Treatment of Childhood Vulvar Lichen Sclerosus with Potent Topical Corticosteroid

TLDR

Vulvar lichen sclerosus is commonly treated with potent topical corticosteroids in adults. Eleven children with vulvar lichen sclerosus were treated with betamethasone dipropionate 0.05%, with seven receiving an optimized vehicle preparation. All patients responded excellently, eight achieved complete remission after 3 months, no serious adverse effects were observed, most required no maintenance therapy, and the study confirms potent topical corticosteroids are safe and effective in children.

Abstract

Abstract: Potent topical corticosteroid is recognized as the treatment of choice for vulvar lichen sclerosus in adults. A series of 11 children with vulvar lichen sclerosus were treated with the potent topical corticosteroid betamethasone dipropionate 0.05%, seven using an optimized vehicle preparation. There was an excellent response to therapy in all cases. No serious adverse effects or unwanted sequelae occurred. Eight of the 11 children experienced complete remission after 3 months of therapy. In these children no maintenance therapy has been necessary during follow‐up periods ranging from 3 to 18 months. Three children required maintenance therapy with a mild topical corticosteroid. We conclude that in children, as in adults, potent topical corticosteroid is a safe and effective treatment for vulvar lichen sclerosus.