Objective: To observe the clinical effects of shortterm application of ultr
apotent topical corticosteroid on symptomatic genital lesions of lichen scl
erosus in pediatric patients.
Design: Case series of 10 prepubertal girls with genital lichen sclerosus.
Ultrapotent topical corticosteroids were applied twice daily for 6 to 8 wee
ks and patients were reexamined at completion of treatment. Long-term follo
w-up over 6 months to 3 years.
Setting: Pediatric dermatology clinic (referral center).
Patients: Ten prepubertal girls with typical clinical features of genital a
nd/or perianal lichen sclerosus.
Intervention: Topical ultrapotent corticosteroid ointment was applied Spari
ngly to affected areas for 6 to 8 weeks.
Main Outcome Measure: Improvement of erythema, whitening erosions, and atro
phy. Subjective improvement of symptoms.
Results: All patients showed partial or total subsistence of signs and symp
toms of lichen sclerosus. Frequency and severity of recurrences varied, but
patients responded within a few days to reapplication of ultrapotent topic
al corticosteroid. No significant adverse effects were noted after the init
ial 6- to 8-week course of therapy or during the 6-month to 3-year follow-u
p period.
Conclusion: A 6- to 8-week course of ultrapotent topical corticosteroid is
a safe and effective treatment for genital lichen sclerosus in pediatric pa
tients.