Lichen Sclerosus

Lichen Sclerosus

The true frequency of pediatric lichen sclerosus (LSV) is difficult to assess. The average age of onset is about 6 years and the age at diagnosis is around 10 years. The most common symptom is vulvar pruritus; bleeding also occurs very frequently although this sign is not common in adults. LSV is asymptomatic in 10% of cases. Other main complaints are hemorrhagic blisters, fissuring, burning, and constipation. The classical clinical presentation of LSV is an erythema with confluent flat-topped white or ivory-colored papules, usually symmetric and described as 'keyhole', 'hourglass' or 'figure eight' configurations (fig. 6). The main clinical aspects are fissures, hemorrhages and excoriations, especially on the labia minora and clitoris. Unusual features can be local depigmentation or a vitiligo-like aspect. LSV can be asymptomatic, presenting only because of an abnormal appearance. The hymen is not involved, but the lesions extend sometimes to the perianal region. LSV may be misdiagnosed as sexual abuse so the diagnosis must be made cautiously because of the great deal of anxiety it may induce.

The evolution of LSV seems to be resolution over time but not under the influence of hormonal factors such as menarche. The pathogenesis is unclear: hormonal factors; interaction with cytokines and growth factors, with fibroblasts leading to local changes in collagen; enzyme deficiency; autoimmune disorders; genetic factors; associations with the antigens of the HLA system, infectious agents (virus, mycobacteria, spirochete, especially Borrelia), and mechanical factors (friction, Köbner phenomenon) have all been suggested.

The etiology is probably multifactorial and appears to include a genetic predisposition, environmental factors and local factors.

Fig. 6. Lichen sclerosus: vitiligoid aspect.
Little is said in the literature about complications; moreover, some authors have reported spontaneous remissions (especially at puberty). Constriction of the vaginal introitus with atrophy and stenosis at onset and anal stenosis have been described. Leukoplakia and squamous cell carcinoma of the vulva, which is a complication in adults, have been reported in a review of the literature as occurring in 7 children.
The treatment of LSV in pediatric patients is now well defined.

Topical corticosteroid ointments and emollients, as well as proper perineal hygiene, cotton underwear, and avoidance of trauma and tight clothes are very effective for LSV lesions and reduce the pruritus. The treatment of reference is ultrapotent topical steroids. No severe adverse effects (atrophy, infection, depigmentation, systemic passage) have been observed, except for telangiectasia and striae. Ultrapotent topical steroid is a safe and effective treatment in children, as in adults, and results in fast improvement. This treatment can be prescribed once a day for 2 months and then switched to intermittent use of lower potency topical steroids or occasional use of ultrapotent steroids for maintenance treatment.