Lichen Sclerosus

What is the usual treatment for Lichen Sclerosus?

[Machelle Seibel, MD]

A. Lichen Sclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disease of the skin, most often in women and typically on the vulva (the skin outside the vagina).  It is relatively uncommon but not rare and is not contageous.  There are a number of treatments. Here are some from a website called Current Remedies for Lichen Sclerosus,  http://members.tripod.com/~shanmd/remedies.html

It is best to talk with your gynecologist or dermatologist to get treatment.

Medication Type         Brand name(s)
Ultrapotent corticosteroids
        Clobetasol propionate Temovate (US), Dermovate (UK)
Betamethasone dipropionate Diprolene
Halobetasol propionate Ultravate
Estrogens       Estriol                                         Estradiol, Conjugated estrogens Premarin

                                Estrace

Testosterone

Estradiol, estriol, and conjugated estrogens (in cream form, not orally) are the estrogens most commonly prescribed to treat the effects of Lichen Sclerosis.  The differences between these three types of estrogen are outlined here.
Note:  Although still prescribed, testosterone doesn't seem to be particularly effective in treating Lichen Sclerosis.  Both medical research and our own case histories bear out this fact.  However, if testosterone works for you, then by all means keep using it!

Sufferers have had some success with other medications: