Lichen Sclerosus (LS&A)

Lichen sclerosus (sometimes called lichen sclerosus et atrophicus or LS&A) is a skin condition that is most common on the vulva of older women who have gone through menopause. However, lichen sclerosus sometimes affects girls before puberty as well as young adult women, and the penis of uncircumcised boys and men. In females, lichen sclerosus often affects rectal skin also. The causes of lichen sclerosus are not completely understood, but a main cause is a confused immune system. The immune system, that part of the body that normally fights off infection, attacks the skin by mistake. Why this happens is not known. Older women with lichen sclerosus generally also have an underactive thyroid, another immune issue, so thyroid tests should be performed yearly.

People with mild lichen sclerosus may have no signs or symptoms. Signs and symptoms affect the skin of the genital and anal areas, but may also affect the skin of the upper body, upper arms and breasts and may include:

• Redness
• Itching
• Pain or discomfort
• Smooth, white patches
• Blotchy, wrinkled patches
• Tearing or bleeding
• Blistering or ulcerated sores
• Painful intercourse