Lichen Sclerosus et Atrophicus of the Vulva

Abstract

A report is given of the findings obtained in 55 female patients with lichen sclerosus et atrophicus. All but one had vulvar lesions; moreover, in the majority of the cases extravulvar lesions were noticed. No important differences could be detected between the so-called "kraurosis vulvae" (Breisky's disease) and lichen sclerosus et atrophicus of the vulva (LSAV). Hyperplastic changes in the vulvar epidermis were a common finding; the classification of these lesions is discussed. The results of some histochemical staining techniques showed an increase of hyaluronic acid containing ground-substance in LSAV. LSAV must be regarded as a precancerous condition. Nevertheless in noncomplicated cases as well as in LSAV associated with leukokeratosis, conservative treatment with corticosteroid ointments is recommended.