Introduction: Topical pharmacotherapy is often practiced in the treatment of adults with phimosis or Lichen Sclerosus (LS). However, it is unclear if it is effective.
Areas covered: The authors review pharmacological treatments in adults with phimosis or LS using the Preferred Reporting of Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis (PRISMA) methodology. They searched seven databases using key words phimosis, drug treatment, medical, treatment, lichen sclerosis, pharmacological treatment, medications, comparison study for all English language articles from 1962 to 2021. Inclusion criteria were patients >18 yr., and the use of topical medical treatment with outcome data. The article includes the authors' expert opinion and their perspectives for the future.
Expert opinion: There is limited research, with significant heterogeneity, which suggests the probable safety of topical steroids with some potential to reduce the signs and symptoms of LS. However, good quality research, with patient reported outcome data, is required to establish its true role and effectiveness.
Keywords: Phimosis; adults; lichen sclerosus; pharmacotherapy; systematic review; topical.