Lichen sclerosus often persists into adulthood. (Study of 70 Prepubescent Girls).

PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC -- More than half of prepubescent girls with lichen sclerosus continued to have symptoms into adulthood, according to a follow-up study presented at the 11th Congress of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology.

Lichen sclerosus, an inflammatory dermatosis that commonly affects the anogenital area, occurs in both sexes. Lichen sclerosus is quite common, with an estimated prevalence of 1 in 1,000 in the Oxford, England, area, according to Dr. Jenny Powell of the department of dermatology at Oxford Radcliffe Hospitals, Headington, England.

Dr. Powell studied 70 prepubescent girls who presented with lichen sclerosus in 1994; 21 of them are now post pubertal and were evaluated as a follow-up cohort.

Definite physical signs persisted in 16 patients (75%); no symptoms were present in 5 patients. "Sixteen of the 21 said their condition had improved, but further investigation revealed they still used topical steroids for flare-ups," Dr. Powell said.

Immunogenetic studies suggest a genetic susceptibility to lichen sclerosus. The condition may develop in susceptible people after a trigger such as trauma or abuse.

Researchers found that both children and adults with lichen sclerosus have human leukocyte antigen class II DQ7, suggesting the disease is the same and may persist into adulthood. Dr. Powell said, ideally girls with lichen sclerosus need follow-up, or at least parents should be given information about possible long-term effects."

Potent topical steroids are the treatment of ...