Quality of Life Evaluation in Chronic Lichen Sclerosus for Improved Medical Care

Abstract

Chronic vulvar lichen sclerosus (LS) is most often seen in women over 50. The exact cause of LS is unknown. Reports of family members with a history of LS make one suspect the possibility of a genetic link. There is also the possibility that it has an autoimmune component. The occurrence and prevalence rates are possibly vague or understated because women do not come forward and talk about their disease until and unless the disease activity becomes intolerable. The extent of quality of life (QOL) impact with this condition, however, has not been systematically assessed, and is known largely from anecdotal reports from patients. The dermatology-specific quality of life (DSQL) instrument that has been validated in several skin diseases such as acne, contact dermatitis, and psoriasis, has been adapted to effectively evaluate the impact of LS on the women's quality of life. The severity of the disease as measured by the physician is very well correlated with the quality of life scores as evaluated by the subjects. The scales of the instrument were shown to be highly reliable. It is concluded that the DSQL instrument can effectively evaluate the impact of chronic vulvar lichen sclerosus, its treatment, and outcomes from medical care.