Evaluation of the effectiveness of treatment of vulvar lichen sclerosus et atrophicus. Analysis of own material and review of the literature.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study group included eleven female patients aged 18-77 years with a diagnosis of lichen sclerosus. Basic therapy consisted in the application of clobetasol in the first month and then once a day for the following two months. Then, clobetasol was recommended once a week until full resolution of the symptoms.

RESULTS: In nine patients with three-month basic therapy with clobetasol we observed a reduction of symptoms. Improvement of skin lesions was obtained in seven patients. After maintenance therapy lasting from four to twelve months the relapse of symptoms was observed in four women. Five women did not experience a relapse of the disease. The ointment with testosterone was applied in five women. Two women had poor tolerance of this drug. Two patients stopped the treatment after one month and after 11 months of using testosterone due to the relapse of the disease. One patient with good tolerance is currently continuing the therapy.

CONCLUSIONS: Vulvar lichen sclerosus et atrophicus is a chronic condition requiring long-term treatment. Topical use of steroids as first-line drugs bring a good local control of lesions in most women, yet further search of other possible causes of LSA is necessary.