Lichen Sclerosus

Lichen sclerosus is an annoying and painful skin condition, but it isn’t contagious and doesn’t cause serious complications.

Lichen sclerosus

Lichen sclerosus is a chronic skin condition that usually affects the genitals and anal area, but it can also affect other parts of the body.

Lichen sclerosus is a rare condition, and it can affect anyone, but it’s more common in women after menopause.

Causes and risk factors of lichen sclerosus

• The exact cause of lichen sclerosus isn’t known, but it’s thought that it results from a combination of factors, like an overactive immune system, genetic factors, and previous skin damage.
• The risk of lichen sclerosus increases due to the following factors: women after menopause, women who have another autoimmune disease, men with urinary incontinence or an uncircumcised penis, children younger than 10 years old, and family history.

Symptoms of lichen sclerosus

Lichen sclerosus may not cause any symptoms in some cases. In general, they appear in the genitals and anal area, but they can manifest in other areas of the body in rare cases, such as the mouth, neck, upper back, chest, torso, and wrists.

The symptoms include:

• Skin patches that are discolored and soft or wrinkled and blotchy.
• Itchiness and a burning feeling.
• Bruising easily.
• Brittle skin.
• Blistering or bleeding sores.
• Scarring.
• Pain during urination.
• Poor urine flow.
• Painful intercourse.
• Constipation in children.

Diagnosis of lichen sclerosus

• Physical exam.
• Biopsy.

Treatment of lichen sclerosus

• Topical corticosteroids.
• Light therapy.
• Immunosuppressants.
• Surgery when needed if the condition significantly affects the urethra.