Where lichen sclerosus treatment is heading
Lichen sclerosus · Updated Nov 13, 2026
Lichen sclerosus is a long-term inflammatory skin condition, usually of the genital skin, causing itching, pain, white patches and scarring. It is most common in women after menopause but affects men and children too. Strong steroid ointment controls it for most; the first large trial of a non-steroid cream is underway.
- 15studies open or running
- 2phase 3 trials
- 240papers published this year
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Now
Nov 2026
Laser beat steroid cream in one trialHappened -8 points with laser
Burn-itch-pain scores fell 8 points with CO2 laser vs 5 with clobetasol at 3 months.
-8: point drop in burn-itch-pain score with laser, vs -5 with clobetasol.
But pooled laser trials are mixedHappened 151 people pooled
Across 3 trials and 151 people, laser did not clearly improve scores.
151: people in 3 randomized trials.
Linked to thyroid diseaseHappened 2.38× thyroid odds
Autoimmune thyroid disease was 2.38 times as likely, supporting an immune cause.
2.38×: odds of autoimmune thyroid disease.
-
6 months
by May 2027
Microbiome treatments exploredLong shot
A postbiotic added to steroids improved symptoms in a small trial; more studies likely.
-
12 months
by Nov 2027
Methotrexate for severe casesLong shot
A small trial tests methotrexate pills for severe vulvar disease that resists steroids.
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3 years
by late 2029
First non-steroid cream in a big trialPossible
LEO Pharma's 652-person phase 3 of delgocitinib, a JAK-blocking cream, finishes March 2028.
-
5 years
by late 2031
Itch-targeting antibodiesLong shot
A UT Southwestern trial plans to test nemolizumab, an itch-blocking injection approved for eczema and prurigo.
The research paths
Non-steroid creams and drugs
Details and 2 trialsHide
JAK-blocking creams and immune drugs borrowed from eczema.
WatchDelgocitinib phase 3.
Laser and energy treatments
-8 points with laserDetailsHide
Trials disagree on whether laser adds to steroid ointment.
WatchLonger follow-up.
Borrowed from other conditions
From Chronic hand eczema
Delgocitinib
Phase 3
A JAK-blocking cream approved for hand eczema.
From Prurigo nodularis and eczema
Nemolizumab
Phase 2 planned
An injection that blocks the itch signal IL-31.
Open to join now
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Adults with genital lichen sclerosus
Delgocitinib cream
Locations and eligibility → -
Severe vulvar disease
Methotrexate
Locations and eligibility →
See every recruiting Lichen sclerosus trial →
When the trials finish
Completion dates the trials registered. Results usually follow 3 to 12 months later.
- Heating up
- Maturing
- Early
- Cooling
- Fully enrolled, waiting on results
- Still enrolling
What just happened
Laser trials pooled: no clear benefit
3 trials, 151 people.
CO2 laser beats clobetasol at 3 months
Obstetrics & Gynecology.
Standard treatment today
- New diagnosisClobetasol or another strong steroid ointment daily, then tapered.
- Long-term controlSteroid ointment once or twice a week to prevent flares, scarring and cancer risk.
- Steroids not enoughTacrolimus ointment, laser in trials, or methotrexate for severe disease.
- MenSteroid ointment; circumcision often cures penile disease.
How to read this page, and sourcesHow to read this page, and sources
- Most research is in vulvar lichen sclerosus in women; men and children are less studied.
- Forecasts are editorial judgments by Find a Trial, not predictions from sponsors or regulators.
See Lichen sclerosus trials recruiting now →