Treatment of Leukoplakia of Vagina in Vulvar Lichen Sclerosus
This protocol addresses leukoplakia of the vagina occurring in the setting of vulvar lichen sclerosus — a non-neoplastic epithelial disorder of the vulva that defines the clinical context and drives the management strategy.
Vulvar lichen sclerosus (VLS) is one of the two non-neoplastic epithelial disorders of the vulva — alongside squamous cell hyperplasia — that are collectively referred to as vulvar leukoplakia. The presence of VLS shapes both the assessment and the treatment pathway for this presentation.
Initial management centres on minimising irritants and supportive skin-care measures, including addressing any concurrent infections. For the vulvar lichen sclerosus component, topical corticosteroids form the cornerstone of first-line treatment. The complete regimen — including the specific agent, application schedule, and duration — is set out in the full protocol.
- Control and resolution of genital itching
- Complete recovery of the vulvar skin
References
- Two non-neoplastic epithelial disorders of the vulva – vulvar LS (VLS) and squamous cell hyperplasia of the vulva (SCHV) – are generally referred to as vulvar leukoplakia.
- The first course of action in both conditions is to minimize irritants, soap substitution, avoidance of urinary contact, moisturization with emollients, and treatment of co-infections.
- Topical corticosteroids are the gold standard for treatment of these patients.
- The main goal of therapy is to control genital itching, which is a major problem for the patient.
- They relieve the symptoms in nearly all patients; in about 70% of the cases, symptoms disappear completely, and in 20% complete recovery of the skin is observed.
DOI: 10.5114/pm.2020.99570
View source ↗