ArticleThe British journal of general practice : the journal of the Royal College of General Practitioners2025
Barriers to diagnosing and treating vulval lichen sclerosus: a survey study.
Article in The British journal of general practice : the journal of the Royal College of General Practitioners, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 3 papers.
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Who cites it
3 citing papers in PubMed.
- 'It's not just thrush, it's recurrent thrush': a qualitative study of patient and clinician perspectives on diagnosing recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis.The British journal of general practice : the journal of the Royal College of General Practitioners · 2026Article
- Dermatology associated with increased lichen sclerosus diagnosis and clobetasol use in rural health system.International journal of women's dermatology · 2026Article
- Genital cutaneous candidiasis versus chronic recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis: distinct diseases, different populations.Clinical microbiology reviews · 2025Review
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Authors and funding
5 authors.
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Abstract
backgroundVulval lichen sclerosus (VLS) is a chronic inflammatory condition that is frequently misdiagnosed and under-recognised. To date, qualitative research has focused on lived experience of VLS, with women attributing diagnostic delay to poor interactions with healthcare professionals (HCPs), often due to lack of knowledge. In the UK, women with VLS are most likely to present to primary care.
aimTo establish HCPs' perspectives on the identification, management, and education of vulval skin disease, with a focus on VLS. DESIGN AND
settingA mixed-methods study survey undertaken across the UK.
methodHCPs were recruited through opportunistic sampling. The survey was distributed via email and WhatsApp through professional networks and in hard-copy format at events, and completed between 1 November 2023 and 14 December 2023. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, Spearman's rank correlations, and thematic analysis.
resultsOf 122 responders, most were GPs (
conclusionThis study provides insight into the barriers to diagnosing and treating VLS in primary care. HCPs recognise deficiencies in training and referral pathways, and a lack of tools to support VLS diagnosis. Training should include skills to address stigma and embarrassment. This study highlights the importance of developing interventions, such as reproducible diagnostic criteria, to overcome barriers, thereby expediting diagnosis and treatment.
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