The management of lichen sclerosus in a genitourinary medicine setting: a 12-month retrospective case-notes review.

A retrospective case-notes review was undertaken of all women with lichen sclerosus seen during a 12-month period to review their characteristics and care. A total of 273 case-notes were reviewed. The mean age was 61 years (range, 14-94), and the mean duration of symptoms was 6.4 years (range, 1-50). The mean age at diagnosis was 55 years (range, 7-92). Sixty-two (23%) had at least one other autoimmune condition. Autoimmune conditions were seven times more frequent overall compared with United Kingdom prevalences. On-going symptoms were reported as none/minimal in 196 (72%), moderate in 65 (24%) and severe in 12 (4%). A total of 233 women (85%) had on-going treatment with clobetasol propionate (Dermovate) ointment with a mode of eight applications per month (range, 0-30). Forty-three women (16%) reported sexual dysfunction and 13 (5%) had needed at least one surgical procedure to restore sexual function. Eighty-six (32%) had undergone at least one biopsy. Nine squamous cell cancers (3%) had been diagnosed in six women (2%). These patients were managed in line with all current guidance. It is surprising that there is still no evidence to direct long-term management.