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 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.

• Authors: M Sideri, M Origoni, L Spinaci, A Ferrari
• Journal: International journal of gynaecology and obstetrics: the official organ of the International Federation of Gynaecology and Obstetrics (Int J Gynaecol Obstet) Vol. 46 Issue 1 Pg. 53-6 (Jul 1994) ISSN: 0020-7292 [Print] United States
• PMID: 7805984 (Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Comparative Study, Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial)

Chemical References

• Ointments
• Testosterone
• Petrolatum

Topics

• Administration, Cutaneous
• Adult
• Aged
• Aged, 80 and over
• Biopsy
• Chi-Square Distribution
• Double-Blind Method
• Female
• Humans
• Lichen Sclerosus et Atrophicus (drug therapy, pathology)
• Middle Aged
• Ointments
• Petrolatum (therapeutic use)
• Prospective Studies
• Testosterone (therapeutic use)
• Treatment Outcome
• Vulvar Diseases (drug therapy, pathology)