Definition:
Lichen sclerosis is a skin disorder that can affect men, women, or children, but is most common in women. It typically occurs on the vulva (the outer genitalia or sex organ) in women, but sometimes develops on the head of the penis in men. Occasionally, lichen sclerosus ican be seen on other parts of the body, especially the upper body, breasts, and upper arms.
Diagnosis:
Doctors can diagnose an advanced case by examining the skin. However, early or mild disease often needs a biopsy (removal and examination of a small sample of affected skin).
Treatment:
Patients with lichen sclerosus of nongenital skin usually do not need treatment because the symptoms are very mild and usually go away over time. (The amount of time involved differs from patient to patient.)
Symptoms and Signs:
Early in the disease, small, subtle white spots arise. These areas are often slightly shiny and smooth. As time goes on, the spots grow into bigger patches, and the skin surface becomes thinned and crinkled. As a result, the skin breaks easily, and bright red or purple discoloration from bleeding inside the skin is common.
Causes:
The cause is not known, although an overactive immune system may play a role. Some people may have a genetic tendency toward the disease, and studies have suggested that abnormal hormone levels may also play a role. Some scientists believe that an infectious bacterium, called a spirochete, may trigger the changes in the immune system that lead to lichen sclerosus.
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