Lichen sclerosus is a chronic skin condition that usually affects the skin around our vulva and anus. It causes the skin to appear white, thick and wrinkly.
Learn more about this condition, the symptoms, causes and treatment options.
What is lichen sclerosus?
Symptoms of lichen sclerosus
What causes lichen sclerosus?
How is lichen sclerosus diagnosed?
Treatments for lichen sclerosus
What you can do
Risks of lichen scelorsus
When to see your doctor
Related resources
Lichen sclerosus is a chronic skin condition that usually affects the skin around your vulva and anus. This lifelong condition is more common in women, particularly postmenopausal women. It is not contagious and can’t be spread through sex. Lichen sclerosus and lichen planus can occur together.
Symptoms can range from mild to severe. People with a mild condition may not have any symptoms. Lichen sclerosus can be in one small area or it can affect many areas, including the skin between your vagina and anus (perineum), inner lips and clitoral hood.
Common symptoms include:
We don’t know the exact cause of lichen sclerosus, but it’s thought to be an autoimmune condition. These conditions cause the immune system to attack the body’s own tissues.
About 15% of people with the condition have a family history of the disorder, so there may be a genetic link.
Lichen sclerosus is associated with other autoimmune conditions, such as thyroid disease, pernicious anaemia, type 1 diabetes and coeliac disease. It can also co-exist with other skin conditions.
Other factors associated with lichen sclerosus include:
Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. They will also ask to examine your vulva. They may take a small sample (biopsy) of skin from around your vulva or anus and send it to a laboratory for testing.
It’s important for your doctor to examine the affected areas to ensure an accurate diagnosis.
There is no cure for lichen sclerosus, and you won’t be able to get rid of it completely, but treatment should reduce symptoms and stop the condition from getting worse.
The main treatment for lichen sclerosus is corticosteroid ointment. The ointment is applied to affected areas to reduce pain, itching and inflammation and to stop the condition from getting worse.
Ointments are recommended instead of creams, as ointments are less likely to sting or cause contact dermatitis.
While the ointment will relieve itching within a few days, it will take some time for the skin to improve. After a few months, you may be able to reduce the frequency of treatment, but don’t stop unless your doctor tells you to.
This treatment is usually effective, but you will need regular check-ups with your doctor to monitor the condition.
Surgery may be required to remove scar tissue that narrow the entrance to your vagina.
It’s important to take extra care of your vulva and other affected areas when managing this condition. For example, use a soap-free wash, avoid tight-fitting clothes and Lycra, and try not to rub or scratch affected areas.
Learn more about vulval care.
Lichen sclerosus can lead to changes in your vulva and other affected areas, including:
Lichen sclerosus doesn’t cause cancer, but it is associated with an increased risk of vulval cancer, especially if the condition is left untreated.
See your doctor if you notice any symptoms. Sometimes lichen sclerosus can be mistaken for other skin conditions, including lichen planus, so it’s important to get the right diagnosis and treatment. If you are diagnosed with lichen sclerosus, you will need to have regular, ongoing check-ups with your doctor to monitor your condition.
This content has been reviewed by a group of medical subject matter experts, in accordance with Jean Hailes policy.
© Jean Hailes Foundation. All rights reserved.
