Lipschutz Ulcer—A Case Report with a Narrative Literature Review

Background/Objectives: Lipschutz ulcers were first described in 1912 by the Austrian dermatologist Benjamin Lipschutz. The onset presents with flu-like symptoms with consecutive development of painful vulvar ulcers. The term is currently used to describe painful genital lesions associated with an immunological reaction to an extragenital source of infection, usually viral or bacterial infections or certain vaccines. This disease affects predominantly adolescent non-sexually active females and is usually self-limiting. Methods : We searched PubMed, Research Gate and Google Scholar using the keywords “Lipschutz ulcer”, “Ulcus vulvae acutum Lipschutz”, “Acute genital ulcer”, and “Reactive non-sexually related acute genital ulcers”. A total of 24 articles in English between the years 2000 and 2025 were selected in order to mark the latest advancements towards diagnostic and treatment plans. Only 19 provided thorough information about the treatment and follow-up of the patients, encompassing a total of 69 girls and women. Results: This review synthesizes the most common etiological factors for Lipschutz ulcers and explores the mechanism behind their development. Different treatment approaches were also investigated. Based on our findings, we propose a diagnostic and treatment algorithm depending on the patient’s general condition and severity of the ulcers. We reported a 12-year-old girl’s case, diagnosed and treated at our department. Despite our efforts, conservative therapy proved inefficient. Surgery was performed. Conclusions: Lipschutz’s ulcer is a diagnosis often overlooked. Therefore, further research is needed to address the best treatment strategies. Surgery should be reserved only for patients who show no improvement with conservative treatment.