Abstract
Vulvar lichen sclerosus (VLS) is a chronic inflammatory disease involving the genital skin and mucous membrane. Patients exhibit focal atrophy and destructive scarring, with an increased risk of malignant transformation. Due to objective symptoms as well as subjective complaints, patients with VLS experience emotional distress, lowered mood, and sexual dysfunction, which is reflected in impaired health-related quality of life. Thus, the necessity of implementing appropriate therapy at the earliest possible stage of the disease in order to avoid serious complications is highlighted. We presented the systematic review of available literature, performed with MEDLINE, Cinahl, Central, Scopus, and Web of Science databases. We identified a total of twenty relevant studies which indicate that photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a valuable therapeutic modality in the treatment of VLS.
Highlights
Vulvar lichen sclerosus (VLS) is a chronic inflammatory disease involving the genital skin and mucous membrane
VLS is a chronic disease with a pattern of recurrent lesions
Due to objective symptoms as well as subjective complaints, patients with VLS experience emotional distress, lowered mood, and sexual dysfunction, which is reflected in impaired health-related quality of life [18,19]
Summary
Vulvar lichen sclerosus (VLS) is a chronic inflammatory disease involving the genital skin and mucous membrane. The first description of lichen sclerosus lesions became known in 1887 [1]. No uniform terminology existed, with many synonyms being used. The term “vulvar lichen sclerosus” is widely applied [2]. VLS is a chronic disease with a pattern of recurrent lesions. Destructive scarring, and associated functional impairment, with an increased risk of malignant transformation [3]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
