Lichen sclerosus
Lichen sclerosus is a rare disease that causes a patchy, white rash on the skin, as well as thinning of the skin. Lichen sclerosus can appear anywhere on the body, but is more common around the vulva, glans penis, and anus.
Anyone can develop lichen sclerosus, but postmenopausal women are at a particularly high risk. Without treatment, the condition sometimes worsens
You may not even need treatment and lichen sclerosus may go away on its own. The goal of the treatment is to restore the normal appearance of the skin and prevent the complications of scars
The exact cause of lichen sclerosus is unknown The condition may be related to a lack of sex hormones or an overactive immune system Damage to the skin on a certain area of the skin increases the risk of developing lichen
Lichen sclerosus may develop on the genitals, but it is not contagious and cannot be sexually transmitted.
Lichen sclerosus is most often found in postmenopausal women, although it is also seen in men and children. In women, lichen sclerosus involves the vulva In uncircumcised men and boys, the risk is high because the condition often involves the chuchah In children, signs and symptoms may disappear by puberty
Lichen sclerosus can appear on any part of the skin Sometimes, there are no symptoms at all
If we have symptoms, they often appear:
- Itching, sometimes severe
- Discomfort, which is more common if the lichen is in the genital or anal skin areas
- Smooth, white spots on the skin that become wrinkled, uneven
- Easily Effective treatment can help manage discomfort and prevent complications
If you have lichen sclerosus, see your doctor every 6-12 months to check for skin changes and monitor for side effects of treatment
