Topical testosterone in the treatment of vulvar lichen sclerosus

Abstract

Objectives: Comparison between 2% testosterone propionate and petrolatum ointment in the treatment of vulvar lichen sclerosus in a randomized, double‐blind, controlled clinical study. Methods: Fifty‐eight consecutive patients with histologically confirmed vulvar lichen sclerosus were enrolled. They underwent a 1‐year period of topical treatment with either medication, with clinical evaluations of symptoms and gross appearance at 2‐month intervals, followed by histological evaluation at the end of the treatment period. Statistical analysis was performed according to the chisquared test and the Student‐Newman‐Keuls test. Results: A substantial improvement in symptoms was achieved in 20 (66.6%) patients in the testosterone group and in 21 (75%) patients in the placebo group. No statistical differences were observed between the two groups. Gross changes were observed in a few cases and no case demonstrated histologic modifications. Conclusions: Petrolatum ointment is as effective as 2% testosterone in the treatment of vulvar lichen sclerosus.