Treatments for LS
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Treatment options for vulval lichen sclerosus: exploring patient views and experiences
IRAS ID
307083
Contact name
Lisa Kirby
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Nottingham
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 5 months, 1 days
Research summary
Lichen sclerosus is a chronic inflammatory skin condition which most commonly affects the genital (vulval) skin in women. Vulval LS affects 3% of women, with peaks in childhood and the post-menopausal period. The most frequently reported symptoms are itch and pain. Scarring can cause narrowing of the opening to the vagina (introitus) leading to pain during sex and difficulty passing urine. LS is associated with increased risk of developing vulval skin cancer.
First-line treatment of vulval LS is with a strong steroid cream/ointment with a soap substitute and barrier preparation to protect the skin. The aim of treatment is to control symptoms, prevent scarring and reduce the risk of cancer. Approximately 70% of patients respond to treatment; for the remaining women who remain symptomatic, there is little evidence to guide which treatment should be used next.
A potential treatment for LS which is gaining international interest is a type of laser known as fractional carbon dioxide (CO2). Laser is not currently available for LS within the NHS.
To help us to develop large studies of LS treatment in the future, we want to know more about what it's like to live with LS, and the experience of using treatments currently prescribed for LS through this patient interview study. We also want to gather information about how women feel about the possibility of laser as a treatment for LS. Insight from those that live with LS will help us to design more appropriate studies. A diverse sample of 15 adult women with LS will be recruited via social media and clinics for a one-to-one interview by phone or video.
REC name
East of England - Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
22/EE/0056
Date of REC Opinion
18 Mar 2022
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion