Lichen sclerosus

This page is reference information compiled from the cited sources. It is not medical advice. For any decision about health, diagnosis or care, consult a qualified professional.

What it is

Lichen sclerosus is a chronic, inflammatory skin disease of disputed cause. It can affect any body part of any person but has a strong predilection for the genitals such as the penis and vulva. It has historically been called balanitis xerotica obliterans when it affects the penis. The disease is not contagious. In adult age women it is held to be incurable, although treatment can lessen its effects, and it often gets progressively worse if not treated properly.

Key facts

There is a well-documented increase of genital cancer risk in lichen sclerosus, potentially much reduced with early diagnosis and effective, definitive treatment, especially in men. Most males with mild or intermediate disease restricted to the foreskin or glans penis can be cured by either medical or surgical treatment. The disease often goes undiagnosed for several years because it is either not recognized or misdiagnosed. For women, it is most commonly misdiagnosed as vulvovaginal candidiasis. A biopsy of the affected skin can be done to confirm a diagnosis. Several risk factors have been proposed, including exposure to the irritant effects of urine, autoimmune diseases, infections, and genetic predisposition. There is evidence that lichen sclerosus can be associated with thyroid disease.

When to seek professional help

Professional help is associated with situations where the disease is not recognized or is misdiagnosed. A patient may be referred to a specialist after failing multiple courses of anti-fungals. A biopsy of the affected skin can be done to confirm a diagnosis. The disease often gets progressively worse if not treated properly. Counseling can help with the distress, concerns with self-esteem and sex, and normal responses like depression, anxiety, and anger that accompany the ongoing pain. Some women are unable to continue working or have sexual relations and may be limited in other physical activities, which are situations the source associates with the condition.

Source: Lichen sclerosus (CC BY-SA 4.0 (Wikipedia)), retrieved 2026-10-02.