Topical testosterone in the treatment of vulvar lichen sclerosus.

OBJECTIVES

Comparison between 2% testosterone propionate and petrolatum ointment in the treatment of vulvar lichen sclerosus in a randomized, double-blind, controlled clinical study.

METHODS

Fifty-eight consecutive patients with histologically confirmed vulvar lichen sclerosus were enrolled. They underwent a 1-year period of topical treatment with either medication, with clinical evaluations of symptoms and gross appearance at 2-month intervals, followed by histological evaluation at the end of the treatment period. Statistical analysis was performed according to the chi-squared test and the Student-Newman-Keuls test.

RESULTS

A substantial improvement in symptoms was achieved in 20 (66.6%) patients in the testosterone group and in 21 (75%) patients in the placebo group. No statistical differences were observed between the two groups. Gross changes were observed in a few cases and no case demonstrated histologic modifications.

CONCLUSIONS

Petrolatum ointment is as effective as 2% testosterone in the treatment of vulvar lichen sclerosus.