Resolution of Vulvar Lichen Sclerosus Symptoms Following Dietary Elimination of Tomato and Nightshade Vegetables: A Case Report

Lichen sclerosus (LS) is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that most often affects the perineal region and can greatly impact quality of life. This report presents the case of a 69-year-old woman with a 20-year history of vulvar LS. Despite standard treatment with topical corticosteroids, as well as multiple other therapies, including some nonstandard approaches, her symptoms persisted. Laboratory evaluation revealed elevated IgG antibodies to tomato. After eliminating tomatoes and other nightshade vegetables from her diet, the patient remained symptom-free for over a year. This case highlights a potential role of dietary antigens in LS and underscores the need for further investigation of non-IgE-mediated food sensitivities in managing symptoms.