Lichen sclerosus is a long-term skin disorder that most commonly affects the skin around the genitals. The skin develops severely itchy or sore white spots.
Lichen sclerosus is a long-term skin disorder that most commonly affects the skin around the genitals. The skin develops severely itchy or sore white spots.
Itchy spots can sometimes also develop on the skin around the anus (bottom) and, occasionally, non-itchy white patches develop on the back and shoulders.
Lichen sclerosus is an uncommon disease that can affect men or women, but most often affects women aged over 50. The cause is unknown.
It usually lasts for years and can be very distressing. There is no cure, but symptoms can be controlled with
, which may also prevent the condition getting worse.Occasionally, the condition clears on its own without treatment, and doesn't come back.
This page gives information and advice for:
Lichen sclerosus affects about 1 in 1,000 women, although this may be an underestimate as mild cases may go unreported. Some women may mistake the symptoms for those of
, meaning they are not diagnosed immediately.Women with lichen sclerosus usually develop small white spots on their vulva (the skin outside the entrance to the vagina). These are usually itchy or sore. This itchiness tends to be worse at night and may disturb sleep.
There may also be itchy spots on the skin around the anus.
Over time, the spots can become larger and join together to form large white plaques.
The skin of the vulva or anus may eventually turn white and become fragile, thin and wrinkly or thickened. Some patches of skin may become inflamed and raw, and may eventually split or crack. Sore or cracked vulval skin is more prone to a vaginal thrush infection. Sex can be very painful and, if the anus is affected, it may be painful to pass stools.
Without treatment, the skin of the vulva or anus may scar and shrink over the following months or years. This can make the entrance to the vagina narrower, which makes sex even more difficult.
Steroid ointment or cream is the main treatment for lichen sclerosus. It helps to reduce the inflammation and keep symptoms under control.
It should be applied regularly but sparingly to the affected areas. Your doctor will advise you on how much to use, how frequently and for how long. Generally, a 30g tube should last two to three months.
Symptoms tend to ease after two weeks, but it may take three months before the area feels normal and symptoms are fully under control.
After three months of using the cream, you may only need to use it once or twice every few weeks to prevent symptoms returning.
Women may find the following advice helpful:
In men and boys, white spots develop on the foreskin and end of the penis. These may be itchy or sore. The skin on the tip of the penis becomes firm and white.
Eventually, it may become hard to pull the foreskin back and it may be difficult to urinate.
Steroid ointment or cream is the main treatment for lichen sclerosus. It helps to reduce the inflammation and keep symptoms under control.
It should be applied regularly but sparingly to the affected area of the penis. Your doctor will advise you on how much to use, how frequently and for how long. Generally, a 30g tube should last two to three months.
Symptoms tend to ease after two weeks, but it may take three months before the area feels normal and symptoms are fully under control.
After three months of using the cream, you may only need to use it once or twice every few weeks to prevent symptoms returning.
Men or boys may need a
if their foreskin has become severely damaged. Circumcision is an operation to have the foreskin removed.Important: Our website provides useful information but is not a substitute for medical advice. You should always seek the advice of your doctor when making decisions about your health.