Penile lichen sclerosus et atrophicus treated with clobetasol dipropionate0.05% cream: A retrospective clinical and histopathologic study

Background: Treatment with clobetasol propionate 0.05% cream is effective a gainst lichen sclerosus et atrophicus (LSA) of the vulva. Objective: The purpose of this study was to retrospectively evaluate whethe r clinical and histologic responses to topical clobetasol can be accomplish ed in penile LSA. Methods: A self-assessment questionnaire was obtained from 22 men with LSA, and a clinical examination was performed in 21 of them. Biopsy specimens f rom 15 cases were compared before and after treatment. Results: Itching, burning, pain, dyspareunia, phimosis, and dysuria decreas ed significantly (P <.001 to .05) after 1 to 2 daily applications, for a me an of 7.1 weeks (2-16 weeks). Additional operation for phimosis was require d in 6 of the 22 men. All histologic LSA criteria were significantly (P <.0 1 to .05) reduced after treatment. Conclusion: Topical treatment of penile LSA with clobetasol propionate repr esents a safe and effective therapy with no risk of epidermal atrophy but w ith some potential for triggering latent infections, most importantly human papillomavirus.