Study summary
CO2 laser eased symptoms more than steroid cream at 3 months
-8point drop in burn-itch-pain score with laser, vs -5 with clobetasol
What was tested
Three sessions of fractional CO2 laser against a 3-month course of clobetasol steroid ointment for vulvar lichen sclerosus.
What they found
- Burning, itching and pain scores fell more with laser (median -8 vs -5 points).
- Doctors also rated appearance as more improved with laser.
- No serious side effects in either group.
- People who switched from cream to laser improved further.
What it means
Laser may help, but long-term disease control still relies on steroid ointment.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team.
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