Lichen sclerosus of the vulva

Abstract

Lichen sclerosus of the vulva (LSV) is seen frequently enough to warrant knowing how to diagnose it and institute appropriate treatment strategies. LSV is a chronic skin disorder, very likely of autoimmune origin, which may affect various areas of the perineum, although some women may be affected in extragenital areas. The disease has significant adverse impact on quality of life and sexual activity and may undergo malignant transformation. History of symptomatology and clinical examination is sufficient to make the diagnosis. Skin biopsy is only necessary in specific scenarios. Topical corticosteroids are still the mainstay of therapy, initially to institute remission and then for maintenance. Long-term therapy and surveillance are invariably necessary. Surgery does have a role, but only in specific associated conditions. A number of alternative treatment options have been mooted, especially if the disease is resistant to topical corticosteroids, but these options are still being assessed and studied.

外阴硬化性苔藓 摘要

外阴硬化性苔藓(LSV)是一种常见的疾病, 需要知道如何诊断以及制定合适的治疗策略。LSV是一种慢性皮肤病, 很可能由自身免疫性疾病引起, 它可能会影响会阴的各个部位, 尽管有些女性可能是生殖器外的区域受累。LSV疾病严重影响生活质量和性行为, 并有恶变可能。病史和临床检查足以作出诊断。只有在特定情况下才需要皮肤活检。局部应用皮质类固醇仍是主要的治疗方案, 主要是为了缓解及维持。长期治疗和监测是必要的。手术有一定作用, 但只在特定条件下才进行手术治疗。已经提出了许多替代治疗方案, 特别是对于局部皮质类固醇耐药的, 但这些方案仍在评估和研究中。

Keywords:

• Lichen sclerosus
• vulva
• adverse impact
• quality of life
• sexual activity
• malignant transformation
• diagnosis
• treatment options

Potential conflict of interest

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author.

Source of funding

Nil.