Open study of topical 0.025% tretinoin in the treatment of vulvar lichen sclerosus. One year of therapy.

OBJECTIVE: To study the use of topical tretinoin for treating vulvar lichen sclerosus.

STUDY DESIGN: An open, uncontrolled clinical study on 22 patients affected by histologically confirmed vulvar lichen sclerosus. Topical 0.025% tretinoin was applied once a day, five days a week, for one year. Clinical and histologic parameters were evaluated before and after therapy, and statistical analysis was performed.

RESULTS: Symptoms, gross appearance and histopathologic features improved in a highly significant manner (P < .001). Cutaneous side effects were observed but rapidly disappeared, and no patient left the study for this reason. Maintenance of results was observed at the 4-13-month follow-up visits.

CONCLUSION: Topical tretinoin seems feasible for use in the topical treatment of vulvar lichen sclerosus.