Topical testosterone in the treatment of vulvar lichen sclerosus.
OBJECTIVE
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 chi-squared 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.
Sideri
M
M
1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, L. Mangiagalli Institute, Milan, Italy.
Origoni
M
M
Spinaci
L
L
Ferrari
A
A
D000279:Administration, Cutaneous; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001706:Biopsy; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D018459:Lichen Sclerosus et Atrophicus / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology; D008875:Middle Aged; D009824:Ointments; D010577:Petrolatum / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013739:Testosterone / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014845:Vulvar Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology
D009824:Ointments; D013739:Testosterone; D010577:Petrolatum