Minerva Med. 2002 Apr;93(2):95-9.
Lichen sclerosus. A review.
Authors:
Wong YW , Powell J , Oxon MA .
Department of Dermatology, The Churchill Old Road, Headington, Oxford, UK.
Lichen sclerosus is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that can cause substantial physical and psychological morbidity. It most commonly affects women in the anogenital region, but may affect any area of skin in either sex at any age. Not only does it cause itching and soreness, but also urinary and sexual problems. There is an increased risk of developing squamous cell carcinoma in the genital area in both female and male sufferers, thus long term follow-up may be justified. The aetiology of Lichen sclerosus is unknown but genetic factors play a role, and chronic infection had been postulated but not proven. The association with autoimmune disease is also well recognized. The mainstay of treatment for genital lichen sclerosus is potent topical steroid. Surgery may be required only to relieve the effect of scarring. Current research to understand the pathogenesis of disease may allow us to target specific intervention in the future.
Please click on the required question.
- Q 31. 1 What skin conditions may affect the vulva?
- Q 31. 2 Which viral infections can affect the genitalia?
- Q 31. 3 What problems can occur to people with herpes simplex?
- Q 31. 4 What are genital warts?
- Q 31. 5 What is lichen sclerosus?
- Q 31. 6 How is lichen sclerosus treated?
- Q 31. 7 What could be causing my vulval irritation?
- Q 31. 8 How could my vulval irritation be treated?
- Q 31. 9 What is a Bartholin's cyst / abscess?
- Q 31. 10 How is a Bartholin's cyst / abscess treated?
- Q 31. 11 What is vulvodynia?
- Q 31. 12 How can my vulvodynia be treated?
- Q 31. 13 What is vestibulitis?
- Q 31. 14 How can my vestibulitis be treated?
- Q 31. 15 Where can I obtain further information?
- Q 31. 16 Support Groups.
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