Experience of using a CO₂ laser in the stage treatment of vulvar lichen sclerosus

Abstract

Vulvar lichen sclerosus is a chronic dermatosis in which first-line drugs are topical glucocorticosteroids, and alternative drugs are topical calcineurin inhibitors. To date, there is insufficient data on the effectiveness of using CO₂ lasers in the treatment of VLS, although the authors of the published works note a positive therapeutic effect. The results of step-by-step application of the Lutronic CO₂ fractional laser were studied. The efficiency of the treatment was evaluated using the skin activity index and the lesion area index developed by the author. The study included 8 women diagnosed with VLS. The obtained results demonstrated a positive effect of step-by-step treatment of VLS with sequential use of topical glucocorticosteroid and autologous plasma injections, followed by CO₂ laser fractional exposure. The positive dynamics of the treatment was confirmed by the dermatological index of quality of life, as well as the indices of assessment of the area and activity of the skin process of VLS.