Dermasilk Briefs in Vulvar Lichen Sclerosus

• DOI: 10.1097/lgt.0b013e31821380a0
• Publication Date: 2011-10-04T20:19:58Z
• Authors: Antonietta D'Antuono; Sara Bellavista; Francesca Negosanti; Stefania Zauli; Elena Baldi; Annalisa Patrizi
• Keywords: Adult; Clobetasol; Textiles; Anti-Inflammatory Agents; Middle Aged; Vulvar Lichen Sclerosus; Clothing; 3. Good health; Placebos; 03 medical and health sciences; Treatment Outcome; 0302 clinical medicine; Double-Blind Method; Humans; Vitamin E; Female; Cotton Fiber; lichen sclerosus; vulvar; dermasilk; Aged

: The purpose of our study was to evaluate whether briefs made of Dermasilk fabric could be an adjuvant tool in the management of vulvar lichen sclerosus (LS).: A controlled, randomized, double-blind study versus placebo was conducted, comparing Dermasilk versus standard cotton briefs in patients affected by LS during treatment with clobetasol propionate 0.05% ointment and vitamin E moisturizer. For each patient, an evaluation of objective genital signs and subjective symptoms typical of LS was recorded before the start of treatment, after 1 month, and after 6 months of the study. Statistical analysis was performed with SPSS 17.0 for Windows.: Forty-two women affected by LS were recruited and divided into those wearing Dermasilk or cotton briefs. Patients wearing Dermasilk briefs showed a better improvement in the clinical symptoms of burning sensation, skin irritation, and pain (Fisher test, p < .0001) compared with the cotton placebo group. The improvement in itching was also faster in the Dermasilk group (Fisher exact test, p < .05). Erythema also showed a better improvement in the Dermasilk group (Fisher test, p < 0.05).: Dermasilk fabric seems to be a useful adjunct to topical treatment in producing a better and more rapid control of symptoms in patients with LS.