Severe vulvar scarring in patients with erosive lichen planus: a report of 4 cases

BACKGROUND: Oral lichen planus (LP) is thought to affect 1% of the population. It is an autoimmune inflammatory disease process with varied clinical manifestations. Glabrous skin scarring is rare, but that of mucosal membranes may be more common than recognized. It has been estimated that 25% of patients with oral lesions also harbor genital lesions. CASE: We report 4 cases of LP with genital involvement treated at various stages of development. Severe mucosal scarring occurred, and vulvovaginal scarring commonly resulted in significant dyspareunia. CONCLUSION: Early and aggressive diagnosis and therapy may abrogate the scarring potential of this debilitating disease process.