Managing vulvar lichen sclerosus in U.K. genitourinary medicine clinics.

OBJECTIVE

To survey genitourinary physicians in the United Kingdom on their approaches to the management of vulvar lichen sclerosus.

STUDY

DESIGN

Questionnaire survey of United Kingdom genitourinary consultants.

RESULTS

Seventy-one percent of genitourinary physicians biopsy vulvar lichen sclerosus. For treatment, 78% of clinicians use a high-grade topical corticosteroid, such as 0.05% clobetasol propionate. Topical sex steroids are used by a minority of clinicians. Cases are followed by 80% of respondents. Having made the diagnosis of this condition, 30% of respondents refer the case to either a dermatologist or gynecologist for further management. Fifty-two percent refer only after treatment failure.

CONCLUSION

Genitourinary physicians in the United Kingdom see and manage cases of vulvar lichen sclerosus in genitourinary medicine clinics. However, a majority of clinicians refer these cases at some stage. A coordinated and multispecialty approach between genitourinary physicians, dermatologists and gynecologists would provide coherent management of vulvar lichen sclerosus.