Management of Lichen Sclerosus and Related Comorbidities at a Tertiary Referral Center: Beyond Topical Steroids

Abstract

Introduction: Lichen sclerosus (LS) is a chronic inflammatory dermatosis predominantly affecting the anogenital area, with potential systemic implications. Objective: Our aim is to elucidate its clinical characteristics and management strategies. Methods: We conducted a retrospective observational study on adult patients with LS referred to our center between January 2022 and December 2023. Results: Forty-six adult subjects affected by LS were enrolled in the present study. The majority of patients presented with genital involvement, but a significant subset exhibited extragenital LS and concomitant immune-mediated disorders. Common symptoms included itching, soreness, and dyspareunia, with characteristic skin findings of erythema and atrophy. Topical corticosteroids were the mainstay of therapy, complemented by alternative treatments in refractory cases. Alternative therapeutic approaches, such as platelet rich plasma or adipose-tissue derived stromal/stem cell-based strategies, were effectively employed in refractory cases, in the absence of major adverse events. Conclusions: Our findings underscore the importance of alternative approaches in the management of LS and highlight the need for further research to elucidate its pathogenesis and optimize therapeutic interventions.