Information on Lichen Sclerosis At Atrophicus

Lichen sclerosis et atrophicus is an rare disease of unknown cause that results in white patches on the skin, which may cause scarring on and roughly genital skin. It most commonly affects the vulva (genital skin) of women.  It can occur at any age but most commonly develops in middle aged women. It is estimated that lichen sclerosus affects about 1 in 1000 women. In males, lichen sclerosus affects the foreskin and end of the penis. The male-to-female ratio is 1:6. The disorder affects women between the ages of 40 and 60. It is uncommon but can occur at any age, including young boys.

The cause of Lichen sclerosis et atrophicus an autoimmune process or an injury. Lichen sclerosus in males used to be called balanitis xerotica obliterans. Lichen sclerosis et atrophicus is an benign abnormality of the skin of the vulva characterized by marked thinning of the skin. With lichen sclerosis, the vulvar skin often appears white and thin; it is often itchy. Scratching may lead to secondary infections if the skin is broken. Lichen sclerosis et atrophicus has the appearance in the skin of pale patches that become thin, shiny, and parchment-like. The patch may be red and swollen at first, but later becomes opaque white.

Thickened, dry skin may form small cracks that burn and itch, or the skin may become sleek, and very thin. Loss of normal vulvar elasticity may slim the vaginal opening. The fat layer just under the vulvar skin may be lost, so that the outer labia are flat and shrunken. A strong steroid ointment or cream (topical steroid) is the main treatment of Lichen sclerosis et atrophicus. A topical steroid usually controls the symptoms of itch and soreness, and often prevents the condition from getting worse. Topical applications of antipruritics, corticosteroids, and testosterone to the affected areas.

A vaginal dilator may be advised if you have any narrowing of the vaginal opening. A vaginal dilator is a cylinder-shaped piece of plastic that you insert into the vagina to softly stretch the vagina and vaginal opening. You employ it daily for a time. Circumcision (removal of the foreskin) may be required in some affected men or boys. Apply an emollient (moisturiser) cream or ointment instead of soap to clean the genital area. This is also soothing. Avoid bubble baths, scented soap, detergents, perfumes, etc, to the vulva. These may irritate the skin and make symptoms worse. Lubricants are useful during sex if having sex is painful.