Vulvar dermatoses: lichen sclerosus, lichen planus, and vulval dermatitis/lichen simplex chronicus

In our vulvar specialty clinic at Oxford Radcliffe Hospital (Oxford, UK), dermatoses are frequently seen. A recent survey of new patients showed that lichen sclerosus was the most commonly diagnosed vulvar dermatosis; approximately one third of the women had this disorder. Vulvar dermatitis was observed in 20% to 25% of new patients, but lichen planus was rare. Differences were observed in treatment outcomes for patients with vulvar dermatoses, such as lichen sclerosus and lichen planus, versus those with dermatologic disorders affecting the vulva, such as psoriasis and eczema.