Lichen sclerosus
(Redirected from Balanitis xerotica obliterans)
Lichen sclerosus (LS) is a chronic, inflammatory skin disease that primarily affects the anogenital region. It is characterized by white, shiny, thin patches of skin that can be easily torn. Although it can occur at any age, it is most common in postmenopausal women. The exact cause of lichen sclerosus is unknown, but it is thought to be related to an autoimmune response.
Symptoms[edit | edit source]
The symptoms of lichen sclerosus can vary greatly from person to person. Some people may have no symptoms at all, while others may experience severe itching, pain, and skin tearing. The skin may also appear wrinkled or blistered, and in severe cases, it can cause scarring and changes in the normal anatomy of the genital area.
Causes[edit | edit source]
The exact cause of lichen sclerosus is unknown, but it is thought to be related to an autoimmune response. This means that the body's immune system mistakenly attacks its own tissues. Other factors that may contribute to the development of lichen sclerosus include hormonal imbalances and genetic predisposition.
Diagnosis[edit | edit source]
Diagnosis of lichen sclerosus is typically made based on the appearance of the skin. A biopsy may be performed to confirm the diagnosis and to rule out other conditions that can cause similar symptoms, such as lichen planus and vulvar cancer.
Treatment[edit | edit source]
Treatment for lichen sclerosus aims to alleviate symptoms and prevent the progression of the disease. This may include the use of topical corticosteroids to reduce inflammation and itching, and in severe cases, surgery may be necessary to remove scar tissue or to correct changes in the anatomy of the genital area.
Prognosis[edit | edit source]
With appropriate treatment, the prognosis for lichen sclerosus is generally good. However, the condition is chronic and can cause significant discomfort and distress. Regular follow-up with a healthcare provider is important to monitor for potential complications, such as skin cancer.
See also[edit | edit source]
| Lichen sclerosus Resources | |
|---|---|
|
 |
Search WikiMD
Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD
|
WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia |
| Let Food Be Thy Medicine Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates |
Translate this page: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
தமிழ்,
తెలుగు,
Urdu,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
বাংলা
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
Greek,
português do Brasil,
polski,
română,
русский,
Nederlands,
norsk,
svenska,
suomi,
Italian
Middle Eastern & African
عربى,
Turkish,
Persian,
Hebrew,
Afrikaans,
isiZulu,
Kiswahili,
Other
Bulgarian,
Hungarian,
Czech,
Swedish,
മലയാളം,
मराठी,
ਪੰਜਾਬੀ,
ગુજરાતી,
Portuguese,
Ukrainian
Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.
Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD
