Lichen sclerosus of the vulva in women: assessment, diagnosis, and management for the nurse practitioner.
OBJECTIVE
To describe the etiology, clinical manifestations, assessment, and management of vulvar lichen sclerosus (LS) in women.


METHODS
Selected research and clinical articles in professional journals and online websites, peer review, educational technical bulletin from professional organization and the authors' professional clinical experiences.


CONCLUSIONS
Vulvar LS can manifest with varied symptoms that may mimic other common vulvar disorders such as infections. Careful assessment of the vulva and biopsy of any suspicious skin changes are needed for diagnosis and management of vulvar LS. Treatment with high-potency topical corticosteroids may alleviate uncomfortable symptoms and reduce physical changes. Follow-up management is essential to check for progressing problems such as introital stenosis and to assess for skin changes that may indicate vulvar squamous cell carcinoma.


CONCLUSIONS
Accurate diagnosis and successful management of vulvar LS requires thorough assessment of the genitalia, knowledge of the disorder and appropriate treatment and follow-up management.
Edwards
Quannetta Tucker
QT
George Mason University College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Fairfax, VA, USA. quinognp@aol.com
Saunders-Goldson
Sherri
S
D002908:Chronic Disease; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D004847:Epithelial Cells / Q000473:pathology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D018459:Lichen Sclerosus et Atrophicus / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000451:nursing / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009722:Nurse Practitioners / Q000592:standards; D009730:Nursing Assessment; D012867:Skin / Q000473:pathology; D014844:Vulva / Q000473:pathology; D014845:Vulvar Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000451:nursing / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy*