It is chronic inflammatory skin disorder which affects women more as compared to men. This disease can be found in men, women and children. This disease affects the anal area of the body and the vulva. This condition is found mainly in postmenopausal woman but it can also develop on the head of penis of the men. At times it also affects other areas such as the upper body, upper arms and breasts. It is not a contagious disease.

In the early stages of the disease, small and subtle white spots may appear. The affected area is slightly smooth and shinny. As the disease progresses, the spots turn into bigger patch and the skin surface becomes crinkled and thinned. Because of this the skin can tear easily and purple or bright red discoloration from bleeding inside the skin is quite common. In the cases of severe lichen sclerosus, scars may be produced that might cause the inner lips of the vulva to shrink and then disappear, the clitoris gets covered with scar tissue and the opening of the vagina narrows down.

Cause

The cause of this disease is not known but an overactive immune system might be the cause of this disease. A few cases might have genetic tendency towards the disease and studies have found out that abnormal hormone levels might also play a role. It has been observed that this disease might appear at a place of previous injury or trauma and where the skin has already been damaged.

Symptoms

The symptoms depend upon the affected region. People suffering from this disease tend to experience different degrees of discomfort. When the disease occurs on other parts of the body except the genital areas there are no symptoms visible except for itching. In severe cases of this disease, bleeding, blistering and tearing caused by rubbing or bumping of the skin can result in pain.

Treatment

Patients with this disease on their non genital area do not require any treatment as the symptoms are very mild and they vanish after a period of time. The time period involved varies from one patient to another.

People having this disease on their genital area should get it treated even though it is not causing any pain or itching as it can lead to formation of scars which might narrow openings in the genital area an even interfere with sexual intercourse or urination or both. There is also a very slim chance of development of skin cancer in the affected region.

Application of high potency cream or ointment returns the skin to its original color and texture. This disease cannot be cured but it can be controlled. After the skin returns to normalcy, the patient is required to have a follow up visit every six to twelve months.

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