GYNAECOLOGICAL ILLNESSES
Lichen Sclerosus
What is Lichen Sclerosus?
Lichen Sclerosus is a skin condition. It is more common in menopausal women but can occur at any age. It is a condition where white patches of skin that appear thinner than normal occur on external genitals and at times the labia minora disappears completely and becomes fused.
FAQs
What are the symptoms of lichen sclerosus?
The symptoms can vary depending on the location of the condition. The most common symptoms include:
- White, shiny patches of skin
- Itching
- Pain
- Bleeding
- Blistering
- Ulcers
In women, lichen sclerosus can cause the labia (the folds of skin around the vagina) to shrink and the vaginal opening to narrow. This can make sexual intercourse painful.
In men,the condition can cause the foreskin (the skin that covers the head of the penis) to tighten. This can make it difficult to pull the foreskin back.
What causes lichen sclerosus?
The exact cause is unknown, possibles causes are
- an overactive immune system
- hormonal imbalance
- previous skin damage
This condition is not contagious.
How is the condition diagnosed?
It is usually diagnosed by a doctor examining the affected area. Your doctor may also take a biopsy (a small sample of skin) to examine under a microscope.
How is it treated?
There is no cure for this condition, but there are a number of treatments that can help relieve the symptoms. The most common treatment is topical corticosteroids (steroid creams or ointments). Other treatments include:
- Topical calcineurin inhibitors (such as tacrolimus or pimecrolimus)
- Ultraviolet light therapy
- Surgery (in rare cases)
What is the outlook for people with this condition?
Lichen sclerosus is a long-term condition, but it can usually be well-managed with treatment. The symptoms may come and go over time. It is important to see your doctor for regular checkups to monitor the condition and make sure that it is not getting worse.