Lichen sclerosus

Background

Lichen sclerosus is a disorder in which the skin becomes thin, wrinkles, and whitened. The most common symptoms include itching and pain at the affected areas, most commonly the clitoris and labia (although any skin surface can be affected). Lichen sclerosis typically affects postmenopausal women, however it does sometimes occur in men, children, and premenopausal women. Because of its association with postmenopausal women, it is thought that lichen sclerosis is related to low estrogen states.