Lichen Sclerosus: a Review of the Condition and Its Management

Abstract

Lichen sclerosus is a chronic vulvar condition that is the most prevalent in pre-pubertal girls and post-menopausal women. It manifests as vulvar pruritus or distortion of the normal vulval architecture in later stages of the disease. It is mainly a clinical diagnosis, sometimes requiring histological confirmation by vulval biopsies. Superpotent topical steroid is the mainstay of treatment, aiming to relieve symptoms and prevent anatomical destruction and progression to premalignant or malignant conditions. Other treatment modalities include immunomodulating drugs for steroidresistant disease, and surgical management in cases of intractable symptoms, failed medical treatment, or when restoration of anatomy and function is required.