Penile lichen sclerosus et atrophicus treated with clobetasol dipropionate 0.05% cream: A retrospective clinical and histopathologic study

• Published in: Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology 1999, Vol.40 (3), p.451-457
• Main Authors: Dahlman-Ghozlan, Kristina, Hedblad, Mari-Anne, von Krogh, Geo
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Biological and medical sciences; Dermatology; Medical sciences; Pharmacology. Drug treatments; Psoriasis. Parapsoriasis. Lichen; Skin, nail, hair, dermoskeleton
• ISSN: 0190-9622; 1097-6787
• DOI: 10.1016/S0190-9622(99)70496-2

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. (J Am Acad Dermatol 1999;40:451-7.)