Lichen sclerosus

Symptoms

Common signs:

• White, itchy skin patches
• White, thin, crinkly, itchy skin on the genitals or around the anus

Less common

• Pain with sex
• Tearing

Look up a symptom: Genital itching · Pain during sex · White, thin, crinkly, itchy skin on the genitals or around the anus

When to get medical care

Causes

Immune.

Does it spread or run in families?

• It isn't contagious. You can't catch it from someone else.

Who is more likely to get it

• Women after menopause

Possible complications

• Vulvar cancer

Diagnosis

Exam or biopsy.

Treatment

Care.

Self-care

• Gentle washing
• Avoid soaps

Medicines

Medicines that may help:

OwieClear doesn't give doses: follow the label or your healthcare professional. Medicine names here are examples, not a full list.

Which doctor treats this

• Start with your primary care provider (family doctor or internist).
• They may send you to a dermatologist or a gynecologist (OB-GYN).

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

• If you're pregnant or planning to be, tell your prenatal provider about this condition.
• Don't start or stop any medicine on your own. Some are safe in pregnancy and some need to be changed.
• Ask before taking any pain reliever. The FDA advises avoiding ibuprofen and naproxen after 20 weeks unless your doctor says to.
• Breastfeeding: Most medicines are fine, but ask. The NIH LactMed database lists what's known about each one.

Outlook

Controllable.

Getting ready for your visit

Bring a list of your symptoms and medicines.

What to bring

• A list of your medicines and supplements
• Notes on when symptoms started and what makes them better or worse

Questions to ask

• What's causing my symptoms?
• What treatment do you recommend?

Research studies

Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.

Search ClinicalTrials.gov for studies on Lichen sclerosus