Lichen sclerosus
Overview
Lichen sclerosus is a skin condition that causes itchy white patches, most commonly on the genitals. There's no cure, but treatment can help relieve the symptoms.
Symptoms
Lichen sclerosus affects people of all ages, including children. But it's much more common in women over 50. People with white, brown or black skin can get lichen sclerosus. It causes patches on the skin that are usually: itchywhitesmooth or crinkledeasily damaged – they may bleed or hurt if rubbed or scratched The patches can appear anywhere, but most often are on the: area around the opening to the vagina (vulva) and anusforeskin and end of the penis Having sex can be painful because the vulva may shrink or tighten. In men, the foreskin may tighten making erections painful.
Causes
Although treatment for lichen sclerosus can help, the affected skin can sometimes become scarred and tight over time. The vulva may shrink, with the clitoris and small inner lips (labia minora) around the opening of the vagina often affected. The scarring and tightness can cause discomfort when peeing, pooing and during sex. Having an erection can be painful. If lichen sclerosus is severe, you might need a small operation, such as surgery to widen your vagina or remove your foreskin (circumcision). The cause of lichen sclerosus is unknown. It might be caused by your immune system, the body's defence against infection, mistakenly attacking and damaging your skin. Lichen sclerosus is: not caused by an infectionnot contagious – you cannot spread it to other people through close contact, including sexnot caused by poor personal hygiene Rubbing or damage to the skin can trigger lichen sclerosus or make it worse.
Treatment
Lichen sclerosus cannot be cured, but using a strong prescriptionsteroid ointmentusually helps relieve the symptoms. You may need to use the ointment regularly for a few months to get your symptoms under control. Your doctor will tell you how often you need to use the ointment. After the initial treatment period, you may need to use other products, such as a weaker steroid ointment or a moisturising cream, to help manage your symptoms. Follow your doctor's advice about how and when to use any medicine that's prescribed for you.