Lichen sclerosus

What is Lichen sclerosus

Lichen sclerosus is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that most often affects the anogenital skin, although it can appear on other areas of the body. It involves progressive changes in the epidermis, the connective tissue beneath it, and the local immune…

Symptoms of Lichen sclerosus

Lichen sclerosus is a chronic inflammatory skin condition whose symptoms most often involve the genital or anal skin, although it can also appear elsewhere on the body. The symptoms usually include itching, burning, soreness, fragile skin that tears easily, smooth white…

Causes of Lichen sclerosus

Lichen sclerosus is caused by a combination of immune-driven tissue injury, local skin fragility, and in many cases a background of genetic or hormonal susceptibility. It is not usually traced to a single cause. Instead, the condition develops when the body’s…

Diagnosis of Lichen sclerosus

Lichen sclerosus is usually diagnosed by combining a careful clinical history, a focused physical examination, and, when needed, a biopsy of affected tissue. In many cases, the appearance and location of the skin changes are distinctive enough that an experienced clinician…

Treatment for Lichen sclerosus

Lichen sclerosus is treated primarily with potent topical corticosteroids, particularly clobetasol propionate, supported in selected cases by other topical medications, procedures for complications such as scarring or narrowing, and long-term monitoring. These treatments are used because lichen sclerosus is not simply…

Prevention of Lichen sclerosus

Lichen sclerosus is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that most often affects the genital and anal areas, although it can also appear on other parts of the body. The condition is not fully preventable in the way an infection or toxin-related…

FAQ about Lichen sclerosus

This FAQ explains what lichen sclerosus is, why it develops, how it is diagnosed, and what treatment can do to control it. It also covers long-term concerns, risk factors, and a few less commonly asked questions. Lichen sclerosus is a chronic…