Lichen sclerosus

Background

• A benign, chronic, progressive dermatologic condition characterized by marked inflammation, epithelial thinning, and distinctive dermal changes accompanied by symptoms of pruritus and pain
• Typically affects postmenopausal women, however it does sometimes occur in men, children, and premenopausal women
• Thought to be related to low estrogen states

Clinical Features

• Skin becomes thin, wrinkles, and whitened
• Most common symptoms include itching and pain at the affected areas, most commonly the clitoris and labia (although any skin surface can be affected)
• Other symptoms include anal discomfort, dyspareunia, and dysuria