Hydroxychloroquine for Vulval Lichen Planus.

OBJECTIVES

Vulval lichen planus (VLP) is a chronic inflammatory dermatosis that is often refractory to treatment and results in poor quality of life. The management of recalcitrant disease is not well described in the current literature. Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) has a role in treating oral and cutaneous lichen planus and may be used in VLP based on expert opinion. This review aimed at adding to the limited existing evidence on the role of HCQ for VLP.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

This is a case series of 23 people with VLP treated with HCQ. Outcomes were assessed based on physician global assessment.

RESULTS

Twenty-three people with a mean age of 66 years were included. Ten patients (44%) had a much improved response to HCQ, 1 patient (4%) had a partial response, and 7 (30%) had minimal/no response to treatment. Five people (22%) experienced side effects that resulted in stopping HCQ.

CONCLUSIONS

This series demonstrated some efficacy of HCQ in treating VLP. We are limited by the small participant numbers due to the rarity of this condition and a lack of an objective assessment tool. Further controlled studies are needed to assess the effectiveness and tolerability of HCQ in treating this complex condition.