The efficacy of microwave therapy combined with focused ultrasound or white spot ointment combined with infrared light in the treatment of female vulvar sclerotic lichen.

Abstract

This study aims to investigate the effectiveness of microwave therapy combined with focused ultrasound or white spot ointment combined with infrared light for treating vulvar sclerosing lichen in females. A retrospective study was conducted on 126 patients with vulvar lichen sclerosus admitted to our hospital between August 2020 and December 2022. The patients were divided into 3 groups: microwave treatment, focused ultrasound, and white spot paste combined with infrared light, each group consisting of 42 cases. The microwave treatment group underwent microwave coagulation using a multifunctional microwave treatment machine, the focused ultrasound group received focused ultrasound treatment, and the white spot paste combined with infrared light group received traditional Chinese medicine white spot paste combined with infrared light irradiation. All groups received additional basic treatment. The study compared the serum levels of interleukin-2 (IL-2), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), C-reactive protein (CRP), human epidermal growth factor (EGF) levels, visual analog pain scale scores, and skin quality of life index (DLQI) scores before and after treatment in the 3 groups. Before treatment, there was no statistically significant difference in CRP and EGF levels among the 3 groups receiving IL-2 and TNF-α (all P > .05). After treatment, the levels of IL-2 and TNF-α did not show significant differences across the 3 groups. However, the levels of CRP and EGF were notably reduced, particularly in the group treated with white spot cream combined with infrared light, which exhibited lower levels compared to the other 2 groups with statistical significance (both P < .05). Similarly, prior to treatment, there were no statistically significant differences in symptomatology, daily activities, and interpersonal relationship scores among the 3 groups (P < .05). Post-treatment, scores for all dimensions significantly decreased in all groups, with the group receiving white spot cream combined with infrared light showing lower scores across all dimensions compared to the other 2 groups, with statistical significance (P < .05). The combination of vitiligo cream and infrared light has a significant effect on the treatment of sclerotic lichen of the external genitalia in gynecology. It can reduce the levels of inflammatory factors in the patient's body, improve itching, and improve quality of life.