Lichen sclerosus and lichen planus in women and girls

Abstract

Lichen planus and lichen sclerosus are common, chronic inflammatory vulvar dermatoses with significant morbidity. The course may wax and wane but disease often persists for decades. These autoimmune diseases have varied clinical presentations that extend beyond the genitalia. Management is best undertaken using a multidisciplinary approach and active patient involvement. The first-line treatment of both conditions is superpotent topical corticosteroids. Supportive measures and adjunct therapies can optimize patient outcomes. Patients who fail to improve despite correct medication use should be re-evaluated, and clinicians should be vigilant in detecting concomitant contact dermatitis, secondary infection, and malignancy.