Condition Guide

Soothe Lichen Sclerosus with natural treatments & remedies

Lichen Sclerosus is a chronic inflammatory skin disorder that most often affects the vulva in women and girls, and the penis tip in men and boys. Most cases occur in postmenopausal women and girls before puberty, though people of all ages can get it, and it affects at least one in a thousand women.

  • 1 in 1,000

    Women affected

  • Postmenopausal

    Most common age group

  • Chronic

    Long-term skin condition

Understanding the condition

What is Lichen Sclerosus?

What it is: Lichen Sclerosus (often misspelt as Lichen Sclerosis) is a chronic inflammatory skin disorder that most often affects the skin around the vulva in women and girls, and the penis tip in men and boys. Most cases occur in postmenopausal women and girls before puberty, although people of all ages can get it. The condition affects at least one in a thousand women.

What causes it: The cause of Lichen Sclerosus is not fully understood. It is classified as a disorder of the immune system, and could be genetically inherited. It can also occur in areas of the skin where there has been previous damage.

Know the signs

Symptoms of Lichen Sclerosus in women

Common signs include small white spots and occasional bruising around the vulva, with itching that can become severe, often worse at night.

1

White spots & bruising:

Small white spots and occasional bruising appear around the vulva.

2

Itching, worse at night:

Itching of the genital and anal areas is common and can become severe, often disturbing sleep.

3

Plaques & thinning skin:

Spots gradually develop into larger plaques. Skin becomes fragile: pale, shiny, thin and wrinkled, or scarred and thickened.

4

Soreness & irritation:

The vulval area can become sore, inflamed and cracked, and more susceptible to vaginal infections.

If left untreated

Talk to a healthcare professional

We recommend you consult a healthcare professional if you think you have Lichen Sclerosus. Important advice is also available from the British Society for the Study of Vulval Disease.

The British Society for the Study of Vulval Disease →

Untreated, skin can:

  • Scar and tighten over time, eventually leading to fusion of the labia
  • Cause discomfort when urinating
  • Cause discomfort when passing bowel movements
  • Lead to difficulty when giving birth

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