title: Dermasilk briefs in vulvar lichen sclerosus: an adjuvant tool.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  : The purpose of our study was to evaluate whether briefs made of Dermasilk fabric could be an adjuvant tool in the management of vulvar lichen sclerosus (LS).
  
  
  METHODS
  : A controlled, randomized, double-blind study versus placebo was conducted, comparing Dermasilk versus standard cotton briefs in patients affected by LS during treatment with clobetasol propionate 0.05% ointment and vitamin E moisturizer. For each patient, an evaluation of objective genital signs and subjective symptoms typical of LS was recorded before the start of treatment, after 1 month, and after 6 months of the study. Statistical analysis was performed with SPSS 17.0 for Windows.
  
  
  RESULTS
  : Forty-two women affected by LS were recruited and divided into those wearing Dermasilk or cotton briefs. Patients wearing Dermasilk briefs showed a better improvement in the clinical symptoms of burning sensation, skin irritation, and pain (Fisher test, p < .0001) compared with the cotton placebo group. The improvement in itching was also faster in the Dermasilk group (Fisher exact test, p < .05). Erythema also showed a better improvement in the Dermasilk group (Fisher test, p < 0.05).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  : Dermasilk fabric seems to be a useful adjunct to topical treatment in producing a better and more rapid control of symptoms in patients with LS.
authors.affiliation: Department of Internal Medicine, Geriatry and Nephrology, Section of Dermatology, San'Orsola-Malpighi Hospital, University of Bologna, Italy.
authors.forename: Antonietta
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: D'Antuono
authors.forename: Sara
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Bellavista
authors.forename: Francesca
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Negosanti
authors.forename: Stefania
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Zauli
authors.forename: Elena
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Baldi
authors.forename: Annalisa
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Patrizi
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage; D002990:Clobetasol / Q000008:administration & dosage; D003020:Clothing; D032561:Cotton Fiber; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D010919:Placebos / Q000008:administration & dosage; D013784:Textiles; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014810:Vitamin E / Q000008:administration & dosage; D007724:Vulvar Lichen Sclerosus / Q000628:therapy*
chemical_list: D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D010919:Placebos; D014810:Vitamin E; D002990:Clobetasol