Dermoscopic features of vulvar sclerosus and atrophic lichen: About 52 cases

Abstract

Background: Vulvar lichen sclerosus is a chronic inflammatory disease of the vulva. Its clinical aspect can be confused with other inflammatory or neoplastic vulvar diseases. However, thanks to dermoscopy, which is a non-invasive means of exploration, certain signs are very helpful for the diagnosis. Nowadays, specific dromoscopic models of LSV are being developed. Objective: The objective of our study was to detect the specific dermoscopic characteristics of LSV. Method: We carry out a retrospective study including 52 patients who consulted the Hassan II University Hospital of Fez over a period from August 2019 to April 2021. A photographic dermoscopic exploration was performed on the LSV lesions of our patients and archived for analysis. Results: Decreased total vascularity, comedo type plugs, and the appearance of burst ice represented new specific dermosocpic signs. Our study denies the presence of specific demoscopic signs of LSV to predict the coexistence of lichen on another anatomical location. Conclusion: Dermoscopy has been proven to be effective in the diagnosis of LSV. However, more studies should be done to better highlight the role of dermoscopy in the therapeutic follow-up of LSV.