Clobetasol Propionate in the Treatment of Premenarchal Vulvar Lichen Sclerosus:

Comparison of lichen sclerosus in boys and girls: A systematic literature review of epidemiology, symptoms, genetic background, risk factors, treatment, and prognosis

BACKGROUND

Studies concerning pediatric lichen sclerosus are limited, and, to date, there have been no studies comparing the course of lichen sclerosus in boys and girls. We sought to examine all publications on boys and girls with lichen sclerosus and assess and compare epidemiology, symptoms and signs, genetic background, risk factors, treatment, and prognosis.

METHODS

A systematic search was performed in the Embase, Medline, Cochrane, and Web of Science databases. Inclusion criteria were information on children ages 0-18 years and a clinical or histologic diagnosis of lichen sclerosus. Literature from 1985 to 2021 was reviewed.

RESULTS

A total of 1780 articles were retrieved from the search, of which 90 articles were eligible for inclusion. Boys and girls present similarly on many aspects; nonetheless, treatment and follow-up are approached differently.

CONCLUSIONS

Though the clinical approach is often different, lichen sclerosus in boys and girls demonstrates many similarities. More research is needed, especially on follow-up, to gain a better understanding of the course of lichen sclerosus and establish an advanced management plan for children.

Anogenital pruritus: lichen sclerosus in children

Lichen sclerosus is a chronic mucocutaneous inflammatory condition affecting both adults and children in a bimodal age distribution. Children can present as young as 6 months of age but average around 5 years. Females present with vulvar itching, soreness, dysuria, or gastrointestinal complaints, while males tend to have difficulty retracting the foreskin leading to phimosis. On examination, white smooth atrophic plaques are found in the anogenital region with atrophy and possible distortion of anatomy. LS in children has been commonly misdiagnosed as sexual abuse, leading to delay in appropriate diagnosis and unnecessary turmoil for families. It is a chronic relapsing and remitting condition possibly due to autoimmunity. When evaluating patients, a complete history can help guide which patients may benefit from a systemic evaluation for autoimmune disease. Although some patients have spontaneous resolution during puberty, many do not. There is a significant risk of squamous cell carcinoma developing in genital LS in adults possibly from chronic inflammation, delay in diagnosis, and delay in appropriate treatment. The risk of squamous cell carcinoma in pediatric onset LS is undefined. It is also unclear if effective control of cutaneous inflammation can decrease the risk of malignant transformation. Treatment is aimed at decreasing symptoms and returning involved skin to its normal appearance. Relapses are common. Ultrapotent topical corticosteroids are first line for the treatment of LS and can be used intermittently for years for flares. Topical tacrolimus or pimecrolimus are also good treatment options at controlling inflammation. Patients need to be monitored every 6 to 12 months even when asymptomatic because of the potential for development of malignancy. Given the distressing nature of LS, support groups and a multidisciplinary approach are recommended.