Research shows topical tacrolimus to be effective treatment for vulval lichen sclerosus

Birmingham, England - Researchers at City Hospital here have found that topical application of tacrolimus may be an effective treatment for most patients with vulval lichen sclerosus.

The small-scale study, published in the July issue of BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, involved 16 women with lichen sclerosus who were treated with twice-daily applications of 0.1 percent topical tacrolimus. They were reassessed at three months, and the 10 responders continued with twice-daily application of tacrolimus at 0.03 percent. Two women had a complete response that was maintained at 12 months. The eight other women showed improvement in their symptoms and wanted to continue on tacrolimus. Treatment was well tolerated, the study said.

Given that some positive response was seen in more than 60 percent of patients, the researchers call for further studies, adding that combination therapy with steroids and tacrolimus is also worth investigating.