreword: diagnosis of and novel treatment options for genital dermatoses

Obstetricians and gynecologists frequently face a multitude of gynecologic dermatoses, including lesions caused by infectious diseases and neoplasias/cancers. Human papillomavirus (HPV), for example, is one of the most frequently reported sexually transmitted diseases in the United States, with approximately 5.5 million new cases per year reported and 20million ormore people currently infected.1 Furthermore, the number of visits by patients older than 15 years to physicians or clinicians for molluscum contagiosum (Molluscipoxvirus) has increased significantly in recent decades.2 In addition to conditions caused by infectious diseases, obstetricians and gynecologists are also challenged with accurately diagnosing dermatologic conditions such as vulvar squamous cell carcinoma, extramammary Paget’s disease, and vulvodynia, in which there may be no visible lesions. This special issue of American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology provides readers with current strategies for the diagnosis and treatment of several important dermatologic conditions that may present in the clinic. Articles were contributed by leading US experts in the diagnosis and management of gynecologic dermatoses. These clinicians/researchers have a special interest in the topics they cover in this supplement. In addition, this special issue provides a thorough review of physicianand patientadministered therapies for these conditions. Although treatment is often considered elective because many lesions or conditions may spontaneously resolve, effective treatment can have a significant effect on patient quality of life (eg, psychological improvements), suggesting that patients should be treated if safe treatment options are available. The supplement begins with an overview by Jennifer Gunter of the diagnosis and current standards of care for genital and perianal warts. When appropriate, patients generally prefer patient-administered therapies to reduce