Lichen sclerosus of the vulva. Long-term steroid maintenance therapy.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the efficacy of graduated topical steroids for long-term maintenance therapy for vulvar lichen sclerosus.

STUDY DESIGN

A prospective observational study was performed in the Gynaecological Oncology Department, City Hospital, Birmingham, U.K. Fifty-four patients were recruited for the study. The diagnosis was confirmed with histopathologic examination. After confirmation of the diagnosis, patients were started on a diminishing regimen of topical steroid.

RESULTS

Of the 54 patients in the study, 51 responded to the steroid regimen, and three did not.

CONCLUSION

The graduated topical steroid regimen has a high response rate and takes a relatively short time to achieve, justifying the use of graduated topical steroids for this condition. Graduated dose reduction allows the majority of patients to remain in asymptomatic remission and minimize steroid exposure.