Desquamative inflammatory vaginitis (DIV) is an uncommon, severe form of chronic vaginitis of unknown aetiology. The syndrome is characterised by profuse vaginal discharge, vulvovaginal irritation, dyspareunia and vaginal erythema. As the symptoms and signs are nonspecific, other causes of purulent discharge have to be excluded first. Definition necessitates specific wet smear findings. The purpose of this case report is to consider DIV as a diagnosis in women presenting with persistent vaginitis. An effective treatment using clindamycin and/or glucocorticoids is available.