Prospective clinical and epidemiologic study of vulvar lichen sclerosus: analysis of prevalence and severity of clinical features, together with historical and demographic associations.

BACKGROUND

Few reports have addressed the associations between clinical, demographic and historical variables of vulvar lichen sclerosus (VLS).

OBJECTIVE

To elaborate the prevalence and severity of signs and symptoms and to identify potential factors predicting the severity and course of VLS.

METHODS

A prospective cohort of 225 patients affected by VLS was included. Data were collected by direct interview and clinical examination.

RESULTS

98% of patients complained of symptoms, principally itching. Pallor and scarring-sclerosis-atrophy were the most frequent and severe signs. The severity of VLS signs was not associated with age at onset and duration of the disease. About 70% of the patients had previously undergone treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

VLS-related symptoms were not associated with the clinical features which resulted less severe. Personal history of autoimmune diseases and familial history of VLS did not influence the age at onset and the severity of VLS. A considerable part of patients had previously received inappropriate treatment.