Dermoscopic features of vulvar lichen sclerosus and their correlation with disease duration

Background: Vulvar lichen sclerosus (VLS) is an underdiagnosed inflammatory disease of the vulva. It may mimic various inflammatory or tumor conditions of the vulva. Dermoscopy is a useful tool to support the non-invasive diagnosis. However, few studies are concerned with determining the specific signs of VLS. Objective: The aim of our study was to determine the vascular and non-vascular features of VLS and to correlate them with the duration of the disease. Methods: We conducted a retrospective study including eighty patients over a period from November 2020 to November 2022. Results: On dermoscopy, VLS lesions showed reduced overall vascularity and polymorphic vessels with an irregular arrangement. Yellowish-white, structureless areas over a diffuse, whitish background were prominent and constant dermoscopic features. In our study, dotted vessels were detected largely in the early stages of the disease. Conclusion: Our results showed that VLS has characteristic dermoscopic patterns that may be effective in the diagnosis of VLS, especially in the early stages. Key words: Dermoscopy, Vulvar lichen sclerosus, Pattern, Disease duration