What are the symptoms of Lichen Sclerosus?
The common symptoms of Lichen Sclerosus include:
- itchy skin
- itching around the vulva
- broken skin
- tearing of the skin
- scarring
- thin, white patches of skin
- constipation (a common symptom in children)
What are the early signs of Lichen Sclerosus?
The early signs of Lichen Sclerosus are usually porcelain white patches of skin surrounded by redness. You may also experience itching, as well as redness and white patches around the anus and/or genitals.
What does Lichen Sclerosus look like?
Lichen Sclerosus looks like white patches of skin, which can sometimes have pink or red surrounding them. In people who have a darker skin tone, it can look like vitiligo, a condition that causes the skin to lose its pigment.
The white patches of skin can often look shiny or wrinkled. The condition can cause the skin to become fragile, which can lead to cracks or bruising. If left untreated, Lichen Sclerosus can cause permanent scarring.
What does Lichen Sclerosus feel like?
Lichen Sclerosus can feel itchy, irritated and painful, but this isn’t the case for everyone. Some people find they get the rash without any change in feeling.
Is Lichen Sclerosus painful?
Yes, it can be painful in some cases because the condition can make the skin fragile, causing it to bruise or crack. If the skin breaks or cracks, it can be sore and lead to pain when peeing or going to the toilet. Because Lichen Sclerosus commonly affects the anus and genitals, it can make sex painful.
How long does Lichen Sclerosus last?
Lichen Sclerosus is a long-term condition for many people, resulting in flare-ups. Sometimes Lichen Sclerosus goes away on its own and doesn’t return, but this usually happens in affected children when they reach puberty.
Lichen Sclerosus complications
Some of the long-term complications of Lichen Sclerosus are:
- scarring
- painful sex
- painful urination and bowel movements
- infections caused by open wounds
People with Lichen Sclerosus have a slightly increased risk of developing a type of cancer called squamous cell carcinoma. For example, women with vulvar Lichen Sclerosus have a 5% chance of developing vulvar squamous cell carcinoma.
When should I talk to my doctor about Lichen Sclerosus?
You should speak to your doctor if you have the following:
- an itchy white patch of skin on your genitals, around your anus, or anywhere on your body
- been diagnosed with Lichen Sclerosus and are experiencing painful sex or find it painful to go to the toilet
- been diagnosed with Lichen Sclerosus and the treatment you have been prescribed isn’t working