Open study of topical 0.025% tretinoin in the treatment of vulvar lichen sclerosus. One year of therapy.

OBJECTIVE

To study the use of topical tretinoin for treating vulvar lichen sclerosus.

STUDY DESIGN

An open, uncontrolled clinical study on 22 patients affected by histologically confirmed vulvar lichen sclerosus. Topical 0.025% tretinoin was applied once a day, five days a week, for one year. Clinical and histologic parameters were evaluated before and after therapy, and statistical analysis was performed.

RESULTS

Symptoms, gross appearance and histopathologic features improved in a highly significant manner (P < .001). Cutaneous side effects were observed but rapidly disappeared, and no patient left the study for this reason. Maintenance of results was observed at the 4-13-month follow-up visits.

CONCLUSION

Topical tretinoin seems feasible for use in the topical treatment of vulvar lichen sclerosus.