Download What is lichen sclerosis? Who gets lichen sclerosis? Where does the

What is lichen sclerosis?
How is it diagnosed?
Lichen Sclerosus (LS) is an uncommon disease of
the skin, which causes loss of colour (whitening)
and gradual thinning. In women, there is often
itching, soreness and discomfort. Men most
commonly notice tightening of the foreskin (if
uncircumcised) or whitening at the end of the
penis (glans) and sometimes problems passing
urine and/or frequent urine infections.
In many cases, the rash is typical and a doctor
can diagnose the condition by the look of the
rash. If there is doubt, then a small sample of
affected skin is taken (a biopsy) under local
anaesthetic - injected into the skin. The biopsy
is about the size of the end of a biro. It is not
usually necessary to put a stitch in afterwards
and although the injection stings, many people
cope with this very well.
Sometimes, in men, the term balanitis xerotica
obliterans is used. In both sexes, the term lichen
sclerosus et atrophicus was used, but now for
both sexes it is simply called lichen sclerosus.
Who gets lichen sclerosis?
LS can affect men and women of any age, and
can sometimes develop in childhood. We do not
understand why some people develop it and not
others, but there may be an inherited risk.
Where does the disease occur?
LS tends to occur most commonly in the genital
area, although in rare cases it can affect the skin
elsewhere.
What is the cause?
We do not know what the cause is, but we know
it is not infectious. Your sexual partners cannot
catch it from you. It will not affect your fertility,
and for women it will not affect pregnancy or
childbirth.
How is it treated?
There is a variety of treatments available for
LS but no treatment can completely cure the
condition. The main treatment is an antiinflammatory cream (steroid) applied to the
affected area once daily for between 6 weeks
and 3 months. It is often helpful to use a bland
moisturising cream such as E45 or Aqueous
cream, which you can buy from your local
chemist. Side effects of steroid creams are rare
if you do not use more than one 30g tube over
3 months. It can cause thinning of the skin, so it
is important not to apply it to other areas or use
too much. Rarely, some people become allergic
to the cream but other treatments are available.
Women who find sexual intercourse painful
because of tightening of the entrance to the
vagina, may find lubricants such as KY jelly help
and on occasions, a vaginal dilator.
Men who find intercourse a problem because of
tightening and splitting of the foreskin, may find
bland creams and lubricators help while you are
waiting for the specific treatment your doctor
has prescribed. Sometimes if the skin problem
has been present for a long time, it may not
get better with creams alone. Your doctor may
recommend a circumcision and will arrange for
you to see a surgeon.
Is it serious?
For most patients, this condition is a nuisance,
and treatment can help control it. However,
there is a very small risk of developing a skin
cancer in the abnormal skin. For this reason, we
ask you to keep a check on the skin and if you
find it splits and does not heal properly, or if you
develop an unusual swelling or ulcer, you should
make an appointment to be checked by your
doctor. Please remember the risk is very small and
the sooner it is diagnosed the easier it is to treat.
If you would like advice or information, please
contact:
National Lichen Sclerosus Support Group (UK)
3 Wantage Road
Great Shefford
Berkshire
RG17 7DA
If you have access to the internet, you
can access information at this address:
www.hiway.co.uk/lichensclerosus
Lichen
Sclerosis
GU Medicine
PIL11570/M Fitzgerald /May13/review May15