Vulvar lichen sclerosus: modern concepts of pathogenesis, diagnosis and treatment
Bychkova A.E., Apolikhina I.A., Balashova Kh.B.
Vulvar lichen sclerosus (VLS) is a chronic inflammatory and atrophic disorder of the vulva characterized by a slowly progressive course, a tendency to relapse and scar tissue changes. VLS has a multifactorial origin. The etiology can be genetic, autoimmune, hormonal, or infectious in nature. The review presents the current data on the pathogenesis, morphological and immunohistochemical changes, diagnosis and treatment options for this disease. Special attention is paid to new methods of energy exposure and regenerative technologies that increase the effectiveness of treatment and the quality of life of patients.
The analysis of the current data indicates that VLS continues to be a complex, chronic condition with a recurrent course. A profound understanding of the pathogenesis, as well as the use of regenerative technologies and energy exposure methods, form the basis for developing more effective and pathogenetically targeted approaches to treatment.
Conclusion: The current medical strategies for VLS are changing from managing symptoms to restoring the structure and function of the affected tissues. Regenerative and energy technologies (radio frequency, photodynamic therapy, platelet-rich plasma, autologous cell preparations) show great potential. These technologies are aimed at stimulating neocollagenogenesis, improving microcirculation, and modulating the inflammatory response.
Authors’ contributions: Apolikhina I.A. – developing the concept of the study and editing the article; Bychkova A.E., Balashova Kh.B. – collecting publications, translation of the articles, processing and analysis of materials, writing the text.
Conflicts of interest: The authors declare that there are no conflicts of interest.
Funding: The study was conducted without sponsorship.
For citation: Bychkova A.E., Apolikhina I.A., Balashova Kh.B. Vulvar lichen sclerosus:
modern concepts of pathogenesis, diagnosis and treatment.
Akusherstvo i Ginekologiya/Obstetrics and Gynecology. 2026; (2): 16-22 (in Russian)
https://dx.doi.org/10.18565/aig.2025.375
Keywords
vulvar lichen sclerosus
clinical manifestations
etiology
pathogenesis
immunohistochemistry
treatment
topical glucocorticosteroids
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Received 17.12.2025
Accepted 15.01.2026
About the Authors
Anastasia E. Bychkova, obstetrician-gynecologist, oncologist at the Department of Aesthetic Gynecology and Rehabilitation, V.I. Kulakov National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology, Ministry of Health of Russia, abychkova88@mail.ru, https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4855-8188Inna A. Apolikhina, Dr. Med. Sci., Professor, Honored Doctor of the Russian Federation, Head of the Department of Aesthetic Gynecology and Rehabilitation, Professor at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Vocational Education, V.I. Kulakov National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology, Ministry of Health of Russia, 4, Ac. Oparina str., Moscow, 117997, Russia; Professor at the Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, Perinatology, and Reproductology, Institute of Professional Education, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Ministry of Health of Russia (Sechenov University); President of the Association of Aesthetic Gynecology Specialists, i_apolikhina@oparina4.ru, https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4581-6295
Khava B. Balashova, оbstetrician-gynecologist, Postgraduate, Department of Aesthetic Gynecology and Rehabilitation, V.I. Kulakov National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology, Ministry of Health of Russia, 4, Ac. Oparina str., Moscow, 117997, Russia, +7(925)186-43-88, Hava199@mail.ru,
https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3365-4695
Corresponding author: Khava B. Balashova, Hava199@mail.ru
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