Investigation of metabolic syndrome, other comorbidities, and aggravating factors associated with lichen sclerosus: a cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND: Lichen sclerosus is a common condition that primarily affects women. Limited research has been conducted on the association between lichen sclerosus and metabolic syndrome. This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between lichen sclerosus and metabolic syndrome, along with other comorbidities and aggravating factors that may be associated with lichen sclerosus.METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 83 female patients diagnosed with lichen sclerosus and 82 age-matched controls. Waist circumference, blood pressure, and serum levels of triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and glucose were measured. In addition, we gathered demographic information and details about other systemic diseases, medications, and potential aggravating factors. We examined the patients to evaluate their signs and symptoms and calculated the Dermatology Life Quality Index for both the patient and control groups.RESULTS: Metabolic syndrome was significantly more prevalent in the patient group (P