Open-label trial of cyclosporine for vulvar lichen sclerosus.

Abstract

Lichen sclerosus (LS) is a chronic inflammatory disease of skin and mucosal surfaces which is generally difficult to treat. We evaluated the efficacy of oral cyclosporine in refractory vulvar LS. Five patients with refractory vulvar LS were treated with oral cyclosporine (3-4 mg/kg/d) for 3 months. They were followed up on a monthly basis. At the end of the treatment, the mean total symptom score regressed significantly and clinical findings such as erythema and erosion showed marked improvement. Mild adverse effects were seen in 3 patients. The patients did not give consent to rebiopsy at the end of the treatment. Moderate dose of oral cyclosporine could be an effective alternative in the treatment of refractory vulvar LS.