Penile lichen sclerosus et atrophicus treated with clobetasol dipropionate 0.05% cream: a retrospective clinical and histopathological study.

BACKGROUND

Treatment with clobetasol propionate 0.05% cream is effective against lichen sclerosus et atrophicus (LSA) of the vulva.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to retrospectively evaluate whether clinical and histologic responses to topical clobetasol can be accomplished in penile LSA.

METHODS

A self-assessment questionnaire was obtained from 22 men with LSA, and a clinical examination was performed in 21 of them. Biopsy specimens from 15 cases were compared before and after treatment.

RESULTS

Itching, burning, pain, dyspareunia, phimosis, and dysuria decreased significantly (P < .001 to .05) after 1 to 2 daily applications, for a mean of 7.1 weeks (2-16 weeks). Additional operation for phimosis was required in 6 of the 22 men. All histologic LSA criteria were significantly (P < .01 to .05) reduced after treatment.

CONCLUSION

Topical treatment of penile LSA with clobetasol propionate represents a safe and effective therapy with no risk of epidermal atrophy but with some potential for triggering latent infections, most importantly human papillomavirus.