Lichen sclerosus
Lichen sclerosus is a long-term skin condition that mainly affects the skin of the genitals. It usually causes itching and white patches to appear on the affected skin.
Other areas of the body are also occasionally affected, including the upper arms, back, breasts and shoulders.
Lichen sclerosus is most common in women who have been through the Testosterone deficiency (hypogonadism) , although men and children are also sometimes affected.
It's not clear what causes lichen sclerosus, but it's thought to be related to overactivity of the immune system. It's not an infection and can't be spread to your partner or other people.
Lichensclerosuscan be uncomfortable and distressing, but it's usually possible in most cases to control the symptoms with simple treatments.
This page covers:
Symptoms of lichen sclerosus in women and girls
Symptoms of lichen sclerosus in men and boys
How long does lichen sclerosus last?
Treatments for lichen sclerosus
Self-help for lichen sclerosus
Lichen sclerosus is a long-term skin condition that mainly affects the skin of the genitals. It usually causes itching and white patches to appear on the affected skin.
In women and girls, lichen sclerosus tends to affect the vulva (the skin around the entrance to the vagina) and the skin around the anus (back passage). Symptoms include: small whiteareas thatmay i
In men and boys,lichen sclerosus tends to develop on the foreskin and end of the penis. The skin around the anus is rarely affected. Symptoms can include: sore or sometimes itchy white patches on t
For most people, lichen sclerosus is a long-term condition that lasts many years and may flare up and down over time. There's currently no cure, but symptoms can normally be controlled with steroid m
Steroid creams and ointments The main treatment for lichen sclerosus is steroid ointment or cream , which helps to control symptoms. It should be applied regularly, but relatively sparingly, to the
In addition to the above treatments, the following measures can often help keep your symptoms under control: avoid washing with soap or bubble bath use plain water or an emollient wash instead, suc