Laser Treatment Compared with Topical Clobetasol for Lichen Sclerosus: A Randomized Controlled Trial.
Obstet GynecolMay 28, 2026 (epub)
Julia M Hecken, Ilana Shoham, Clemens B Tempfer et al.
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In 30 seconds
This randomized controlled trial compared low-density fractional CO2 laser treatment with topical clobetasol propionate in women with vulvar lichen sclerosus. The study found that at 3 months, the laser group had a greater median change in the burn-itch-pain (BIP) score of -8 compared to -5 in the clobetasol group (P = .007), indicating superior symptom relief with laser treatment.
Key findings
- Laser treatment resulted in a median ΔBIP score of -8 compared to -5 for clobetasol propionate (P = .007).
- Multivariable analysis showed laser treatment was associated with an adjusted β of -2.90 for symptom improvement (P = .001).
- Physician-rated visual improvement and overall improvement favored laser therapy.
- Both treatments were well tolerated with no serious adverse events reported.
Why it matters
The findings suggest that CO2 laser treatment may provide superior symptom relief for women with vulvar lichen sclerosus compared to traditional topical corticosteroids, potentially influencing treatment choices in clinical practice.